Legal requirements to produce and sell cosmetics: the complete guide

Placing a cosmetic on the European market is not like selling a fashion accessory. Since the product comes into contact with the human body, there are strict rules in place to protect public health.

In this guide we analyse the regulatory pillars required to turn your idea into a product legally on sale in 2026.

1. The "Responsible Person"

Every cosmetic placed on the EU market must have a Responsible Person (individual or legal entity) established within the European Community.

This figure guarantees that the product complies with Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. If you decide to create your own brand, you are usually the Responsible Person, but Bellanova provides you with all the technical support you need for complete peace of mind.

2. Mandatory documents: PIF and CPNP

The PIF (Product Information File)

This is the cosmetic's "identity card". It must be kept for 10 years from the last batch produced and contains:

The product description.
The Safety Report (signed by a toxicologist or expert assessor).
Evidence of the declared effects (the so-called claims).
Data on stability tests and packaging compatibility.

CPNP Notification

Before selling even a single bottle, the product must be registered on the Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP). This is a central European database used by poison centres and surveillance authorities.

3. Essential laboratory tests

It's not enough for a cream to be "good" — it must be safe over time. That's why we carry out:

Challenge Test: Simulates bacterial contamination to verify that the preservatives work.
Patch Test: Dermatological test on volunteers to rule out irritation.
Stability Test: The product is subjected to thermal shocks to ensure it doesn't change colour, odour or consistency throughout its commercial life.

4. Compliant labelling: what must appear on the bottle?

The label is not just aesthetics — it's a legal document. It must contain:

Name and address of the Responsible Person.
The nominal content (e.g. 50 ml).
The PAO (Period After Opening): the open jar icon indicating how many months the product remains safe after opening.
The ingredient list in INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) format.
Precautions for use and batch number.

Why choosing Bellanova Cosmetics simplifies everything?

Cosmetic bureaucracy can block a project for months. The advantage of choosing our White Label products is that most of this work has already been done.

Our formulas are already tested, the safety dossiers are ready and our experts guide you step by step in creating compliant labels and registering on the European portal.

Don't let bureaucracy stop your dream

The cosmetics market is full of opportunities for those who operate with integrity and transparency. We take care of compliance — you take care of your success.

Contact our regulatory office for a consultation on your future line.