CPNP & SCPN — Your Cosmetic Product Notifications, Submitted Without Errors

Every cosmetic product sold in the UK must be notified through SCPN before it goes on sale. Every product sold in the EU must be notified through CPNP. No exceptions.

SCPN is the UK notification system, while CPNP is the EU equivalent. Both require accurate and complete product information and are the responsibility of the Responsible Person.

While the notification process itself is structured, issues often arise from incorrect or incomplete data. Common errors include incorrect INCI names, missing information, inconsistencies between formulation data and the finished product, and incorrect product categorisation.

What the Notification Requires

Product category, Product name (including language variations where applicable), Nominal content, Product formulation, including INCI names and concentrations, Country or countries of placement on the market, Responsible Person contact details, Label artwork or product image showing the packaging and mandatory information, Nanomaterial details, where applicable

What It Costs to Get This Wrong

A cosmetic product placed on the UK market without SCPN notification, or on the EU market without CPNP notification, is not compliant with regulatory requirements. Notification is a prerequisite for placing a product on the market. Regulatory authorities, including OPSS and Trading Standards in the UK, have the power to take action where notification requirements are not met. This may include requiring corrective action, restricting sale, or, in some cases, product withdrawal. Where notification data is inaccurate or inconsistent, such as incorrect INCI names, incomplete information, or formulation details that do not match the finished product. This can create compliance risks and may be identified during regulatory review.

Common issues include notifications submitted using outdated INCI nomenclature, products reformulated without updating the notification, and EU notifications assumed to cover the UK market post-Brexit without separate SCPN submission. These issues may not be immediately visible but can surface during audits, inspections, or regulatory enquiries.

The Arcus Approach

We prepare and submit CPNP and SCPN notifications as part of the Responsible Person service or as a standalone service for brands that have their RP arrangements in place but need notification support.

We review formulation data prior to submission, ensure INCI names align with current nomenclature, and manage notification records over time, including updates following formulation changes or product discontinuation.

Get Your Products Notified