UK Cosmetics Compliance Checklist 2026
Before your factory shipment clears UK customs, ensure these certifications and labels are in place. Missing any of these can result in your goods being held or destroyed.
1. UKCA Marking (Required)
Since Brexit, products sold in Great Britain must have UKCA marking instead of (or in addition to) CE marking. This applies to cosmetics, electronics, and machinery.
- Must be self-declared by the manufacturer
- Technical documentation must be available
- UK-based Responsible Person must be appointed
2. Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)
Required for all cosmetics sold in the UK. Must be completed by a qualified safety assessor.
- Part A: Product dossier (formula, manufacturing method)
- Part B: Safety assessment (toxicological profile)
- Cost: £150-£400 per formulation
3. Ingredients Labeling (Strict Rules)
Your product labels must include:
- Full ingredients list (INCI names)
- Warning statements (where applicable)
- Batch number
- Best before date or Period After Opening (PAO)
- Function of product (e.g., "face cream")
- Net content (e.g., "50ml")
- Name and address of UK Responsible Person
4. Notification to MHRA
All cosmetics must be notified to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) before being placed on the UK market.
- Submit via the "Submit Cosmetics Products" (SCP) portal
- Free of charge
- Must be done BEFORE products are sold
5. Animal Testing Ban
It is illegal to sell cosmetics in the UK if the finished product or ingredients have been tested on animals.
Quick Compliance Cost Estimator
| Item | Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| CPSR (per formulation) | £150 - £400 |
| UK Responsible Person (annual) | £500 - £2,000 |
| UKCA testing (if needed) | £1,000 - £5,000 |
| Label design & printing | £200 - £500 |
| Total Estimated | £1,850 - £7,900 |
Note: These costs are per product line, not per unit.