Importing Cosmetics from the USA. Do I need to have them qualified in the UK?

[Kyle Harrison]

Hi there,

I am planning on starting a male grooming and hygiene business and I will mainly import from the US. I will be importing handmade soaps, face and body wash, beard oils and shampoo.

I assume that US and EU health and safety standards and regulation are pretty similar. However, I have found that the US doesn't seem to require cosmetic goods to be 'pre-approved' by having them inspected by a qualified person. I think I am right in thinking the UK and EU does require for cosmetic goods to be inspected by a qualified person. Am I right in thinking this?

And does this mean I would have to have a sample product that I imported checked by a qualified person before I can put the products on sale?

Any other info you can provide would be a great too!

Thank you!

Kyle

 

[bharris]

Unfortunately you do have to have them approved by a qualified person. I don't know if you can get them tested / approved in the USA by who ever made them. You also have to make sure the labelling is correct with full INCI ingredient listing (not required in the USA) also they do allow ingredients that are not allowed in the EU, We once had a problem with body insect repellent. You also have to have your contact info on the product as the importer. Could be expensive to get them all tested. I would be interested to know if there is some way of avoiding the testing in the UK with some sort of mutual acceptance of standards / testing.