In the European Union a perfume is a cosmetic product. Anyone placing it on the market must meet a number of obligations. This article gives a first overview. It is information, not legal advice: always check the current official texts.
The European Cosmetics Regulation
The framework is Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products. It governs, among other things, safety, the responsibility of the party placing the product on the market, notification and labelling.
The responsible person
Every cosmetic product has a responsible person in the European Union: the brand or a designated party. They ensure compliance and keep the product information file.
The safety assessment (CPSR)
Before going on the market, a safety report is required, drawn up by a qualified safety assessor. It evaluates the formula, the raw materials and the use.
Notification
Every product is notified in the European cosmetics notification portal (CPNP) before it goes on the market.
IFRA standards
IFRA is the international organisation of the fragrance industry. Its standards set maximum doses for fragrance materials per product category. It is an industry code of practice and not a law, but a good perfume house always develops IFRA-compliant.
Labelling and allergens
The label shows, among other things, the ingredients (INCI), the name and address of the responsible person, the batch number and the content. Separate rules apply to fragrance allergens. Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 considerably extends the list of fragrance allergens that must appear on the label: for new products from 31 July 2026, for all products from 31 July 2028.
Good manufacturing practice
Cosmetics must be produced under good manufacturing practice. The standard for this is ISO 22716. Ask every production partner how it is arranged.
What does Kastoréll Studio do?
We deliver an IFRA-compliant formula with technical documentation. What you as a brand still need to arrange, we discuss beforehand, so there are no surprises. See our programmes for private label perfume.