How to Import Private Label Cosmetics from Europe (USA, UK, Australia Guide)

Importing cosmetics from Europe is simpler than most brands outside the EU expect. If you are based in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, or the Gulf region and want to import cosmetics from Europe — whether private label, white label, or custom OEM — this guide covers the process step by step: from finding a manufacturer to clearing customs and getting your product to market.

Step 1: Find and Qualify a European Cosmetics Manufacturer

The first step when you decide to import cosmetics from Europe is qualifying a manufacturer. The key criteria to verify:

• GMP certification (ISO 22716): mandatory for EU manufacturers — ask for the certificate.
• Export experience: has the manufacturer shipped to your target market before? Ask for the markets they have exported to and what documentation they provide.
• Product range match: does the manufacturer produce the product category you need — skincare, haircare, bath, solid cosmetics, organic-certified?
• MOQ alignment: confirm minimum order quantities before investing in samples. EU manufacturers typically offer MOQ from 500 units per SKU.

Step 2: Request Samples and Approve Formulas

Once you have identified a manufacturer, the next step is sampling. For white label products (adapting an existing formula with your branding), a sample can typically be ready within one to two weeks. For custom OEM formulation from scratch, allow 4–8 weeks for the first prototype — this covers ingredient sourcing, development, and initial stability assessment.

Sample evaluation should cover: texture, fragrance, colour, stability under typical transport and storage conditions, and — if you are targeting specific claims — performance testing. Once the sample is approved, you proceed to production order.

Step 3: Production and Export Documentation

After sample approval, production is confirmed with a purchase order and deposit. Lead times for production runs typically range from 4–8 weeks depending on volume, formula complexity, and packaging lead times. During this phase, your manufacturer should be preparing the export documentation package that you will need to import cosmetics from Europe into your target market.

The standard documentation package from a reputable EU manufacturer includes:

• Certificate of Analysis (COA) — batch-specific test results confirming the finished product meets its specification for appearance, pH, viscosity, microbial limits, and other relevant parameters.
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) — required for customs classification in most markets. Classifies the product for transport and storage safety.
• Free Sale Certificate — issued by the relevant EU authority, confirms the product is legally manufactured and freely sold in the EU. Required for import registration in Gulf markets (GCC), many Southeast Asian markets, and parts of Latin America.
• GMP Certificate — confirms manufacturing under ISO 22716. Required or strongly recommended for import clearance in the US, Australia, and increasingly in the UK post-Brexit.
• Full ingredient list (INCI) — required on product labelling in all major markets; your manufacturer should provide the correctly formatted INCI list.

Importing to the United States

To import cosmetics from Europe into the US, the primary regulatory framework is the FDA Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA), which came into effect in December 2022. Key requirements:

• Facility registration: cosmetic manufacturers and facilities that manufacture or process cosmetics for US sale must be registered with the FDA. Your EU manufacturer should already be registered or willing to register if they export to the US.
• Product listing: products must be listed with the FDA under MoCRA. Your EU manufacturer can support this with the required formula and ingredient information.
• Safety substantiation: you must maintain safety substantiation for your product. A EU-manufactured product with a full Product Information File, COA, and safety assessment already satisfies this requirement in practice.
• Customs clearance: cosmetics enter the US under HTS codes 3303–3307. No pre-market approval is required — the product is cleared by customs based on the invoice, packing list, INCI ingredient list, and SDS. Duty rates are typically 0–5%.

Importing to the United Kingdom

Post-Brexit, the UK operates its own cosmetics regulatory framework — UK Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 as retained in UK law — which closely mirrors the EU framework. To import cosmetics from Europe into the UK:

• You need a UK Responsible Person — a UK-based entity legally responsible for the product on the UK market. If you are based in the UK, you are the Responsible Person. If you are importing for a UK client, you take on this role.
• Products must be notified via the UK’s SCPN portal (UK equivalent of the EU’s CPNP notification system).
• Labelling must comply with UK requirements — “GB address” on packaging, UK-specific statutory language.
• Import duty on cosmetics from the EU into the UK is generally 0% under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, provided the goods meet Rules of Origin requirements (EU-manufactured products typically qualify).

Importing to Australia

Australia regulates cosmetics under the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) for products making therapeutic claims and the AICIS (Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme) for standard cosmetics. To import cosmetics from Europe into Australia:

• Standard cosmetics (no therapeutic claims) are generally unrestricted for import. The product must comply with Australian ingredient restrictions and labelling requirements.
• AICIS registration may be required for new chemical ingredients not already listed in Australia. EU-formulated products using approved EU ingredients are typically compliant.
• Labelling must comply with Australian Consumer Law — ingredient list (INCI), country of origin statement, responsible entity address (Australian).
• Customs duty on cosmetics from Europe into Australia is 0% under the Australia-EU free trade agreement provisions.

Importing to Canada

Canada regulates cosmetics under Health Canada’s Cosmetic Regulations (under the Food and Drugs Act). To import cosmetics from Europe into Canada:

• Cosmetics must be notified to Health Canada within 10 days of first sale. Notification requires the product name, manufacturer details, and full ingredient list.
• Ingredients must comply with Canada’s Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist (restricted/prohibited substances). EU-formulated products are generally compliant, though a few EU-permitted ingredients are restricted in Canada.
• Bilingual labelling (English and French) is required for retail products.
• Import duty under CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the EU) is 0% for most cosmetic categories.

How Cosmetic Lab Supports the Import Process

Cosmetic Lab is an EU-certified cosmetics manufacturer based in Riga, Latvia. We have been exporting to 20+ countries since 2005 and have experience supporting clients through the import process in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and the Gulf region. When you import cosmetics from Europe through Cosmetic Lab, we provide:

• Complete export documentation (COA, MSDS, Free Sale Certificate, GMP Certificate, INCI list) as standard with every shipment.
• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping options — we handle the logistics and customs export from Latvia.
• Guidance on labelling requirements for your target market — we can produce labels to US, UK, Australian, or GCC specifications.
• White label (sample in 1 week) and custom OEM formulation (4–8 weeks to first prototype), MOQ from 500 units.
• Product range across skincare, haircare, bath and body, white label cosmetics, solid cosmetics, and specialist formats including animal care and men’s grooming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence to import cosmetics from Europe?

In most markets (US, UK, Australia, Canada), no import licence is required for standard cosmetics. You need to comply with the labelling, notification, and ingredient regulations of your target market, but there is no pre-market approval or import permit required. The Gulf markets (GCC) are an exception — product registration with the local health authority is typically required before import.

What documents do I need to import cosmetics from Europe?

The standard documentation to import cosmetics from Europe includes: commercial invoice, packing list, Certificate of Analysis (COA), Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS), full INCI ingredient list, and — for markets that require it — a Free Sale Certificate and GMP Certificate. A reputable EU manufacturer provides all of these as standard.

How long does shipping take from Europe to the US, UK, or Australia?

Air freight from Latvia (or the EU generally) to the US, UK, or Australia typically takes 5–10 business days. Sea freight takes 15–35 days depending on the destination. For initial orders and time-sensitive launches, most brands use air freight. For larger repeat orders, sea freight is significantly more cost-effective.

What are the customs duties on cosmetics imported from Europe?

Duty rates vary by market and product classification. Under current trade agreements, EU cosmetics typically attract 0% duty in the UK (UK-EU TCA), Canada (CETA), and Australia. US import duties on cosmetics range from 0–5% depending on HTS classification. Gulf markets vary — UAE applies a 5% standard import duty on most cosmetics. Your freight forwarder can provide the correct HTS classification and duty calculation for your shipment.

Ready to import cosmetics from Europe? Contact Cosmetic Lab below — we will respond within 2 business days with product options, pricing, and a sample timeline for your market.