Quick Answer: How Much Does a CPSR Cost?
CPSR costs in the EU and the UK in 2026 typically range from £55 to £700 per product. Simple rinse-off cosmetics generally fall at the lower end of the pricing range, while complex formulations such as SPF products, products for children under three years of age, and formulas containing restricted substances often require additional toxicological review and therefore cost more.
The final CPSR cost depends on:
- Formulation complexity
- Number of ingredients
- Product category
- Number of variants
- Lab testing requirements
- Turnaround speed
- Safety assessor fees
A Cosmetic Product Safety Report is a legal requirement under EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and the UK Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013. No brand, large or small, can legally sell cosmetics in either market without one.
Most cosmetic brands spend between £55 and £300 per product for a standard cosmetic safety assessment.
This guide covers:
- CPSR costs in the EU and UK
- Cosmetic safety report pricing breakdown
- Factors affecting CPSR fees
- Full cosmetic compliance costs
- CPSR timelines and turnaround times
- Ways to reduce CPSR costs
- EU vs UK CPSR requirements
- How to get a CPSR
- Required CPSR documentation
What Is a CPSR and Why Is It Mandatory?
A Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) is the legally required safety assessment for cosmetic products sold in the European Union and the United Kingdom.
Its a two-part document that confirms your product is safe for human use. Part A covers the safety information, formulation data, stability, microbiological quality, and ingredient toxicology. Part B contains the qualified safety assessor’s conclusion, margin of safety calculations, and signed approval.
The CPSR forms part of the Product Information File (PIF) and must be available for inspection by authorities upon request.The Responsible Person must make it available to enforcement authorities on request.
There are no legal exemptions. Every cosmetic sold in the EU or UK needs one, under Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and the equivalent UK retained legislation.
Without a valid CPSR, cosmetic products cannot legally be notified through the Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) or the Submit Cosmetic Product Notification (SCPN) system
Average CPSR Cost in EU & UK
Industry-standard ranges for cosmetic safety report prices in 2026 sit between £55 and £700 per product. The wide range reflects real differences in formulation complexity, safety assessor fee structures, and whether additional lab testing applies.
Here is how the CPSR cost for the EU and UK breaks down by product type and complexity:
| Formulation Type | Typical CPSR Cost Range |
| Simple (≤10 ingredients, rinse-off) | £55 – £150 |
| Standard (10–29 ingredients, leave-on) | £150 – £300 |
| Complex (30+ ingredients, sun care, SPF) | £300 – £700+ |
| Children’s products (under 3 years) | Premium applies |
| Fragrance/perfume (single) | £55 – £150 |
| Multiple variants (shared base formula) | £55 – £480 (total) |
The cosmetic safety assessment cost increases as the toxicological complexity of the formulation increases. Products containing allergens, nanomaterials, restricted substances, novel botanical extracts, or advanced active ingredients generally require additional review time and therefore attract higher CPSR fees.
These are industry benchmarks. Actual cosmetic compliance cost at Phoenix Compliance Services starts lower; see exact pricing below.
How Much Is a CPSR?
The cost of a CPSR depends on the service package you choose. Below are the current pricing details.
CPSR for Beauty Products (Single Product)
| Delivery Speed | Price |
| Standard (72 hours) | £55 |
| Fast (48 hours) | £75 |
| Priority (24 hours) | £100 |
CPSR for Beauty Products (Multiple Variants)
Prices range from £55 to £480 depending on the number of variants. Multiple shades or scents sharing the same base formula are assessed together at a significantly reduced per-variant rate.
CPSR for Fragrances (Single Fragrance)
| Delivery Speed | Price |
| Standard (72 hours) | £55 |
| Fast (48 hours) | £75 |
| Priority (24 hours) | £100 |
CPSR for Fragrances (Multiple Fragrances)
Prices range from £55 to £480, scaled by the number of fragrance variants submitted.
All-in-One Compliance Package (CPSR + PIF + SDS + SCPN/CPNP)
| Delivery Speed | Price |
| Standard (72 hours) | £131.25 (save 50%) |
| Fast (48 hours) | £170.62 |
| Priority (24 hours) | £210.00 |
This bundle covers the full compliance stack in a single order. It is the most cost-effective option for brands launching in both markets simultaneously.
CPSR Cost Calculator: What Determines Your Quote?
Several factors influence the final cosmetic safety report cost.
- Formulation Complexity
Simple formulations (fewer than 10 ingredients, rinse-off): lower assessment time, lower fee
Standard formulations (10–29 ingredients, leave-on): moderate pricing
Complex formulations (30+ ingredients, sun care, children’s products): require deeper toxicological analysis under SCCS Notes of Guidance (10th Revision)
Products intended for children under three or for use around the eyes require additional scrutiny. Expect a premium on those assessments; they are more demanding by regulation.
- Ingredient Risk Profile
High allergen loads, novel botanicals, nanomaterials, and restricted substances all increase the assessor’s workload. Each ingredient is checked against Annexes II–VI of EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. The more flags raised, the higher the safety assessor fee.
- Number of Variants
If you have one base formula with 10 colour variants, you do not need 10 separate CPSRs. Variants sharing the same base are assessed together at a discounted per-variant rate. This is one of the most effective ways to reduce total cosmetic compliance cost.
- Delivery Speed
Faster delivery options require prioritisation by the assessor and typically carry additional fees.
Common turnaround options include:
- 72-hour standard service
- 48-hour expedited service
- 24-hour priority service
Full Cosmetic Compliance Cost Beyond CPSR
The price of the cosmetic safety report is only one line in your compliance budget. A full market-ready product requires additional spend. Most brands underestimate the total cost of cosmetic compliance; they only consider the 2026 CPSR in the surrounding context.
| Compliance Requirement | Typical Cost |
| CPSR (single product) | £55 – £150 |
| Toxicological Risk Assessment (TRA) | £75 – £150 |
| Allergen Compliance Check | £35 – £55 |
| EU/UK Responsible Person (annual) | Varies by provider |
| CPNP / SCPN Notification | Often bundled |
| Preservative Efficacy Testing (PET) | £150 – £700 |
| Stability Testing | £250 – £600+ |
Lab testing is the biggest variable in your total cosmetic compliance cost. If your formulation data is complete and up to date, you may avoid additional lab work entirely. If the assessor identifies gaps in your preservative or stability data, those tests add 4–6 weeks and high cost to your timeline.
CPSR Timeline: What to Expect
The CPSR timeline has two phases. Knowing both prevents costly planning errors.
Assessment Phase (Once Data Is Ready)
- Standard delivery: 72 hours
- Fast delivery: 48 hours
- Priority delivery: 24 hours
Phoenix Compliance Services delivers both Part A and Part B within 3–5 working days on standard service when documentation is complete.
Prerequisite Phase (If Lab Testing Is Needed)
- Preservative Efficacy Testing (PET): 4–6 weeks
- Stability Testing: 4–6 weeks
- These can run concurrently where formulation data allows
Total timeline from completion of the CPSR: 4–8 weeks if lab testing is required. If your testing data is already available, turnaround can be as fast as 24–72 hours.
How to Reduce Your Cost of CPSR
- Order multiple variants together. The per-variant cost drops sharply compared to ordering individual CPSRs.
- Use the All-in-One package. Bundling CPSR, PIF, SDS, and SCPN/CPNP saves up to 50% on your cosmetic compliance cost.
- Prepare your documentation upfront. Submit a complete INCI list with percentages, raw material SDS files, and label artwork from day one. Gaps create delays and may require additional reviews.
- Complete lab testing before ordering. Starting the CPSR process before your stability and PET results are available does not speed things up; it stalls the assessor and extends your CPSR timeline.
Key Differences of EU vs UK CPSR:
The regulatory frameworks are closely aligned post-Brexit but legally separate. A product compliant in the EU is not automatically compliant in the UK, and vice versa.
| Factor | EU CPSR | UK CPSR |
| Legal basis | Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 | UK Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013 |
| Notification portal | CPNP | SCPN |
| Responsible Person | Must be EU-based | Must be UK-based |
| Assessment standard | SCCS Notes of Guidance | SCCS Notes of Guidance (retained) |
| Mutual recognition | Not automatic post-Brexit | Not automatic |
If you are selling in both markets, you need a Responsible Person in each jurisdiction. Some compliance providers bundle this with the CPSR service; always confirm before ordering.
Is a Cheap CPSR Worth It?
Price should never be the only factor when selecting a cosmetic safety assessor.
An unusually cheap CPSR may indicate:
- Limited toxicological review
- Incomplete documentation checks
- Poor regulatory support
- Lack of post-assessment assistance
The lowest CPSR price is not always the lowest compliance risk.
Brands should verify assessor qualifications, experience, and regulatory expertise before proceeding.
Ready to Get a CPSR?
To obtain an accurate CPSR quote, prepare the following documentation:
✓ Full INCI ingredient list
✓ Ingredient percentages
✓ Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
✓ Product label artwork
✓ Packaging information
✓ Product claims
✓ Stability testing data (if available)
✓ Preservative Efficacy Testing reports (if available)
Providing complete documentation at the start significantly reduces delays and helps minimise overall cosmetic compliance costs.
FAQs:
How much does a cosmetic assessment cost in the UK?
A UK CPSR starts from £55 per product. Costs increase based on formulation complexity, ingredient profile, product variants, and turnaround speed. Complex products may cost up to £700.
What is a CPSR in the UK?
A CPSR (Cosmetic Product Safety Report) is a legally required safety assessment for cosmetic products sold in the UK. It confirms product safety and must be completed by a qualified safety assessor.
How do you get a CPSR in the UK?
To obtain a CPSR, submit your formulation, INCI list, SDS documents, and label artwork to a qualified safety assessor. The completed report is typically issued within 24–72 hours.
What is the EU Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)?
The EU CPSR is a mandatory safety document required under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. It evaluates product safety and must be included within the Product Information File (PIF).
Do I need separate CPSRs for the UK and the EU?
The safety assessment may be similar, but UK and EU compliance requirements are legally separate. You must also appoint the appropriate Responsible Person and complete market-specific notifications.
What documents are required for a CPSR?
Most assessors require an INCI ingredient list, ingredient percentages, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), packaging details, label artwork, and any available stability or microbiological testing data.
How long does a CPSR take to complete?
If all documentation is available, a CPSR can be completed within 24–72 hours. Additional testing requirements may extend the overall compliance timeline to 4–8 weeks.
Can multiple product variants be covered under one CPSR?
Yes. Products that share the same base formulation, such as different shades or fragrances, can often be assessed together, reducing the overall compliance cost.
