Update on UKCA Cosmetic Labeling and Marking Requirements: Extended Transition Period Announced by UK Government

On November 14th, 2022, the Government of the United Kingdom made an important announcement regarding the transition period for UKCA cosmetic labeling and marking requirements. The deadline for compliance with UKCA marking requirements has been extended until December 31st, 2024. Previously, the deadline was set for December 31st, 2023. This means that cosmetics products placed on the market in the UK must bear the UKCA marking by December 31st, 2024.

If you’re a cosmetic manufacturer or distributor selling cosmetic products in the United Kingdom (UK), you may have heard of the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking. With Brexit and the UK’s departure from the European Union (EU), the UKCA marking has replaced the CE marking for certain products, including cosmetics. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of UKCA cosmetic labeling and marking to help you understand what it entails and how it impacts your business.

What is UKCA Marking?

 
UKCA marking is a conformity assessment marking that demonstrates a product’s compliance with the applicable UK regulatory requirements. It stands for UK Conformity Assessed, and it is used for goods placed on the market in England, Scotland, and Wales. UKCA marking applies to various product categories, including cosmetics, that were previously required to carry the CE marking under the EU’s regulations.

Implications of Extended Transition Period for UKCA Cosmetic Labeling and Marking

 
The deadline for compliance with UKCA marking requirements has been extended until December 31st, 2024. Previously, the deadline was set for December 31st, 2023.

The UK Government’s announcement of the extended transition period for UKCA cosmetic labeling and marking requirements provides businesses with additional time to comply with the new regulations. This update offers benefits in terms of allowing existing stocks to make their way through the supply chain and aligning with typical cosmetics shelf life and labeling cycles. Businesses should stay informed about the deadlines and requirements through reliable sources and take appropriate steps to ensure compliance.

UKCA Cosmetic Labelling Requirements

 
Cosmetic labeling requirements in the UK are regulated by the Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations (CPR) and the UK Cosmetic Products Regulation (UK CPR). These regulations outline the mandatory information that must be included on the label of cosmetic products sold in the UK. Here are some key labeling requirements for cosmetics:

1. Product Name and Function: The product name or trade name should be clearly indicated on the label, along with the product’s intended function, such as “moisturizer,” “shampoo,” or “lipstick.”
2. Ingredients: The full list of ingredients used in the cosmetic product, listed in descending order of their concentration, must be included on the label. Ingredients should be identified by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) names or other recognized names.
3. Net Quantity: The net quantity of the cosmetic product should be stated on the label, usually in metric units (e.g., milliliters, grams). It should be clearly legible and not obscured by any other information.
4. Name and Address of Responsible Person: The name and address of the responsible person, which could be the manufacturer or the importer, must be provided on the label. This information allows consumers to contact the responsible person in case of any questions or concerns. Batch Code or Lot Number: A unique batch code or lot number that identifies the specific production batch of the cosmetic product should be included on the label. This helps with product traceability and recalls if needed.
5. Precautionary Statements and Warnings: Any necessary precautionary statements or warnings, such as “For external use only” or “Avoid contact with eyes,” should be clearly indicated on the label to ensure safe and appropriate use of the product.
6. Expiry Date: If the cosmetic product has a shelf life of 30 months or less, the expiry date should be clearly stated on the label. If the product has a shelf life of more than 30 months, the label should indicate the period after opening (PAO), which is the number of months the product is safe to use after it has been opened.

UKCA Marking Requirements for Cosmetics

 
In addition to the mandatory labeling requirements, cosmetic products that require UKCA marking must also display the marking on the product or its packaging. Here are some key UKCA marking requirements for cosmetics:

1. Size and Visibility: The UKCA marking must be easily visible, legible, and permanently affixed to the product or its packaging. The minimum height of the letters in the marking should be 5mm, unless the product’s size or nature makes it impossible to do so.
2. Format: The UKCA marking should be in the form of the letters “UKCA” followed by the identification number of the UK-approved body that conducted the conformity assessment. For example, “UKCA 1234.”
3. Location: The UKCA marking should be placed on a visible and accessible part of the product or its packaging, and it should not be easily removable or tamper-proof to ensure its authenticity.
4. Color and Contrast: The UKCA marking should be in a contrasting color to the background on which it is affixed, and it should be easily identifiable and distinguishable.
5. UK Declaration of Conformity: Along with the UKCA marking, the responsible person for the cosmetic product must also provide a UK Declaration of Conformity. This document confirms that the product complies with the relevant UK regulations and standards, and it should be made available upon request.

Importance of UKCA Cosmetic Labelling and Marking

 
UKCA cosmetic labeling and marking are essential for manufacturers and distributors to ensure compliance with UK regulations and standards. By adhering to the mandatory labeling requirements and displaying the UKCA marking correctly, businesses can demonstrate that their cosmetic products meet the safety, quality, and regulatory standards set by the UK authorities. This helps build consumer trust, minimizes the risk of non-compliance penalties, and allows for smooth market access in the UK.

Conclusion

In conclusion, UKCA cosmetic labeling and marking are important regulatory requirements that businesses selling cosmetic products in the UK need to comply with. By ensuring that cosmetic products carry the mandatory labeling information and display the UKCA marking correctly, businesses can demonstrate compliance with the UK regulations and standards, build consumer trust, and avoid potential penalties or product recalls. It’s essential for manufacturers and distributors to stay updated with the latest UKCA requirements and work with approved bodies for conformity assessments to ensure their cosmetic products are compliant and can be freely sold in the UK market. The transition period, which was initially set to end on December 31st, 2023, has been extended to provide businesses with additional time to comply with the new regulations.

Cosmereg is a regulatory firm that assists cosmetic producers in their efforts to remain compliant with UK cosmetic regulations and UKCA marking.for more information about UK Cosmetic regulations email us.