The Federal Public Service (FPS) Health, Food Chain Safety, and Environment, in particular the Directorate-General for Control and Mediation (DG Inspection), is the responsible authority in Belgium. By monitoring market surveillance, confirming product information files (PIF), and evaluating labeling, claims, and ingredient limitations, this organization guarantees Belgium cosmetics compliance.
This blog post will describe how cosmetic compliance operates in Belgium, including who oversees cosmetics, what documentation is needed for CPSR Belgium cosmetics, how EU cosmetics regulations are implemented locally, and which labeling and language requirements must be met to ensure complete cosmetic safety Belgium compliance.
Who Is Responsible for Cosmetic Control in Belgium?
The primary agency in charge of cosmetic enforcement and monitoring is FPS Public Health. It regularly monitors importers, distributors, and manufacturers of cosmetics through its inspection department to make sure their goods adhere to both EU cosmetics regulation Belgium.
To verify that the product satisfies all safety and labeling requirements, inspectors can request technical documentation, such as the PIF and the CPSR Belgium cosmetics report. If non-compliance is discovered, the FPS has the authority to issue administrative fines, order product withdrawals, or implement corrective actions.
Brands must always have a responsible individual based in the EU who can submit documentation to authorities at any time in order to stay in compliance. In order to guarantee that all Belgium cosmetics compliance requirements are consistently fulfilled, Certified Cosmetics helps businesses create and manage their documentation.
CPSR Belgium Cosmetics: The Foundation of Compliance
Every cosmetic product sold in Belgium requires a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) as mandated by Article 10 of Regulation 1223/2009. This document confirms that the formulation, intended use, and exposure levels are safe for consumers.
The CPSR Belgium cosmetics must be prepared by a qualified safety assessor and include detailed toxicological profiles of all ingredients, margin of safety calculations, and proof that the formulation is compliant with restricted and prohibited substances listed in Annexes II–VI of the Regulation. This ensures that each product is scientifically evaluated for potential health risks before it reaches the market. It also provides transparency for both authorities and consumers, strengthening brand trust. A well-prepared CPSR demonstrates that your company prioritizes consumer well-being and adheres to EU-wide safety standards.
This report is part of the Product Information File (PIF), which must be readily available to the FPS Public Health upon request. It demonstrates that the brand has taken all necessary steps to ensure cosmetic safety Belgium standards are met. The PIF not only supports compliance during inspections but also acts as an internal reference for product development teams. Maintaining an up-to-date PIF with the latest formulation and test data helps brands avoid delays during audits. Certified Cosmetics offers full support in preparing CPSR documents and PIFs for companies entering the Belgian market, ensuring your documentation meets all EU and national requirements seamlessly.
Labeling and Language Requirements in Belgium
While EU cosmetics regulation Belgium follows the general EU framework, Belgium imposes specific language requirements for labeling. The three national languages must be used for all required information specified in Article 19 of Regulation 1223/2009, including product function, ingredient list (INCI), precautions, nominal content, and manufacturer details:
- Dutch,
- French, and
- German.
Businesses frequently use multilingual packaging or QR codes that link to online translations that have been approved by the FPS when space is at a premium. However, it is deemed a violation of Belgium cosmetics compliance to omit one of the official languages.
Other important labeling rules include:
- The country of origin must be indicated for imported cosmetics.
- Batch number or reference code must ensure traceability.
- Claims must follow Regulation (655/2013) on cosmetic claims substantiation.
- Expiry date or Period After Opening (PAO) symbol must be clearly visible.
These details are routinely checked during FPS inspections and play a critical role in maintaining cosmetic safety Belgium compliance.
Product Notification and Market Surveillance
Brands are required to notify the EU Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) prior to launching a cosmetic product in Belgium. This notification covers product category, function, formulation data, and label images. Belgium accepts EU-wide notifications, so once the notification is finished, the product can be sold there without requiring further national registration.
But compliance doesn’t stop there. To guarantee continued compliance with Belgium cosmetics compliance the FPS conducts sporadic market checks, examining ingredient safety, claim validity, and labeling accuracy. These inspections apply equally to retailers and internet vendors. To avoid non-compliance during market audits, Certified Cosmetics helps clients prepare all documentation and align marketing materials with EU cosmetics regulation Belgium.
Ensuring Cosmetic Safety in Belgium
Beyond documentation, ongoing supervision is necessary to maintain cosmetic safety Belgium. Safety assessors need to be informed about changes in SCCS opinions, restrictions on ingredients, and requirements for microbiological stability.
To support claims and guarantee safe exposure levels, additional testing might be required for products like sunscreens, hair dyes, or anti-aging formulations. In accordance with ISO 22716, manufacturers should also maintain internal quality control processes and apply Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
Brands can confidently demonstrate Belgium cosmetics compliance to the FPS by combining strong scientific data, trustworthy CPSR preparation, and unambiguous multilingual labeling. These procedures are streamlined by Certified Cosmetics, resulting in risk-free and effective access to the EU market.
Common Mistakes Brands Make When Entering the Belgian Market
- Ignoring language obligations: Missing Dutch, French, or German translations on packaging is a frequent non-compliance issue.
- Incomplete CPSR documentation: Some brands underestimate the level of toxicological detail required in the CPSR Belgium cosmetics file.
- Unsubstantiated claims: FPS inspectors may request proof for any claims such as “hypoallergenic” or “clinically tested.”
- Neglecting updates: Regulatory annexes and SCCS opinions evolve, keeping PIFs updated is essential for ongoing cosmetic safety Belgium.
Avoiding these mistakes is key to maintaining trust and ensuring your products remain compliant across the entire EU.
FAQ: Cosmetic Compliance in Belgium
Q1. Which Belgian authority is in charge of cosmetics?
The Federal Public Service (FPS) Health, Food Chain Safety, and Environment is in charge of overseeing cosmetics and making sure Belgian cosmetics adhere to EU regulations.
Q2. Are PIF and CPSR required in Belgium?
Indeed. The full Product Information File and cosmetics from CPSR Belgium must always be accessible for inspection.
Q3. What are the primary rules of labeling language?
In keeping with Belgium’s multilingualism, all required information must be given in Dutch, French, and German.
Q4. Do I require an additional Belgian notification?
No. Products are still subject to FPS surveillance under EU cosmetics regulation Belgium, even though the EU’s CPNP notification is adequate.
Q5. How can I guarantee continued adherence to Belgium’s cosmetic safety regulations?
Update your PIF and CPSR, keep an eye on changes to regulations, and collaborate with certified cosmetics and other qualified safety assessors.
Conclusion
Achieving Belgium cosmetics compliance means more than meeting EU requirements; it’s about aligning with local expectations on safety, language, and transparency. With a complete CPSR Belgium cosmetics, multilingual labeling, and clear adherence to EU cosmetics regulation Belgium, brands can confidently enter and thrive in the Belgian market.
At Certified Cosmetics, we help ensure every step of cosmetic safety Belgium compliance, from document preparation to FPS inspections, is handled with precision and professionalism.
