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Cosmetic regulations in non-EU countries can be complex and fragmented. When expanding into new markets, many cosmetic companies assume that European regulation applies uniformly across the continent. However, not all countries in or near Europe follow the same procedures. Depending on the destination, your product might require registration through the CPNP portal, the UK’s SCPN system or a completely independent national process.
In this article, we explain how cosmetic regulations apply in countries that fall outside the EU framework but are still commercially relevant. These include Switzerland, Norway, Turkey, the UK and several Eastern European markets.
CPNP or SCPN? Understanding the UK and Northern Ireland Requirements
Since Brexit, Great Britain requires cosmetic products to be notified through the SCPN portal, with a designated UK Responsible Person. This procedure is entirely separate from the EU’s CPNP system.
However, Northern Ireland remains aligned with EU Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 under the Northern Ireland Protocol. Products sold there must be notified in CPNP, and a valid EU Responsible Person is mandatory.
If your brand operates across both regions, dual notification and representation are required.
Cosmetic Product Registration in Switzerland
Switzerland does not participate in the CPNP system and applies its own Ordinance on Cosmetic Products, which is largely aligned with EU Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. There is no mandatory notification and no requirement to appoint a Responsible Person.
Instead, the first distributor or importer is responsible for compliance. Swiss law applies the Cassis de Dijon principle in certain cases, meaning that products lawfully marketed in the EU can generally be sold in Switzerland without additional authorisation, provided they also meet Swiss safety, language and documentation requirements.
Swissmedic oversees market surveillance but does not manage a cosmetic notification platform. While formal registration is not required, documentation must be available in case of control.
Cosmetics Regulations in Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein
Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are not EU member states, but they are part of the European Economic Area. As such, they have adopted Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 in full via the EEA Agreement. Products intended for sale in these countries must be notified via the CPNP portal, and an EU Responsible Person must be appointed. All obligations regarding labelling, safety assessment, product claims and language requirements apply as they would in any EU country.
Despite not being part of the Union, these countries are treated the same as EU member states for regulatory purposes.
National Notification System for Cosmetics in Turkey
Turkey is not part of the European Union, but its cosmetic regulation is largely harmonised with Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. Nevertheless, the country operates its own national notification system, managed by the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency.
Products must be notified through the local portal and, while some elements must be submitted in Turkish, technical documentation is generally accepted in English. A local Responsible Person is also required for market access. Although the regulatory framework has gradually aligned with the EU model, there are still differences in procedures, timelines and documentation requirements, so direct equivalence cannot be assumed.
Regulatory Framework for Cosmetics in Eastern Europe and the Balkans
Several Eastern European and Balkan countries, such as Serbia, Ukraine, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, are not members of the European Union or the European Economic Area. Each of these countries enforces its own national cosmetic legislation, although many are progressively aligning with EU standards as part of broader regulatory reforms.
These markets do not operate within the EU’s CPNP system, and product registration procedures vary significantly from country to country. In some cases, local notification is required, along with safety documentation translated into the local language and specific labelling requirements.
The degree of alignment with EU Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 differs across the region, and regulatory procedures may be more or less harmonised depending on the country. As a result, products that fully comply with EU law may still require additional steps or adjustments before being placed on the market in these jurisdictions.
How Cosmeservice Supports Your Regulatory Strategy
Expanding your cosmetic brand into international markets involves more than translation and logistics. Regulatory compliance must be adapted to each country’s legal framework, notification system and local expectations.
Our team helps you identify the correct regulatory pathway, avoid unnecessary delays and ensure that your products are placed on the market with full legal confidence. Contact us at info@cosmeservice.com
References
- European Commission – Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 on Cosmetic Products
- UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) – Cosmetic Products
- Swiss Confederation – Ordinance on Cosmetic Products
- EEA Agreement – Protocol 47 (Inclusion of EU Cosmetic Regulation) [PDF]
- Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency – Cosmetic Products Department [PDF]
- Northern Ireland Protocol – UK Government Overview
