In recent years, with theCosmeticsThe rapid development of the industry and the influence of cosmetics in the international market are also growing. Data show that from 2014 to 2023, Chinas cosmetic exports grew from US$2.89 billion to US$6.51 billion, demonstrating the significant improvement in the international competitiveness of Chinas cosmetics. Among them, the UK, one of the major export markets for Chinese cosmetics, saw its exports reach $220 million in the first half of 2024, up 21.5% year-on-year. With high cost-effectiveness and ever-improving quality, Chinese cosmetics have won the favor of many consumers in the UK market.

After entering the international market, Chinese cosmetics are facing more intense competition and challenges. Enterprises need to complete each export link with a more rigorous and focused attitude. This article will explain in detail the key points you need to pay attention to when exporting cosmetics to the UK from two aspects: export process and relevant certification regulations.

I. Specific procedures for cosmetics export

1. Determine product information and market demand

Understand the characteristics of the UK market's demand for cosmetics, popular trends and consumer preferences, and at the same time clarify the product positioning, efficacy, ingredients, etc. of your own cosmetics to ensure that the products meet the needs of the UK market.

2. Enterprise qualification preparation

Ensure that the company has legal import and export rights, as well as relevant qualifications such as cosmetics production licenses, to comply with UK import requirements.

3. Prepare export documents

• Business documents: Prepare commercial documents such as contracts, invoices, packing lists, etc. The documents should accurately and in detail record the information of the goods, including product name, specifications, quantity, price, packaging, etc.
• Product related documents: Including product formula and ingredient list, packaging label (must comply with UK regulations and contain correct formula, purpose, warning, usage and other information), inspection report (inspection conducted on each product batch to prove that the product complies with relevant standards and regulations), MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), etc.

4. Packaging and labeling

• Package: Choose appropriate packaging materials and methods to ensure that cosmetics will not be damaged, leaked, etc. during transportation.
• Label: Product labels must contain important information such as English catalog number, instructions for use, ingredient list, producer and distributor information, shelf life, etc., and comply with relevant UK regulations.

5. Choose logistics and freight forwarding

Choose the appropriate logistics method and freight forwarding company based on the quantity, weight, volume, transportation time and other factors of the goods. Common logistics methods include sea transportation, air transportation, express delivery, etc. Compare the prices, service quality and transportation time of different logistics channels and choose the best solution.

6. Customs declaration and inspection

• Inspection: Before declaring customs, you must first report to the Inspection and Quarantine Bureau and submit the required documents, such as lists, invoices, contracts, inspection letters, factory inspection forms, carton packing lists, etc.
• customs clearance: Apply for a verification form, fill in relevant information, prepare documents required for customs declaration, including commercial invoice, packing list, outbound goods clearance form (if necessary), export exchange verification form, export goods declaration form, etc., and declare the export goods to the customs. If taxes and fees need to be paid, they should be paid in time.

7. Inspection and Release

Customs will inspect the goods after accepting the declaration, and release the goods and allow them to leave the country after the inspection is correct.

8. Shipping and Delivery

After the goods are released, the freight forwarding company or logistics company will arrange transportation to ship the cosmetics to the UK. During the transportation process, the logistics tracking system can be used to keep track of the transportation status of the goods at any time. After the goods arrive in the UK, they need to go through customs clearance procedures, and the British customs will inspect and tax the goods. After customs clearance is completed, the goods can be delivered to customers or distributors in the UK.

II. Relevant certification regulations for cosmetics exported to the UK

1. UKCA certification

UKCA certification is a product certification system launched after Brexit, which is applicable to most products sold in the UK market, including cosmetics. Enterprises need to understand the certification requirements of specific products, prepare technical documents, ingredient analysis reports, safety assessment reports and other materials, and select qualified certification bodies to submit applications. If necessary, chemical composition analysis, safety assessment, performance testing, etc. are required, and certification certificates are obtained after passing the review.

2. SCNP Certification

After Brexit, the regulations for cosmetics exports to the UK have changed significantly. From January 1, 2021, the UK requires cosmetics to be registered with SCNP before entering the market. When applying for SCNP registration, you must first apply for an account, submit company information and applicant identity proof, then submit the cosmetic formula and material list for safety assessment, and then submit the SCNP registration application. The review cycle is generally 5 to 7 working days.

3. Appointment of a UK Local Responsible Person (RP)

Every cosmetic product must appoint a local Responsible Person (RP) in the UK who is responsible for ensuring the product complies with UK regulations and acts as the main contact for communication with relevant authorities.

4. Product Information File (PIF)

Each cosmetic product must maintain a Product Information File (PIF), which must be in English. The PIF should contain the following:

• Product Description
• Cosmetic Safety Report
• Description of production method
• Proof of efficacy claims
• Animal testing data (if any)

The PIF must be kept for 10 years after the last batch of the product is put on the market.

5. Cosmetic Product Notifications

Before placing a product on the UK market, a product notification must be made to the Office of Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) through the Submit Cosmetic Product Notification (SCPN) portal, including product category, ingredients and responsible person information.

6. Cosmetic Safety Assessment Regulations

In the UK, all cosmetics entering the market must undergo a safety assessment, which is completed by professionals, usually the manufacturer or brand, to ensure that the cosmetics will not cause harm to consumers' health under normal conditions of use.

7. Cosmetic Labelling Regulations

The UK has strict requirements for the labeling of cosmetics. The label must contain necessary information such as product name, ingredient list, instructions for use, shelf life, warnings, batch number, product functions, etc., and must be expressed clearly and accurately in English so that consumers can correctly understand and use the product.

8. Regulations on Prohibited Ingredients in Cosmetics

The UK prohibits the use of certain cosmetic ingredients, such as serine, artificial musk and benzoic acid. When producing and exporting cosmetics, cosmetic companies must strictly abide by the UK's banned ingredient regulations to ensure that their products do not contain banned ingredients.

9. Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)

Ensure cosmetics are manufactured in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards to ensure product quality and safety. This includes maintaining appropriate documentation and quality control measures.

10. Animal Testing Restrictions

The UK prohibits the sale of cosmetics that have been tested on animals. Ensure your cosmetics and their ingredients have not been tested on animals to comply with UK regulations.

11. Import document preparation

Prepare necessary import documents, including:

• commercial invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
• Certificate of Origin
• Relevant certificates or test reports

Ensure all documents are accurate and complete to facilitate smooth customs clearance.

12. Duties and Taxes

Understand the duties and value-added tax (VAT) that apply to imported cosmetics. Tax rates can vary depending on product classification and value, and businesses need to ensure they understand the associated costs before entering the market.

13. Pay close attention to regulatory updates

Companies should regularly monitor updates to UK cosmetics regulations to ensure continued compliance. They can obtain the latest information through industry associations or by consulting regulatory experts.

Conclusion

The Chinese cosmetics industry faces many challenges and opportunities in its internationalization process. When exporting cosmetics to the UK, companies not only need to understand and follow the relevant export procedures, but also strictly abide by the UK's various certification regulations to ensure product compliance and market competitiveness. Through scientific and standardized processes and in-depth understanding of regulations, Chinese cosmetics will have the opportunity to gain a firm foothold in the UK market and win the trust and support of more consumers.