Placing cosmetic products in the United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland) requires obtaining SCPN (Submit Cosmetic Product Notification) registration. This step is mandatory to pass UK customs and legally access the market.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the SCPN registration process, who can register, what information is required, and how to ensure compliance with UK Cosmetic Regulations (EC) No. 1223/2009 (UKCR).
What is SCPN and why is it important?
SCPN is the official British notification portal where the UK Responsible Persons register cosmetics products BEFORE their will being placed on the market. This SCPN registration is a legal obligation present in the UK Cosmetic Regulations (EC) No. 1223/2009 (UKCR).
It ensures that all cosmetics comply with the required safety and labeling regulations set by the UK government.
Who can register in the SCPN?
Only Responsible Persons based in the UK can make a product registration in the portal. It means that foreign companies (outside of the United Kingdom) cannot do this because they are not legal entities based on the country.
Which information is necessary to register a product in the UK?
To register a cosmetic product, the following details must be submitted:
Product details: Name, reference number, and category.
Responsible Person information: Name, address, and contact details in the UK.
Product origin: Country of manufacture and first market placement.
Ingredient composition: Full formula using INCI names and concentrations (%).
Safety compliance: Presence of nanomaterials and CMR substances (e.g., CAS number).
Label design: Compliance with UK labeling requirements.
Product image: A clear and accurate product picture.
Providing accurate and complete information is critical to avoid delays or regulatory issues.
It is SAFE to share this information?
Absolutely. SCPN is a government official database and nobody can check the information that companies and Responsible Persons upload on it.
What is the result of SCPN Registration?
Upon successful registration, you will receive:
A unique SCPN registration number, which serves as the product's identification in the UK market.
A detailed registration report (PDF), summarizing the submitted information, which can be used for regulatory inspections.
This number remains valid as long as the product details do not change.
SCPN registration is eternal?
You have to update the registration if one of the points shown in the part “Which information is necessary to register a product?” changes. It includes, for example, changes in the Responsible Person, label, formula, country of origin, etc.
Who can see the SCPN information?
Nobody can check if your products are or not registered in the SCPN database. Only national authorities (governments, customs, etc) can check it. The SCPN information, registration number, and registration Report are information only available for the Responsible Persons and product owners' companies.
I no longer sell my product in the United Kingdom, what happens?
If one company discontinues the sales of a reference in the UK, it must, through its Responsible Person, notify on the SCPN portal that the product will no longer sold on in the UK.
How can BELAB SERVICES help with SCPN registration?
BELAB SERVICES is a regulatory consultancy specializing in cosmetic compliance. As a UK Responsible Person, we manage the entire registration process for foreign brands, ensuring compliance with UK regulations and a smooth market entry.
Our services include:
Product safety assessments.
SCPN registration management.
Ongoing compliance support and documentation updates.
If you need expert assistance with SCPN registration, don't hesitate to contact BELAB SERVICES today.
Conclusion
SCPN registration is a critical step for legally placing cosmetic products on the UK market. Compliance with UK Cosmetic Regulations (EC) No. 1223/2009 ensures consumer safety and smooth business operations.
Whether you are a manufacturer, importer, or distributor, appointing a trusted Responsible Person is essential to navigate regulatory requirements efficiently.
Need help with SCPN compliance? Contact BELAB SERVICES for expert guidance and support.
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