RESPONSIBLE PERSON IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
The Responsible Person is a key figure in the UK cosmetics market, ensuring that products comply with specific regulations and guaranteeing the safety of consumers. Having a competent and knowledgeable PR is essential for any company wishing to operate in the UK market.
Who is the Responsible Person in the UK?
The Responsible Person (RP) in the UK is a natural or legal person established within the UK, appointed by the manufacturer, importer or distributor of a cosmetic product. This RP acts as the legal representative before the UK authorities and is responsible for ensuring that the product complies with UK-specific safety and labelling regulations.
Importance of PR in the UK
The role of the PR is essential to ensure that cosmetic products marketed in the UK are safe and comply with local regulations. This role is crucial both to protect consumers and to ensure that companies comply with their legal obligations, avoiding sanctions and damage to brand reputation.
Appointment of RP in the UK
Since the UK's exit from the European Union, cosmetic products marketed in the UK must have a PR established within the country. Companies that previously used an EU-based PR must appoint a new PR within the UK or reassign this role to a UK entity. This person or entity must have a thorough understanding of local regulations and be able to interact with UK regulatory authorities.
Main Responsibilities of the RP
Compliance
of Regulations
-
The UK PR must ensure that the cosmetic product complies with all provisions of the UK Cosmetics Regulation (based on Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, as amended locally). This includes ensuring that all necessary safety assessments have been carried out.
Notification in
the SCPN
-
Before placing a product on the market in the UK, the PR must notify it via the Cosmetic Product Notification Service (SCNP) , the UK equivalent to the EU Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP) . This notification is mandatory and must include detailed information about the product, such as the formulation, labelling and safety assessments.
Information File
of the Product
(PIF)
The RP must compile and maintain the Product Information File (PIF) in the UK. This document must be available to the competent authorities and contains all necessary information demonstrating product conformity, including safety assessment, product descriptions, manufacturing methods and efficacy testing.
The PIF must be accessible for a minimum of 10 years after the last production of the product.
Labeled
The RP is responsible for checking that product labelling complies with UK requirements. This includes ensuring that labels are in English and provide all mandatory information such as the list of ingredients, best before date, and any necessary warnings.
Furthermore, the RP must ensure that claims made in the product's advertising are supported by adequate evidence and are not misleading.
Incident Management and Post-Marketing Follow-up
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The PR must establish a post-marketing surveillance system to identify any safety issues related to products on the market. In the event of serious incidents, the PR has the obligation to report these problems to the UK authorities, such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and coordinate corrective actions, such as product recall if necessary.
Cooperation
with the Authorities
-
The RP must cooperate with UK regulatory authorities during inspections and audits, providing access to the PIF and any other documentation necessary to demonstrate product compliance.
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