Exporting cosmetics to the UK – UK REACH, UKCA and SCPN requirements [2026 Guide]

Exporting cosmetics to the United Kingdom requires compliance with strict regulatory requirements, which differ from EU regulations after Brexit. Key systems include UK REACH (registration of chemical substances), SCPN (Submit Cosmetic Product Notifications) and UKCA (conformity marking).

This article explains customs rates for cosmetics, how to register products in the SCPN system, when UK REACH is required, and which documents are necessary for export.

Customs classification of cosmetics (CN codes)

Cosmetics are classified in Chapter 33 Combined Nomenclature (CN). The customs duty rate depends on the product type.

Most common CN codes for cosmetics:

| CN Code | Description | Duty Rate (standard) | |---|---|---| | 3304.10 | Lip makeup preparations | 0% | | 3304.20 | Eye makeup products | 0% | | 3304.30 | Manicure and pedicure preparations | 0% | | 3304.91 | Powders (cosmetics) | 0% | | 3304.99 | Other cosmetic preparations | 0% | | 3305.10 | Shampoos | 0% | | 3305.20 | Permanent wave products | 0% | | 3305.90 | Other hair care products | 0% | | 3307.20 | Deodorants and antiperspirants | 0% | | 3307.30 | Bath salts and other bath preparations | 0% |

Important: Most cosmetics qualify for 0% duty under the TCA (EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement), provided the rules of origin are met.

UK REACH requirements for cosmetics

What is UK REACH?

UK REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) is the British chemical substance registration system that replaced the EU REACH after Brexit.

When do cosmetics require UK REACH?

Cosmetics containing chemical substances (e.g. preservatives, dyes, UV filters) must be registered in UK REACH if: - The substance is imported into the UK in quantities of ≥1 tonne per year. - The substance is not exempt from registration (e.g. water, some natural substances).

Who must register substances under UK REACH?

- Importer in the UK – If cosmetics are imported into the UK. - Manufacturer in the UK – If cosmetics are produced in the UK.

Important: Polish exporter does not have to register substances under UK REACH if the UK importer assumes this responsibility.

How to register substances in UK REACH?

1. Identify chemical substances in cosmetics (e.g. preservatives, dyes). 2. Check if substances are already registered in UK REACH (HSE database). 3. If not, submit a registration application via HSE (Health and Safety Executive). 4. Cost: £1,000-£10,000 (depending on the number of substances).

Alternative: Use the services Only Representative (UK representative) who will register substances on behalf of the Polish exporter.

SCPN requirements (Submit Cosmetic Product Notifications)

What is SCPN?

SCPN is the UK cosmetic product notification system that replaced the EU CPNP (Cosmetic Products Notification Portal) after Brexit.

When do cosmetics require SCPN notification?

All cosmetics sold in the UK must be registered in the SCPN system before placing on the market.

Who must register cosmetics in SCPN?

- Responsible Person (RP) in the UK – Person or company responsible for placing the cosmetic on the market in the UK.

Important: Polish exporter cannot to be the Responsible Person if there is no registered office in the UK. They must appoint RP in the UK (e.g. distributor, importer, regulatory agency).

How to register cosmetics in SCPN?

1. Appoint a Responsible Person in the UK. 2. Prepare product documentation: - Composition (INCI – International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients). - Safety report (Cosmetic Product Safety Report – CPSR). - Product label. - RP contact details. 3. Log in to the system SCPN (submit-cosmetic-product-notification.service.gov.uk). 4. Enter product data. 5. You will receive SCPN reference number.

Cost: £0 (registration is free), but CPSR preparation may cost £200-£1,000 per product.

Cosmetics labelling requirements

Mandatory label elements:

1. Product name (e.g. "Moisturising face cream"). 2. Responsible Person data (name, address in the UK). 3. Country of origin (if the product is imported). 4. Nominal content (e.g. 50 ml). 5. Minimum durability date (e.g. "Best before: 12/2027") or PAO (Period After Opening, e.g. "12M"). 6. Composition (INCI) – List of ingredients in descending order. 7. Warnings (if applicable, e.g. "For external use only"). 8. Batch number (for product identification in case of complaints).

Language: The label must be in in English.

UKCA requirements for cosmetics

When do cosmetics require UKCA marking?

UKCA marking is not required for most cosmetics. However, if the cosmetic contains electrical components (e.g. electric facial brush, microdermabrasion device), must comply with: - UK Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016. - UKCA marking on the product or packaging.

Documents required for cosmetics export

1. Commercial Invoice

Required elements: - Exporter details (name, address, EORI PL). - Importer/Responsible Person details (name, address, EORI GB). - Detailed product description (e.g. "Moisturising face cream, 50 ml, ingredients: aqua, glycerin, ..."). - CN code (e.g. 3304.99.00). - Quantity, unit price, total value. - Delivery terms (Incoterms 2020). - Statement of origin (if using TCA).

2. Safety Report (CPSR)

Required elements: - Product safety assessment. - Ingredient analysis (INCI). - Toxicological tests (if applicable). - Toxicologist's signature. Important: CPSR must be prepared by a qualified toxicologist.

3. SCPN registration confirmation

Required elements: - SCPN reference number. - Responsible Person data.

4. UK REACH Certificate (if applicable)

If the cosmetic contains substances requiring registration under UK REACH, include: - Confirmation of substance registration. - UK REACH registration number.

Common mistakes when exporting cosmetics

Error 1: No Responsible Person in the UK

❌ Polish exporter tries to register a cosmetic in SCPN without a UK RP → rejection. ✅ Designate a UK RP (distributor, importer, regulatory agency).

Error 2: Label in Polish language

❌ Label only in Polish → detention at the border. ✅ Label in English (or bilingual: Polish + English).

Error 3: Missing safety report (CPSR)

❌ Cosmetic product without CPSR → no possibility to register in SCPN. ✅ Prepare CPSR before export.

Error 4: Incorrect composition (INCI)

❌ Composition not compliant with INCI standard → rejected by SCPN. ✅ Check composition in the INCI database (CosIng – Cosmetic Ingredient Database).

How can easyclearance.pl assist?

Coordination with Responsible Person in the UK

If you do not have an RP in the UK, we can assist with: - Finding a trusted regulatory agency in the UK. - Coordinating the SCPN registration process. - Preparing documentation (CPSR, labels).

Customs classification verification

Our team can assist with: - Correct classification of cosmetics (CN code). - Checking the customs duty rate in the UKGT tariff. - Determining whether cosmetics qualify for TCA (0% customs duty).

Customs clearance in the UK

We can perform customs clearance in the UK on our EORI number GB, eliminating the need for registration by the Polish company.

Distinction: easyclearance.pl is a customs agency based in the UK. We directly handle clearances in Great Britain. If your shipment requires customs clearance in Poland or another EU country, we coordinate the process through our network of licensed local partners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I export cosmetics to the UK without a Responsible Person?

No. All cosmetics sold in the UK must have a Responsible Person based in the UK.

Do natural cosmetics require UK REACH?

Yes, if they contain chemicals (e.g., preservatives, essential oils) in quantities ≥1 tonne per year.

How much does SCPN cosmetic registration cost?

Registration in SCPN is free, but preparing the CPSR may cost £200-£1,000 per product.

Can I use the same CPSR for the UK and the EU?

No. The UK requires a separate CPSR compliant with UK Cosmetic Regulation.

How long does registration in SCPN take?

If you have a ready CPSR and RP in the UK, registration takes 1-2 working days.

Summary

Exporting cosmetics to the UK requires meeting strict regulatory requirements:

1. UK REACH – Chemical substance registration (if ≥1 tonne/year). 2. SCPN – Mandatory notification of all cosmetics before placing on the market. 3. Responsible Person – RP with a UK address is required. 4. Labelling – Label in English with full composition (INCI). 5. 0% Duty – Most cosmetics qualify for TCA.

Do you need help exporting cosmetics to the UK?

If you export cosmetics to the United Kingdom and need support with SCPN registration, UK REACH, or customs clearance, contact easyclearance.pl.

easyclearance.pl is a customs agency based in the United Kingdom. We directly handle clearances in the UK. Customs clearances within the EU are carried out in cooperation with our network of licensed local partners. Contact us →

What the current official guidance means in practice

For operational work, the current procedural rules, declaration fields and relief conditions should be checked directly against the official guidance. For this topic, the core reference points are European Commission, GOV.UK / HMRC.

Official sources

• EU Commission (Customs procedures) — European Commission, 2026-03-04
• UK GOV (Importing into the UK) — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-03-04
• GOV.UK: Customs Declaration Service — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-03-04