Responsible Person

What is the ‘Responsible Person’?

The Responsible Person (RP) is the legal representative of the brand in the UK & EU. They make sure that the products comply with the EU Regulations not only for launch, but for the whole time the product is on sale.

Responsible Person ‘what you need to know’

  1. You must have a Responsible Person if you want to place your cosmetic products on the market in the UK & EU
  2. The RP is responsible for making sure products comply with the latest EU and new UK regulations
  3. This is an ongoing requirement for as long as the products are sold, so the RP should have up to date knowledge of the latest legislation and know how to implement any changes
  4. Think of it as an insurance policy for your brand which helps to uphold your quality standards
  5. Look for a partner who is an expert in this field. The friendly, highly skilled team at PCR use the latest in cloud-based software and their extensive experience of working with brands to deliver a service tailored to your needs.

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Responsible Person FAQ

Yes. If you want to sell cosmetic products in the EU (either as a distributor, importer or a brand owner), then you will need to assign a ‘Responsible Person’ to your brand. You only need one Responsible Person for your brand to launch in all EU countries.

Technically, anyone with an address in the EU/ UK can be the Responsible Person. HOWEVER, you do need to make sure that they have an up to date knowledge of the ever changing EU (& UK after Brexit) regulations to ensure that the product remains safe and legal. You also need to be confident that they can deal with any issues, should they arise. We would always recommend appointing an expert in this field. The PCR Responsible Person service offers complete peace of mind for your brand launch and beyond. Contact us to find out how we can support you.

  • A traceable address in the UK & EU to be used on your label
  • Compliance with EU regulation 1223/2009 & new UK regulation after Brexit
  • The Product Information File (PIF), including the Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)
  • Registration of your product on the EU portal (CPNP)
  • Rapid response to local and competent authorities in the UK and to any referral from an EU Member of States
  • Recording, evaluating (causality assessment) of any serious or undesirable effects to competent national authorities and following up with your consumers
  • Filing the necessary forms to the competent national authorities within the legal frame time
  • PCR has a number of expert advisors in the team, including a physician registered in the UK with a valid GMC number. In case of serious undesirable effects, we can fully support you and your business and help you through the process.

We don’t think so. While it may be tempting to find the cheapest possible option for your Responsible Person, we would recommend spending some time finding the right one for your brand. Think of it as an insurance policy for your business. Can you be confident that you have the right support if you have any regulatory or compliance issues?? With the right Responsible Person, you will have ongoing support to uphold the quality standards of your brand. At PCR, this is our world! We are at the forefront of any legislation changes, and strive to uphold the highest standards with a great value service. Allow the experts to take the complexity out of compliance! Find out how we’ve helped other brands here.

Take a look at cosmetic regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. “Only cosmetic products for which a legal or natural person is designated within the Community as ‘responsible person’ shall be placed on the market. In order to establish clear responsibilities, each cosmetic product should be linked to a responsible person established within the Community”.