A Comprehensive Guide to Submit Cosmetic Product Notifications in the UK: Navigating the SCPN Process
Overview
If you want to enter the UK cosmetics market, cosmetic product notification is a mandatory step. All cosmetic products must be notified through the SCPN (Submit Cosmetic Product Notification), the UK’s national online notification system. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the definition of SCPN and its requirements. We’ll also show you how professional services can streamline compliance for faster market access.
Note: You may face a fine and a prison term of up to 3 months if you do not notify the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) about a cosmetic product. In England and Wales, there is no upper limit on fines, while in Scotland and Northern Ireland, fines can reach up to £5,000.
What Is UK SCPN?
The SCPN (Submit Cosmetic Product Notifications) is a mandatory notification system that must be completed before launching any cosmetic product in the UK market. It is designed to guarantee that all cosmetics meet the necessary safety standards under UK law.
Who Can Submit a SCPN Notification？
The cosmetic product’s Responsible Person, who must be based in the UK, can submit the notification. This role may be assumed by the manufacturer, importer, distributor (if the product is marketed under their own brand), or an authorized company or individual designated by the manufacturer or importer.
When to Complete SCPN?
If you plan to offer cosmetic products to consumers in Great Britain (including England, Scotland, and Wales), you must submit a notification before launching in the UK market.
Re-notification after the transition period: Cosmetics previously sold in the UK before December 31, 2020, must re-notify via SCPN if they continue to be marketed after January 1, 2021, in accordance with post-Brexit regulatory mandates.
What Is Required for SCPN?
To register a cosmetic product in SCPN, the following details must be submitted accurately:
● The category and name of the cosmetic product
● The name of the Responsible Person
● The location where the Product Information File (PIF) is stored
● Contact details for a designated person available for urgent enquiries
● Comprehensive information on any nanomaterials contained in the product
● Details of any substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction (CMR)
● The chemical composition of all substances used
● A summary of the ingredients
● An image of the product’s label
● A photograph of the packaging of the cosmetic product
SCPN Registration Outcome
If you succeed in completing the SCPN registration process, you will receive:
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A unique SCPN registration number: This is the product’s official identification in the UK market.
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A registration report (PDF format): This document summarizes all submitted product details and can be used for regulatory inspections.
SCPN Data Confidentiality Policy
All SCPN records remain strictly confidential and are only available to:
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Officially designated Responsible Persons
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Verified representatives of the product owner company
Obligations After SCNP
The Responsible Person must ensure that the SCPN notification is updated without delay when the product information and ingredient list change.
Differences Between UK SCPN and EU CPNP
| UK SCPN | EU CPNP | |
| Regulatory Body | OPSS (Office for Product Safety & Standards) | European Commission |
| Responsible Person Location | UK-based | EU-based |
| Language | English | EU member state language |
How Can REACH24H Help You?
Compliance with UK SCPN notification requirements requires businesses to carefully review the product name, labeling compliance, and Responsible Person details. REACH24H offers comprehensive regulatory support services to ensure seamless market entry in the UK, including:
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UK RP Service as a Third Party
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Submit Cosmetic Products Notification (SCPN)
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Product Information File (PIF)
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Consulting Service
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Customized Training
Why Choose REACH24H?
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Expert Team: Comprises multiple seasoned safety assessors with extensive knowledge of UK cosmetics regulations and cosmetic product safety assessments.
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Strong Collaborations: Benefit from our extensive network and partnerships with prominent organizations around the globe.
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Regulatory Information Platform: We own a dedicated platform for real-time regulatory tracking, in-depth analysis, and reliable database support, keeping you up-to-date with the latest requirements in the industry.
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Trusted by Global Brands: We have successfully served over 1000 cosmetic companies worldwide, including well-known Fortune Global 500 companies, earning their trust and satisfaction through our reliable services.
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Global Reach: With our global branches and multilingual capabilities, we offer efficient international services, ensuring effective communication and comprehensive support throughout the compliance process.
Conclusion
By understanding the UK SCPN’s detailed requirements and leveraging expert support services, companies can effectively manage their regulatory obligations and ensure the safe market entry of their products. If you need expert guidance, feel free to contact our team now.
