CPNP: Cosmetic Products Notification Portal

What Is the CPNP?

The Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) is an online notification system established by the European Commission under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products.

Before a cosmetic product is placed on the European Union market, the required product information must be submitted to the CPNP by the Responsible Person or, in certain circumstances, by a distributor.

The CPNP notification is a mandatory regulatory step for cosmetic products marketed in the EU. Once a product has been properly notified through the CPNP, there is generally no requirement for a separate cosmetic product notification at national level within the EU.

What Information Is Submitted to the CPNP?

The CPNP notification contains specific information about the cosmetic product and the company responsible for placing it on the EU market. Depending on the product and circumstances, the notification includes information such as:

• Product name and product category
• The name and address of the Responsible Person
• Country of origin for products imported into the EU
• Contact details where the Product Information File (PIF) can be accessed
• The presence of substances classified as nanomaterials
• The product's physical form and other required product information
• Relevant information required for identification of the product

The notification is submitted electronically through the CPNP and is intended to provide the relevant authorities with the information necessary for regulatory supervision.

Who Can Access the CPNP?

The CPNP is not a public database. Access is provided to organisations and professionals who require the information for regulatory or safety purposes.

The system can be accessed by:

• EU competent authorities, for market surveillance and enforcement
• European poison centres, to support medical treatment in cases of exposure
• Responsible Persons, who are responsible for placing cosmetic products on the EU market
• Distributors, under the circumstances specified by the Cosmetic Products Regulation

The information available to these parties depends on their role and the purpose for which they access the system.

CPNP and the Responsible Person

The Responsible Person plays a central role in the EU cosmetic regulatory framework. Every cosmetic product placed on the EU market must have a Responsible Person established within the European Union.

The Responsible Person is responsible for ensuring that the cosmetic product complies with the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. This includes ensuring that the product has undergone an appropriate safety assessment, that a Product Information File (PIF) is maintained, and that the required CPNP notification has been completed.

CPNP notification itself does not replace these other regulatory requirements. A product must comply with the applicable requirements before it is placed on the market.

CPNP and the Product Information File (PIF)

The CPNP notification is one part of the overall cosmetic compliance process. It should not be confused with the Product Information File (PIF).

The PIF contains detailed technical and regulatory information about the cosmetic product and must be kept available by the Responsible Person. It includes, among other information, the Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR), the product description, information concerning animal testing where applicable, and evidence supporting the product's claims where required.

The CPNP provides regulatory authorities with notification information, while the PIF provides the underlying documentation demonstrating compliance.

Products Containing Nanomaterials

Cosmetic products containing certain nanomaterials are subject to additional notification requirements.

Article 16 of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 establishes a specific CPNP module for products containing nanomaterials. This notification is separate from the standard notification required under Article 13.

Where applicable, information concerning the nanomaterial must be submitted through the dedicated notification procedure. If the European Commission has concerns regarding the safety of a nanomaterial used in a cosmetic product, it may request a scientific assessment by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).

CPNP in Cosmetic Product Development

CPNP notification is normally completed toward the end of the cosmetic product development and regulatory process, once the necessary product information is available.

Before notification, the product should have the required regulatory documentation and a designated Responsible Person. The notification should accurately reflect the product that will be placed on the EU market.

For cosmetic brands developing new products, CPNP notification is therefore closely connected with the preparation of the PIF, CPSR, final formulation, product packaging and regulatory review.

At A&T Formulation, CPNP notification can be incorporated into the regulatory process for cosmetic products intended for the European market.

References

Official website of the European Union – Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP)