What Is a Responsible Person for Cosmetics in the UK?

Who can be the Responsible Person?

The RP must be established in the UK. In practice it is usually one of these: • The brand owner, if the brand is a UK company. This is the most common set-up for UK founders. • The manufacturer, if a UK manufacturer makes and sells the product under its own name. • The importer, if products are made outside the UK. The importer is the RP by default unless it appoints someone else in writing. • A third-party RP service, appointed by written mandate. Overseas brands often use one to enter the GB market.

A distributor becomes the RP if it puts a product on the market under its own name, or changes a product in a way that could affect compliance, such as relabelling or translating it.

What the Responsible Person is liable for The RP is accountable for making sure each product meets the regulation. That covers:

1. Safety. A safety assessment (CPSR) has been completed by a qualified assessor before launch.
2. The Product Information File. The PIF exists, is complete, and is kept at the address on the label for 10 years after the last batch is placed on the market.
3. Notification. The product is notified on SCPN before it goes on sale.
4. Labelling. The label carries all mandatory information.
5. Ingredient compliance. No banned substances, and restricted ones only within their limits.
6. Claims. Every claim is supported by evidence held in the PIF.
7. Undesirable effects. Serious undesirable effects are reported to OPSS, and complaints are recorded and assessed.
8. Corrective action. If a product is non-compliant or unsafe, the RP must fix it, withdraw it or recall it, and inform the authorities.

A UK company selling into the EU needs an EU-based RP. A single label can carry both a UK and an EU RP address.

Can you outsource the role? Yes, but the legal accountability still sits with whoever is named. Before signing with an RP service, check:

• What they review before accepting your products (a good RP will ask hard questions about your PIF). • Where the PIF is held and how quickly it can be produced for an inspector. • Their fees per product and per variant. • How they handle complaints and undesirable-effect reports.

FAQs Can a sole trader be a Responsible Person? Yes. The RP can be an individual or a company, provided they are established in the UK.

Does the RP need qualifications? No formal qualification is required. The safety assessor does need one.

Do I need a new RP for each product? No. One RP can cover your whole range.

How Labelring helps As a Responsible Person, your PIF is your evidence. Labelring keeps every product's file complete, current and ready to hand over if Trading Standards or OPSS ask.