Selling cosmetic products in the European market requires more than a good formula and attractive packaging. Before any cosmetic product can legally enter the European Union market, it must be registered through the Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP).
The CPNP portal (Cosmetic Product Notification Portal) is a mandatory compliance system under EU Regulation 1223/2009, and applies to all cosmetic products, including skincare, haircare, makeup, perfumes, soaps, sunscreens, and baby products. This includes submitting key data such as ingredient details, Responsible Person information, and label documentation through the official cosmetic compliance portal.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What the CPNP is
- Who needs CPNP registration
- What documents you need before submission
- How to create a CPNP account
- How to submit a cosmetic notification step by step
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Differences between EU and UK cosmetic notifications
- How non-EU cosmetic brands can comply
What Is the Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP) and Why Is It Mandatory?
The CPNP, Cosmetic Product Notification Portal, is the official EU online database where cosmetic products must be registered before they go on sale in the European market. It’s managed by the European Commission, and it’s a legal requirement under EU Cosmetic Regulation No. 1223/2009.
Here’s the simple version: before any cosmetic product reaches the EU market, the responsible person (that’s the legal entity placing the product on the market) must submit a product notification through this portal. The system gives regulators and poison control centers quick access to product information, which actually makes a lot of sense when you think about it.
So, whether you’re a manufacturer, importer, or distributor, if you’re selling cosmetics in Europe, the CPNP cosmetic registration process applies to you
Does CPNP Apply to All Cosmetic Products?
Yes, every single cosmetic product placed on the EU market needs a CPNP notification, regardless of how simple the formula is.This includes:
1. Face creams
2. Serums
3. Lip balms
4. Makeup products
5. Haircare products
6. Sunscreens
7. Perfumes
8. Soaps
9. Shampoos
10. Baby products
11. Nail products
12. Beard oils
13. Cosmetic wipes
Even simple formulas with only a few ingredients still require notification.
The regulation covers anything defined as a “cosmetic product”, meaning any substance or mixture applied to the human body for cleaning, perfuming, changing appearance, or protecting. That’s a wide net. Shampoos, deodorants, sunscreens, nail polishes, baby lotions, all of them go through the same cosmetic registration process.
There’s no size threshold either. There is no exemption for small brands, handmade cosmetics, startup companies, private-label products, online sellers, or Amazon sellers. If you’re selling it in the EU, it goes into the EU cosmetic database.
Who Can Submit a CPNP Notification?
Only the Responsible Person (RP) can submit a product notification on the CPNP portal. The RP is the company or individual legally established in the EU who takes responsibility for the product’s compliance.
If you’re a non-EU brand, say, a Pakistani or US cosmetics company trying to enter the European market, you’ll need to appoint an EU-based Responsible Person. That person or entity then handles the CPNP login and submission on your behalf. Many compliance consultancies offer this service, which is worth knowing if you don’t have an EU base yet.
The RP can be:
- The manufacturer
- The importer
- The distributor
- A third-party compliance consultancy
The Responsible Person is responsible for:
- Product compliance
- Maintaining the Product Information File (PIF)
- Holding the Product Safety Report (CPSR)
- Managing CPNP notifications
- Communicating with authorities
- Updating notifications when necessary
Beginner Warning:
Many non-EU cosmetic brands believe they can register products directly on the CPNP themselves.This is incorrect. If your company is based outside the EU, you must appoint an EU-based Responsible Person before your products can be notified.
What Information Do You Need Before Starting CPNP Registration?
This is where a lot of people get stuck; they jump into the portal without having everything ready, and then the process stalls halfway through. So let’s go over what you actually need before you start registration on CPNP portal.
Product Information
- Provide the full product name exactly as it appears on the label
- Select the product category (e.g., rinse-off, leave-on)
- Specify the product function (what the product is intended to do)
- Indicate the country or countries where the product will be placed on the market
- State whether the product is for general public use or for professional use only
Ingredient List (INCI Names)
You need a complete list of all ingredients with their INCI names (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients).
The ingredient list should:
- Follow descending concentration order
- Use correct International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI)
- Match the label exactly
- Include fragrance allergens where required
Incorrect INCI naming is one of the most common compliance mistakes.
Responsible Person Details
Name, full address, and contact information of the EU-based Responsible Person, the entity that will have the CPNP login and be accountable for the notification.
Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)
A CPSR is mandatory before placing cosmetic products on the EU market. This is a document prepared and signed by a qualified safety assessor. It proves the product is safe for human use under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions.
The report evaluates:
- Ingredient safety
- Toxicological profiles
- Stability
- Microbiological quality
- Exposure levels
- Packaging compatibility
Although you won’t upload the full CPSR to the portal, but you must have it on file, because market surveillance authorities can request it at any time.
Product Label and Packaging Information
- Prepare the product label in the language of the target EU country
- Include the product name clearly on the label
- Add Responsible Person (RP) name and address
- State the country of origin (for imported products)
- Mention nominal content (weight or volume)
- Include the best-before date or PAO (Period After Opening) symbol
- List any precautions for use
- Add the batch or lot number for traceability
- Provide the full ingredient list (INCI format)
This information is not optional, it’s a core legal requirement for EU cosmetic compliance. Any missing or incorrect detail can delay your product notification or lead to regulatory issues. Getting the label right upfront makes the entire CPNP process smoother and faster.
CPNP Registration Checklist
Before opening the CPNP portal, confirm you have:
- EU Responsible Person appointed
- CPSR completed
- Correct INCI ingredient list
- Finalized cosmetic label
- Product category identified
- EU Login account created
- Market countries selected
- Product Information File prepared
How to Create a CPNP Account for EU Cosmetic Registration
Alright, let’s get into the actual CPNP registration process. First things first, you need an account.
Step 1: Create an EU Login Account
The CPNP system works through the European Commission’s EU Login platform.
To begin:
- Visit the EU Login portal
- Click “Create an Account”
- Enter your email address
- Confirm your email
- Create a secure password
This account will later be used for CPNP login access.
Step 2: Request Access to the CPNP Portal
Once you have your EU Login credentials:
- Go to the CPNP portal using the link provided by the European Commission
- Log in with your EU Login credentials
- Click on “Request Access” when prompted
- Select your role (Responsible Person or Authorized Representative)
- Submit your access request
- Wait for approval (usually takes a few business days)
Step 3: Log In and Set Up Your Profile
After getting access:
- Access your account dashboard after successful login.
- Log in to the CPNP using your EU Login credentials.
- Enter your organization details, including company name and address.
- Add contact person information (name, email, phone number).
- Specify your company’s legal status.
- Save and confirm your profile setup.
- Keep this profile is set as your Responsible Person profile for all product notifications.
How to Submit a Cosmetic Product Notification on CPNP
Here’s how the actual product notification submission works, step by step.
Step 4: Start a New Product Notification
From your CPNP dashboard, click on “Create New Notification.” You’ll immediately be asked to select the product category. Take your time here; picking the wrong category can cause issues later. The portal provides a full list of categories based on EU cosmetic regulations, so match your product carefully.
Step 5: Enter Product Details
You must enter:
- Product name
- Product function
- Product category
- Intended use
- Professional or consumer use
- Child-use information (if applicable)
The details must exactly match the marketed product.
Step 6: Add Ingredient Information
Enter each ingredient using its official INCI name.
The portal may ask for:
- Ingredient concentration ranges
- Nanomaterial disclosures
- Colorant information
- Preservative information
- UV filter details
The system automatically validates certain ingredient entries. Never copy supplier ingredient names directly into the portal. Always verify ingredient names using the official database before submission.
Step 7: Upload the Product Label
Upload clear label files showing:
- Ingredient list
- Warnings
- Responsible Person details
- Batch number
- Product claims
- Mandatory EU label elements
If selling in multiple EU countries, language requirements may vary.
Step 8: Specify the Market Countries
Select every EU member state where the product will be placed on the market. Each country selection generates a separate notification record in the EU cosmetic database, so accuracy here matters. You can notify for multiple countries in a single submission session, which saves a lot of time.
Step 9: Submit the Notification
Once everything is filled in and reviewed, hit Submit. The portal will generate a notification reference number; save this. It’s your proof that the CPNP notification has been completed, and you may need it for audits, customs, or market surveillance checks.
What Happens After You Submit?
Here’s something a lot of guides don’t explain clearly: submitting through the CPNP portal doesn’t mean you receive a certificate or formal approval. There’s no “CPNP certificate” that gets issued. The notification is simply recorded in the system, and the product can then legally enter the market.
That said, the information you submit becomes accessible to poison control centers and competent authorities across the EU. So if something goes wrong with a product, a consumer reaction, or a safety incident, the authorities can pull up your product’s data quickly.
You’ll also be responsible for updating the notification if anything changes, formula, label, RP details. Keeping your records current isn’t optional; it’s a legal obligation under EU cosmetic regulation.
Common CPNP Registration Mistakes to Avoid
People make the same mistakes over and over again on the CPNP portal, and most of them are avoidable. Here are the big ones.
Using Wrong INCI Names
This is probably the most common issue. If an ingredient name doesn’t match the EU’s approved INCI list, the portal will flag it, or worse, it’ll accept a close match that’s actually incorrect. Always verify INCI names against the CosIng database before entering them.
Missing Nanomaterial Disclosures
If your product contains nanomaterials, they require separate notification; specifically, nano ingredients must be notified six months before placing the product on the market. Many brands miss this window entirely.
Incomplete or Wrong Label
Uploading a draft label or one that’s missing mandatory elements is a very common error. Make sure the label is final and fully compliant before submitting, because you’ll need to update the notification if anything changes.
Not Having a CPSR Before Submission
Some people submit the notification first and plan to complete the CPSR submission later. That’s backwards, and technically non-compliant. The safety report must be finalized before the product goes to market, which means it should be ready before or at the time of CPNP submission.
Notifying for the Wrong Country
Sounds basic, but it happens especially with brands entering multiple EU markets at once. Double-check your market selection before submitting.
CPNP Registration for Non-EU Brands
If your business is based outside the EU, you cannot directly complete the CPNP registration yourself. The process includes one additional requirement: appointing an EU-based Responsible Person.
- Step 1: Appoint an EU Responsible Person (RP)
You must select a company or individual established in the EU who will act as your Responsible Person. This is a legal requirement, not optional, and it applies to all non-EU cosmetic brands entering the European market. - Step 2: Sign a Legal Agreement
The Responsible Person must be contractually authorized to act on your behalf. This agreement allows them to manage your product compliance, maintain documentation, and represent your brand before EU authorities. - Step 3: Provide Product Information
Share all required details with your RP, including product formulation (INCI list), label, packaging, and safety documentation such as the CPSR. They will use this information for the cosmetic product notification. - Step 4: RP Completes CPNP Login and Submission
Your Responsible Person will access the CPNP portal, handle the CPNP login, and submit the product notification into the EU cosmetic database on your behalf. - Step 5: Maintain Ongoing Compliance
After submission, your RP remains legally responsible for keeping the product compliant, updating notifications if anything changes, and responding to regulatory authorities when needed.
Important:
You cannot submit a notification yourself without an EU legal presence. The Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP) requires a valid EU-based Responsible Person, and this requirement is strictly enforced under EU cosmetic regulations.
CPNP vs. UK Cosmetic Notification: What’s the Difference?
Since Brexit, Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) no longer uses the CPNP. Products sold in the UK now need to be notified through the UK’s own Submit Cosmetic Product Notifications (SCPN) service, managed by the Office for Product Safety and Standards.
Northern Ireland still follows EU rules under the Windsor Framework, so products placed on the Northern Ireland market still go through CPNP.
| Feature | CPNP (EU) | SCPN (UK) |
| Covers | All 27 EU member states + Northern Ireland | England, Scotland, Wales |
| Managed by | European Commission | Office for Product Safety & Standards |
| Legal Basis | EU Regulation No. 1223/2009 | UK Cosmetic Products Regulation 2013 |
| Responsible Person | Must be EU-established | Must be UK-established |
| Access | Via EU Login account | Via GOV.UK account |
| Nano notification | Required 6 months before market | Required before placing on the market |
| Certificate issued? | No, reference number only | No, reference number only |
| Free to use? | Yes | Yes |
If you’re targeting both the EU and the UK, you’ll need two separate notifications, one on each portal. This catches a lot of brands off guard, especially those entering the European market for the first time after 2021.
How Long Does CPNP Registration Take?
If everything is prepared, the CPNP registration submission on the Cosmetic Product Notification Portal can take 30–60 minutes per product. Preparation takes longer, including CPSR completion and label finalization. CPNP login access approval takes 2–5 days. Many brands use consultants to manage submissions and avoid delays, especially during first-time EU market entry.
Final Thoughts
The Cosmetic Product Notification Portal isn’t the easiest system in the world, but it’s absolutely manageable once you know what’s expected. The key is preparation: get your CPSR ready, verify your INCI names, finalize your labels, and confirm your Responsible Person before you even open the portal.
Think of CPNP registration not as a bureaucratic hurdle, but as the thing that actually lets you sell legally in one of the world’s largest cosmetic markets. It’s a one-time setup per product, and once it’s done, you’re in the EU cosmetic database and ready to go.
If this is your first time going through the cosmetic registration process, take it slow. Double-check every field. And if you’re managing multiple products across multiple markets, a regulatory consultant can save you a lot of headaches.
FAQs About CPNP Registration
How do I register on CPNP?
Start by creating an EU Login account on the European Commission’s login portal. Once that’s set up, request access to the CPNP specifically, and you’ll select your role as Responsible Person or authorized representative. After approval (usually two to five business days), log in and start your product notification by filling in product details, ingredient information, label, and target market countries. Once submitted, you’ll get a reference number confirming your CPNP notification is complete.
What information is needed for CPNP registration?
You’ll need the full product name, product category and function, complete INCI ingredient list with concentration ranges, details of the EU-based Responsible Person, the finalized product label in the relevant language, and the countries where the product will be sold. You also need a completed Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) on file before the product goes to market, even though you don’t upload it directly to the portal.
Does CPNP apply to all cosmetic products?
Yes, every cosmetic product placed on the EU market requires a CPNP notification, no exceptions based on size, formula complexity, or brand scale. Shampoos, lip balms, sunscreens, baby products, perfumes, all of them go through the same cosmetic registration process on the EU cosmetic database. The only variable is whether your product contains nanomaterials, which requires an earlier notification window.
How do I register a cosmetic company on CPNP?
You don’t register the company separately; the CPNP works at the product level, not the company level. What you do is set up an EU Login account, request CPNP access as a Responsible Person, complete your RP profile with your company details, and then submit notifications product by product. If your company is based outside the EU, you’ll need to appoint an EU-established Responsible Person who registers and submits on your behalf through the cosmetic compliance portal.
Can I submit a CPNP notification myself, or do I need a consultant?
You can absolutely do it yourself; the portal is free to use and designed to be navigable without specialist help. That said, if you’re launching multiple products, entering the EU market for the first time, or dealing with complex formulas containing nanomaterials or restricted substances, a regulatory consultant can save you time and reduce the risk of errors. Either way, the CPNP registration process itself doesn’t require a professional to complete it.
What happens if I don’t register on the CPNP?
Selling a cosmetic product in the EU without a completed product notification on the CPNP is a direct violation of EU Cosmetic Regulation No. 1223/2009. Consequences can include product removal from the market, fines, and, in serious cases, legal action against the Responsible Person. Market surveillance authorities across EU member states actively check compliance, so skipping the CPNP portal step isn’t a risk worth taking.
