What is the EU CPNP?
A Strategic Overview for Industry Professionals
The Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) is the European Commission’s mandatory online system for the notification of cosmetic products before they are placed on the EU market. While often perceived as a formality, the CPNP plays a critical role in ensuring product traceability, market surveillance, and consumer safety.
At Cosmereg, we work daily with multinational cosmetic manufacturers and distributors to navigate the complex layers of EU compliance, with CPNP submission being a fundamental part of the regulatory workflow.
Why the CPNP Matters for Industry Stakeholders
The CPNP serves as a centralized platform that allows EU Competent Authorities and Poison Centres to access critical product data, such as:
- Product formulation details
- Cosmetic Product Safety Reports (CPSRs)
- Labeling and claims
- Responsible Person (RP) information
- Nanomaterials and substance declarations
Unlike public databases, the CPNP is not accessible to consumers or competitors—only regulatory bodies and health professionals may consult it when needed.
Industry-Level Insight: Beyond the Basics
In our experience, CPNP compliance challenges often arise not from the technical side, but from misalignment between regulatory and marketing teams. For example:
- Inaccurate translations of product claims across EU languages
- Incomplete formula data or outdated SDS files
- Misidentification of the Responsible Person or incorrect addresses
- Overlooking nanomaterial disclosure, especially with coated titanium dioxide
We routinely identify errors that could trigger regulatory warnings or product withdrawal, especially when Competent Authorities request follow-up.
The CPNP Submission Process – Industry-Proven Steps
We recommend this compliance-first approach when preparing for a CPNP submission:
- Designate a Responsible Person (RP) in the EU
- Compile a Product Information File (PIF) including CPSR (Parts A & B)
- Verify all cosmetic ingredients against Annex II–VI of EU Regulation 1223/2009
- Confirm if nanomaterials are present and properly labeled
- Submit to CPNP: Provide artwork, function, target population, physical form, and more
- Retain confirmation ID for audits and future reference
Pro Tip from Cosmereg: Authorities rarely issue a rejection but may contact the RP for clarification—having clear, documented decision-making helps minimize back-and-forth.
CPNP vs Other Regulatory Systems
| System | Region | Mandatory? | Submission Type | Public Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPNP | EU | Yes | Notification | No |
| MoCRA Cosmetic Listing (FDA) | USA | Yes (as of July 2024) | Facility & Product Listing | No |
| SCPN | UK | Yes | Notification | No |
| Health Canada Notification | Canada | Yes | Notification | No |
Why Work with Cosmereg?
We’ve supported over 1,000 products through the CPNP process, including niche brands, OEM manufacturers, and global portfolios. What sets us apart:
- Hands-on experience with high-risk products (e.g., nanomaterials, baby cosmetics)
- Direct coordination with Safety Assessors for CPSR development
- Multilingual support for artwork and claims review
- Full-service EU Responsible Person role
Summary
The EU CPNP is far more than a bureaucratic checkpoint—it is a core element of market access, consumer trust, and regulatory accountability. By taking a strategic, informed approach to CPNP submissions, companies can avoid costly delays and build stronger EU market positioning.
📩 Need help with your CPNP submission or PIF documentation?
Cosmereg is ready to serve as your strategic regulatory partner. Contact us here
