What is an EU Cosmetics "Responsible Person" (RP)?

## What is an EU Cosmetics "Responsible Person" (RP)? An **EU Cosmetics Responsible Person (RP)** is a legal or natural person established within the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) who is designated as the accountable entity for ensuring cosmetic products meet all obligations under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009^{<a href="#cite-1">[1]</a>}. ### Legal Definition According to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, **cosmetic products may only be placed on the market if a responsible person is designated within the Community**^{<a href="#cite-1">[1]</a>}. This is not optional—it's a mandatory requirement for market access. ### Why the RP Requirement Exists The Responsible Person requirement serves several critical purposes: 1. **Regulatory Accountability** - Ensures there's always an EU-established entity that authorities can contact 2. **Consumer Safety** - The RP is legally responsible for product safety and compliance 3. **Market Surveillance** - Provides a local contact point for competent authorities 4. **Documentation Access** - Ensures Product Information Files (PIFs) are accessible within the EU ### Key Characteristics - **Must be established in EU/EEA** - The RP must be a legal entity or natural person established within an EU member state or EEA country - **Legal responsibility** - The RP assumes legal responsibility for the cosmetic products - **Regulatory interface** - The RP serves as the primary contact point for competent authorities - **Compliance oversight** - The RP ensures products meet all regulatory requirements before and after market placement ### Who Needs an EU Cosmetics RP? You need an EU Cosmetics RP if: - ✅ You manufacture cosmetic products outside the EU/EEA and want to place them on the EU market - ✅ You import cosmetic products into the EU/EEA - ✅ You distribute cosmetic products under your own name or trademark - ✅ You modify cosmetic products in ways that affect compliance ### Practical Implications The RP requirement applies regardless of: - Your sales channel (online, retail, B2B, B2C) - Product type (makeup, skincare, haircare, perfumes, etc.) - Product volume (single product or large catalog) - Your location (US, Asia, or any non-EU country) ### Next Steps Checklist - [ ] Verify your manufacturer location (EU/EEA vs. non-EU) - [ ] Confirm your product classification (cosmetic vs. medical device vs. biocidal) - [ ] Understand your distribution model (direct sales, import, private label) - [ ] **[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: <a id="cite-1"></a>[1] [Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products - Article 4](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)