Who can be a cosmetics responsible person?
In the EU and UK, Responsible Person (RP) is a natural person or legal entity established within the respective region, ensuring product safety and regulatory compliance. The Responsible Person can therefore be any EU/UK based:
- Manufacturer of cosmetic products
- Importer
- Distributor
- Any person established in EU/UK by written agreement
Only one RP per product covers the entire EU market; their name and address must appear on labels.
What are the obligations of the Responsible Person?
The Responsible Person is in charge of ensuring compliance of the cosmetic product with EU regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments or UK Schedule 34 to the Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 before they are placed on the EU/UK market, and make sure that the products remain compliant with the Regulation while they are on the market.
Core obligations are:
- Registered address in the EU/UK where the Product Information File (PIF) is kept readily accessible to the local competent authority
- Compile and retain the Product Information File (PIF) for 10 years after the last batch of the product has been placed on the market and ensure its compliance with the EU/UK cosmetic regulation
- Correct cosmetic product labelling
- Product claims substantiation
- Notification of cosmetic products via CPNP (EU) or SCPN (UK) portals
- Communication of any undesirable or serious undesirable effects to the competent authorities
- In case of any non-conformity with the EU/UK cosmetic regulation, take appropriate measures to make cosmetic product compliant (recall, removal of the products or taking corrective action)