What are the EU Cosmetics Regulations for Amazon Sellers?

Selling cosmetics and personal care products on Amazon in the EU opens doors to millions of new customers — but it also means navigating a maze of strict compliance rules. The EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 sets precise requirements for product safety, labeling, and documentation. Failing to meet these can result in blocked listings, account suspensions, or legal consequences.

This article explains how these regulations affect your Amazon business and how you can stay compliant without stress.

What Is the EU Cosmetics Regulation?

The EU Cosmetics Regulation is the primary framework governing the manufacture, labeling, and sale of cosmetic products within the European Union. It ensures that all products placed on the market are safe for human health and adequately labeled.

Who Is Responsible for Compliance?

Any seller listing cosmetics on Amazon in the EU is considered a “Responsible Person” — or must appoint one. This legal representative ensures product compliance, including labeling, ingredient safety, and recordkeeping.

Key Compliance Requirements for Amazon Sellers

Understanding the core compliance pillars is critical before listing beauty products on Amazon EU marketplaces.

Product Information

Each cosmetic product must have a Product Information File (PIF), which includes: • Safety assessments • Ingredient documentation • Manufacturing details

Amazon may request this file at any time as part of compliance checks.

Labeling Requirements

Labels must include: • Name and address of the Responsible Person • INCI list of ingredients • Nominal content (ml/g) • Expiration date or PAO (Period After Opening) • Usage instructions and warnings

Each element must be in the language of the country where the product is sold. Mistakes here often lead to delisting.

CPNP Notification

Before a cosmetic product can be sold in the EU, it must be registered in the Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP). This submission includes: • Product formula • Label artwork • Packaging images

Claims and Advertising Rules

Sellers must ensure that all claims (e.g., “anti-aging,” “natural,” “dermatologically tested,” etc.) are substantiated and not misleading. Amazon requires evidence for these claims upon request.

Consequences of Non-Compliance on Amazon

Amazon has strict policies regarding compliance in the Health & Beauty category. Violations of EU cosmetic rules may result in: • Immediate product listing removal • Account warnings or suspensions • Permanent bans from the category

How We Can Help: Compliance Made Simple

Navigating these complex rules is difficult, especially for small to mid-sized sellers. That’s why we provide: • Step-by-step Guidance for EU Compliance • Assistance with PIF preparation and label audits • Help with CPNP notifications and Responsible Person setup

Automate Compliance with Minefield Navigator

Minefield Navigator is our innovative automation tool designed specifically for Amazon sellers. It tracks EU cosmetic regulations and ensures your product labels meet country-specific requirements, all in real time. Save hours of manual work and reduce the risk of compliance issues.

The EU cosmetics market is full of opportunity — but success depends on compliance. By understanding the key regulations and using tools like Minefield Navigator, you can sell confidently, avoid penalties, and grow your brand across Europe.