What is an EU Cosmetics Responsible Person (RP), and when do you need one?

## What is an EU Cosmetics Responsible Person (RP)? An **EU Cosmetics Responsible Person (RP)** is a legal entity established within the European Union that acts as the regulatory interface for manufacturers not established in the EU. According to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, the RP represents the manufacturer for regulatory compliance matters related to placing cosmetic products on the EU market. ### When Do You Need an EU Cosmetics RP? You typically need an EU Cosmetics RP if: 1. **Your legal manufacturer address is outside the EU/EEA** - This includes manufacturers based in the United States, Asia, or any other country outside the EU/EEA. Regulation 1223/2009 treats all non-EU manufacturers as requiring an RP. 2. **You want to place cosmetic products on the EU/EEA market** - The RP requirement applies to: - All cosmetic products (makeup, skincare, haircare, perfumes, etc.) - Products placed on the market in any EU member state - Both finished products and products sold to consumers ### Legal Basis Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 explicitly states that **cosmetic products may only be placed on the market if a responsible person is designated within the Community**. This is not optional—it's a mandatory requirement for market access. ### Key Distinction from Medical Devices Unlike medical devices (which use "Authorized Representative"), cosmetics use the term **"Responsible Person"**. The RP assumes legal responsibility for the cosmetic products and must be established in the EU. ### Practical Takeaway If you ship cosmetic products into the EU under your non-EU manufacturer name, you **must** have an EU Cosmetics RP. The requirement is independent of whether you have other certifications—the RP is a separate regulatory obligation that must be met. **Important Note**: The RP must be established in an EU member state. They cannot be based in the UK (post-Brexit), Switzerland, or other non-EU countries. ### Next Steps 1. Verify your manufacturer location and distribution model 2. Confirm your product classification (cosmetic vs. medical device vs. biocidal) 3. Engage a qualified EU Cosmetics RP provider before placing products on the market 4. **[Compare EU Cosmetics Responsible Person providers & request quotes](https://cruxi.ai/regulatory-directories/cosmetics_rp)** - Get quotes from multiple providers to find the best fit --- *Written by **Lo H. Khamis**, Regulatory Experts. [Connect on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lo-h-khamis) for regulatory guidance.* ### Official Sources: - [Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32009R1223) - [European Commission - Cosmetics overview](https://ec.europa.eu/single-market-economy/sectors/cosmetics_en)