The beauty business is doing very well on the internet. More and more makeup companies are selling their products on e-commerce sites and marketplaces like Amazon, TikTok Shop, Etsy, Bol.com, and Facebook Shops. These include indie skincare brands and businesses that make their own soap.
But here’s what a lot of sellers forget: Just because your store is online doesn’t mean that EU cosmetic rules change.
You need to have a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) for each product before you sell it, whether you do it in a store or online. Your brand could face legal action, product bans, or being taken off the market.
What Is a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)?
The EU Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 says that a CPSR is a required document. It shows that your product is safe for people to use and meets EU standards. The report has two parts:
Part A: Information about the product, like the list of ingredients, impurities, and data on how it can be used.
Part B: A qualified safety assessor does a professional check for safety.
Is a CPSR Required to Sell Cosmetics Online in the EU?
Yes, there are no exceptions.
The law is the same whether you’re selling lipstick on your Shopify store or launching skincare products on Amazon EU. Before the product can be sold, you need to have a valid CPSR.
Even for Small Indie Brands?
Yes, of course. CPSR compliance is required for everyone, from hobbyists to big brands. EU law doesn’t treat companies differently based on how big they are or how much they make.
What Marketplaces Require CPSR Compliance?
Let’s break it down by platform:
Amazon EU
When listing cosmetics, Amazon often asks for CPSRs and PIF (Product Information File) information. Listings that don’t follow the rules could be suspended.
Etsy
Etsy doesn’t check CPSRs when you list them, but you’re still responsible. Authorities in the EU can ask for your documents at any time.
TikTok Shop
Beauty products are some of the most popular items on TikTok Shop, but sellers are in charge of making sure that cosmetics are safe and meet EU standards.
Facebook and Instagram Shops
You still need a CPSR to sell legally on Facebook and Instagram in the EU because Meta’s rules follow local laws.
Bol.com
People in the Netherlands and Belgium like Bol.com. Sellers also have to follow EU rules for cosmetics, which means they need to have a CPSR on file.
Selling on Your Own Website? You Still Need a CPSR
Are you running a store on Shopify, WooCommerce, or Wix?
You still have to have a Cosmetic Product Safety Report for every cosmetic product you sell online. Selling directly to consumers (DTC) does not mean you don’t have to follow EU rules.
What Happens If You Sell Without a CPSR?
At Certified Cosmetics, we make the CPSR process easy, even for people who are selling for the first time.
This is how we work:
- Share Your Formula
You can send us your full INCI list, the percentages of each ingredient, and any other product information through our secure portal.
- Upload Supporting Documents
This could include:
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for Ingredients
- IFRA Certificates for products with scents
- Allergen Statements
- Results of the stability and microbiological tests (if they are available)
- We Handle the Safety Assessment
We have qualified EU safety assessors check your formulation to make sure it meets safety standards, doesn’t have any toxicological risks, and is safe to use.
- Receive Your CPSR
You will get a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) when you are done. You can then add it to your Product Information File (PIF). We can also help you get ready for the CPNP or PIF notice.
- Start Selling Legally
You can sell on Amazon, TikTok, Etsy, Bol.com, Facebook, or your website with your CPSR in hand and be completely legal. On our homepage, you can find out more about how we work.
FAQ: Selling Cosmetics Online in the EU
Q1. Do I need a CPSR if I only sell a few products a month?
Yes. You must follow the rules no matter how much you have.
Q2. Can I use a US cosmetic safety report for the EU?
No. EU rules say that a qualified EU assessor must fill out a specific EU-format CPSR.
Q3. What if the marketplace doesn’t ask for a CPSR?
You are still legally responsible for following the rules, even if platforms don’t check it when you list it.
Conclusion: Compliance Is Non-Negotiable
It’s a great chance to sell cosmetics online in the EU, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. You must follow EU cosmetic rules whether you sell on Amazon, Etsy, TikTok Shop, Bol.com, Facebook, or your own website. You need a valid Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) to get started, no matter how big your business is, what you sell, or how you sell it.
If you skip this step, you could get fined, have your products banned, or have your listings taken down from marketplaces. More importantly, it puts the safety of customers at risk.
We at Certified Cosmetics make it easy for brands to get through the process. Our team is here to help you with everything from preparing CPSRs to sending out CPNP notifications. This way, you can be sure that you are legally growing your brand.
Are you ready to begin?
Get in touch with us today to protect your business and follow EU rules.
