UK Responsible Person Cosmetics

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UK Responsible Person Cosmetics

Are you planning to sell your cosmetics in the UK ?

To sell cosmetics in the United Kingdom, an UK Responsible Person (with offices in the UK) is legally mandatory. The United Kingdom formally left the European Union on January 31, 2020. Cosmetics companies had until December 31, 2020 (transition period) to comply with the requirements of the “The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, Schedule 34”, the so-called “UK Cosmetics Regulation”.

So since January 31, 2020, any company wishing to sell cosmetic products in the United Kingdom, requires a Responsible Person (RP), established within the United Kingdom to be designated for each cosmetic product marketed within the UK territory. The role of the Responsible Person (often also called an UK Legal Representative or the UK Legal Representation), is to ensure continued product compliance with cosmetics regulations and safety regarding human health.

What is a UK Cosmetics Responsible Person?

A Responsible Person is a legal or natural person who ensures the compliance of each cosmetic product in the UK market with relevant obligations as set forth in this Regulation. It can be the manufacturer (if based in the UK), the importer, the distributor or a third party located in the UK who has been designated by a written mandate.

Obligations UK Responsible Person

The Responsible Person is in charge of ensuring that cosmetic products marketed in the European Union comply with Regulation EC No 1223/2009. Among the numerous obligations, the Responsible Person for a cosmetic product must ensure:

Safety with respect to human health and the production of a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)
Compliance of labeling, including a claims substantiation
Compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
Proper maintenance of the Product Information File (PIF)
Notification in the new British notification portal (UK SCPN: Submit Cosmetic Product Notification)
Compliance related to nanomaterials
Ongoing monitoring of the product, including the reporting of any undesirable or serious side effects to the relevant authorities.

In addition to ensuring compliance with the requirements, the Responsible Person, must demonstrate that it has the expertise and the financial resources to carry out its duties.

UK Responsible Person, Biorius’s Expertise

Founded in 2008 and serving in the role of Responsible Person for more than 500 brands (and more than 20,000 products), Biorius has acquired in-depth expertise with the local authorities within the UK, the OPSS (Office Product Safety & Standards). With a team of more than 50 multicultural experts, Biorius has the ability to address all potential questions from the OPSS. We have the expertise and resources at Biorius. We can effectively fulfill this role for your cosmetics company.

As Responsible Person within the UK, Biorius:

Represents and defends your cosmetic brand to the authorities
Assists your cosmetic brand with any legal questions related to the UK Cosmetics Regulation
Manages customer complaints if and when they arise
Performs regulatory monitoring and guarantees the ongoing compliance of your cosmetic products by taking into consideration any regulatory changes
Manages any undesirable effects from your cosmetic products
Ensures that your Product Information File is up to date

Your cosmetics brand has the option of using the Biorius name and address on its labels. This means that Biorius is designated as a contact for UK authorities who, in the event of a regulatory inspection or consumer complaint, would have us handle the case on your behalf.

It is important to note that being a Responsible Person implies many responsibilities and is an important and delicate matter that should not be taken lightly, check out why.