Comprehensive Guide to South Africa Regulation

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Why Launch Your Cosmetics Brand in South Africa ?

South Africa’s cosmetics market is flourishing, valued at approximately $3 billion and growing steadily. With a strong, diverse consumer base, demand is rising for high-quality skincare, makeup, and personal care products. South African consumers are particularly drawn to wellness, self-care, and ethical brand values, with a marked preference for premium, eco-friendly, and natural products.

This vibrant market offers an exciting opportunity for new brands to stand out with innovative, sustainable, and high-quality offerings.

Navigating Cosmetic Regulations in South Africa

South Africa’s cosmetics industry is regulated by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and the Department of Health. Cosmetic products must comply with the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act of 1972, ensuring consumer safety and quality standards.

South Africa also aligns with international standards, such as those set by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA), offering brands a streamlined process for entering not only South Africa but the broader regional market.

Biorius: Your Experts in South African Cosmetics Safety Assessment

South Africa’s cosmetic regulations closely align with European standards, yet come with unique local requirements (Nagoya protocol, some prohibited product and ingredients that are allowed in Europe…etc) that demand careful attention.

Navigating these specificities is essential for successful market entry, and our expertise ensures your products meet all compliance seamlessly, giving you the edge in this dynamic market.

3 Steps to Achieve Compliance in the South African Cosmetics Market

Formula Review

Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)

Labels & Claims Review

Step 1: Thorough Formula Review

This first step includes the:

This step is a prerequisite for the preparation of the CPSR (Cosmetic Product Safety Report) and the verification of the product label.

The formula review is a meticulous review of your cosmetics formula to ensure that all ingredients are safe for their intended use and comply with the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics And Disinfectants Acts (1972, 1981, 1986 and 2007) and the Cosmetic, Toiletry & Fragrance Association of South Africa Compendium (CTFA):

The review is based on the composition expressed in the raw materials trade names. The documentation of each raw material is reviewed to verify its regulatory compliance, and the impurities profile is highlighted.

Preliminary calculations and investigations are conducted to ensure that each ingredient and impurity is safe, given the cosmetic product type, its intended use and the targeted population.

A Formula Review can also be performed on its own. Discover our Cosmetic Formula review service.

Step 2: Creating a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)

The CPSR (Cosmetic Product Safety Report) is a comprehensive document produced by a qualified toxicologist. It intends to support and confirm the safe use of the cosmetic product, taking into consideration all pieces of information available, such as toxicological profiles of each ingredient and impurity, test results, certificates, declarations, raw materials documentation, etc.

The CPSR takes the form of two distinct sections, Part A and Part B.

Part A: Cosmetic Product Safety Information

This part of the report contains all the data needed for the evaluation of the cosmetic product.

Part B: Cosmetic Product Safety Assessment

This part of the report includes an evaluation of the cosmetic product’s safety and conclusions. The Part B is essential, as it certifies the effectiveness and safety of a product before being placed on the South African market.

Introducing a cosmetic product to the South Africa market without a high-quality CPSR is a serious offensive that typically leads to withdrawal from the market, significant financial penalties and serious damage to the cosmetic brand’s reputation.

Our services specialize in guiding you through this process. We’ll help you assess your product’s ingredients, formulation, and intended use to ensure compliance with South African regulations. With our expertise, you can confidently bring your cosmetics to market while meeting all necessary safety requirements.

Step 3: Ensuring Accurate Labels & Claims

The South Africa cosmetic labelling rules can appear perplexing at first glance.

A legible label is crucial for aiding consumers in their purchasing decisions and safeguarding their health. All pertinent information must be readily accessible, legible, and comprehensible at the point of purchase. The principle is straightforward: the end-consumer should have a clear understanding of the product they are purchasing upon inspection.

A Label Review is a complete compliance verification. Our experts meticulously examine your labels, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and the inclusion of all mandatory elements (INCI List, PAO, eventual warnings, etc.). Additionally, we verify marketing claims and other communications to ensure they adhere to authorized guidelines.