Why EU Cosmetic Labelling Compliance is crucial
Legal background
EU-compliant cosmetics labelling helps the customer make an informed choice, but above all it is a strategic advantage for your brand. A well-reviewed and compliant label builds trust, boosts market readiness, and opens doors across the Union market. We help you rephrase claims, collect the necessary substantiation, and ensure the label is translated correctly.
What manufacturers gain if their labels are fully compliant:
- Faster access to the EU market avoiding launch delays
- Stronger brand credibility
- Seamless custom clearance
- Retail and e-commerce readiness
- Claim confidence ensuring your marketing stays powerful while meeting EU regulatory provisions
- Long-term regulatory peace of mind by being ready for inspections and future updates
- Coordination with cosmetic formulation review to ensure labelling reflects actual product content accurately
Our services
Cosmetics labelling: How Obelis ensures compliance with EU standards
At Obelis, we conduct a full review of your cosmetic product labels to ensure they comply with all EU Cosmetics Regulation requirements. Our experts thoroughly verify every element of your packaging (outer packaging, inner containers, and inserts) so that your labels never become a barrier to market success. During our cosmetic labelling review process, we examine key components such as the product function and commercial name, INCI ingredient listings, allergen declarations, net content (ml/g), batch number, PAO or expiry date, the name and EU address of the Responsible Person, warnings, usage instructions, and the country of origin when imported. We also check for the presence and accuracy of mandatory symbols like the open book, PAO, and e-mark. If any product claims require adjustment, we help you rephrase them in line with EU guidelines and assist in gathering the necessary supporting documentation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
EU cosmetic labelling requirements are defined by the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. Every cosmetic product label must include specific mandatory information, presented clearly and legibly.
Labels must reflect the true nature of the product, align with the Product Information File (PIF), and withstand scrutiny from customs, retailers, and EU regulatory authorities.
This includes:
- Product function
- Ingredient list (INCI)
- Nominal content (ml/g)
- Expiry date or Period After Opening (PAO)
- Batch or lot number
- Warnings and instructions for use
- Name and address of the Responsible Person within the EU
- Country of origin (if manufactured outside the EU)
- Required symbols such as the “open book” and e-mark
The information on a cosmetic label must be provided in the official language(s) of the EU Member State where the product is sold. This typically includes the product function, usage instructions, and precautionary statements, but might expand to all information displayed on the product. Ingredient names follow INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) standards and are not translated. Obelis can advise on the correct language requirements for each target market to ensure compliance across the Union market.
EU cosmetic labelling is governed primarily by the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009, which sets strict rules on what information must appear on cosmetic product packaging. This regulation ensures labels provide clear, accurate, and comprehensive details to protect consumers and support market transparency across all EU Member States.
Yes, Obelis offers full cosmetic labelling review services prior to product launch. Our experts check every element of your label – from language and formatting to claims and symbols – to ensure full alignment with EU Cosmetics Regulation. We also support claim rephrasing, help gather substantiation documents, and verify consistency across all packaging levels (outer, inner, and inserts). This ensures a smooth path through customs, retail compliance checks, and regulatory inspections.
