GCS focusses on providing CPSRs to cosmetic brand owners. A CPSR is only one part of the regulatory pie. There are lots of other aspects to compliance when thinking about selling your cosmetic product: –

• Product Information File
• Finding / being a Responsible Person
• Notifying the national and international portals
• Making sure the labels comply with cosmetic and other regulations
• Ensuring any claims are appropriate and can be substantiated

I have a good understanding and awareness of these requirements and often answer questions from customers, but this is not my focus and I do not offer them as part of paid services.  You may decide you want more help with your growing business and want to look at finding a consultant to help you, or one that you can delegate some of these tasks to, so here I write about what factors to look out for when choosing a consultant.  At the end of the article, I have provided links to some companies that provide these services.

Understanding EC1223/2009

The first step in choosing a regulatory compliance consultant is ensuring they have a comprehensive understanding of the Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. A competent consultant should be well-versed in the intricacies of these requirements, ensuring that your products meet the necessary standards and are legally marketable within the EU / UK.

Expertise and Experience

Regulatory compliance is a specialized field, and experience plays a crucial role in navigating its complexities. When evaluating potential consultants, it’s essential to assess their expertise and experience in the cosmetics industry. Look for consultants who have a proven track record of successfully guiding businesses through the regulatory landscape, especially with a focus on cosmetics.

Up-to-Date Knowledge

Regulations in the cosmetics industry are subject to periodic updates and amendments. It is crucial that the consultant you choose stays abreast of these changes to provide accurate and current guidance. Regularly updated knowledge ensures that your business remains compliant with the latest regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance issues that could adversely affect your brand reputation and market access.  Being a member of CTPA, the UK trade association for cosmetic manufacturers is a signifier that the consultant has access to the latest updates, but is not strictly necessary.

Knowledge of International Regulations

While EC1223/2009 is specifically for the EU / UK, cosmetic manufacturers often sell in other markets. A consultant with knowledge of international regulations can offer valuable insights, helping your business navigate not only EU / UK compliance but also compliance with regulations in other regions where you may intend to market your products.

Communication Skills

Effective communication is key in the regulatory compliance process. A consultant should be able to convey complex regulatory information in a clear and understandable manner. Clear communication is vital for ensuring that all stakeholders within your organization, from product development to marketing, are aware of and can adhere to compliance requirements.

Customised Compliance Strategies

Each cosmetic product is unique, and compliance strategies should be tailored to the specific characteristics of the product. A reliable consultant should be capable of providing personalised advice and developing compliance strategies that align with the nature of your cosmetic products. Look for consultants who take the time to understand your product portfolio, manufacturing processes, and business goals to create customized solutions that ensure both regulatory compliance and business success.

Transparent Pricing and Scope of Services

Regulatory compliance consultancy services should come with transparent pricing structures and a clear scope of services. Before entering into an agreement, ensure that you have a detailed understanding of the services offered, associated costs, and any additional fees that may arise during the compliance process. Transparency in pricing and services helps prevent misunderstandings and establishes a solid foundation for a successful partnership.

References and Testimonials

Finally, seek references and testimonials from other businesses that have worked with the consultancy in question. Client feedback can provide valuable insights into the consultant’s reliability, effectiveness, and the overall quality of their services. A consultant with a positive track record and satisfied clients is more likely to deliver the level of expertise and support your business needs for successful regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

There are a number of companies and platforms that offer a full service suite of all these aspects.  Other companies are moving towards an automated solution to give you the information about updates, for example, and these are often provided using a monthly or annual subscription model. At this time, I am slightly wary of these automated platforms since their aim is to be very hands-off with customers, so you may not get a level of service that you want.

Note that claim substantiation can be complex so be wary and check that the consultant has specialist knowledge and experience if you want to include this aspect.

Links to companies

Cosmetic Compliance by Connect Compliance Limited

The Cosmetic Regulator