How to import cosmetics and makeup into the US?

Do you import cosmetic products into the United States? When importing makeup and cosmetics (such as beauty and skincare products) into the U.S, It is important to be aware that there are the specific laws and regulations that apply.

What are the requirements to sell your imported cosmetic products on the U.S. market?

Cosmereg can help you sort out these requirements so that there are no impediments to bringing your makeup and cosmetics into the U.S!

How does the U.S. CBP(Customs and Border Protection) define makeup?

Cosmetics are regulated by the U.S. CBP (Customs and Border Protection) and are defined as anything used to color and beautify the face or other parts of the body.

As Imported cosmetics are subject to examination by CBP at the time of U.S entry, Foreign cosmetics that appear to be adulterated or misbranded will be refused entry to the U.S. Not all cosmetics are inspected or sampled upon entry into the U.S.

Examples of beauty products that fall under CBP definition:

• Lipstick
• Eyeshadow
• Nail polish
• Non-medicinal skin lotions
• Sunscreen and tanning lotions

Items that the CBP does not inspect:

• Products meant to treat medical conditions
• Colored contact lenses
• Makeup application tools (brushes)

How does FDA regulate cosmetic labeling?

The FDA regulates the labeling of makeup and cosmetics that are marketed and sold in the U.S. You can find more information about the requirements of cosmetic labeling and how to deal with labeling claims for Alcohol-Free, Cosmeceutical, Cruelty-Free / Not Tested on Animals, Hypoallergenic Cosmetics, Organic Cosmetics in our blog post, so make sure to check it out.

FDA labeling regulations require a display label and a declaration of ingredients label. Labels must be both on the inside and outside of the wrapper/container. For example, for a bottle that packaged in a box, the label must be affixed to both on the bottle and the box.

What items required on the display label?

• The name of the product
• Identification of the type of product
• Name of the manufacturer and distributor of the product
• An accurate description of the amount of product contained. This should be in pounds, gallons, pints, ounces, etc.

What is the declaration of ingredients rule?

• Be easy to find on the container
• Have lettering that is not less than 1/16 of an inch high. If the total space available for the label is less than 12 inches, the lettering must not be less than 1/32 of an inch high.
• List ingredients in descending order, starting with ingredients with the highest concentration first. Ingredients that are added for color or that make up less than one percent of the product can be listed in any order.

Why my cosmetic refused entry to the U.S.?

A cosmetic can be refused entry into the United States if it appears not to comply with U.S. laws and FDA regulations. Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Ingredients or contaminants considered unsafe
• Color additive violations
• Labeling violations
• Microbial contamination

To avoid import detention by the FDA, it is important to understand import requirements for cosmetics and make sure that product is in compliance with all the regulations.

For more information about labeling requirements for cosmetics, and FDA Regulatory Consulting, feel free to reach to our FDA consultant today!

Click here to send an inquiry or phone at +1 727 3509380 for the U.S. and  +44 20 3318 2439 for Europe.