As the Competent Authority the IMB is responsible for the regulation of cosmetic products on the Irish market and ensuring compliance with the legislation. Our role as Competent Authority involves a range of activities including:

Cosmetic product notifications and generation of Certificates of Free Sale.
Ensuring the operation of an effective and broad reaching market surveillance programme in conjunction with the HSE.
Investigation of safety concerns arising during cosmetic product use.
Participation in international activities, including relevant EU working groups.

Guidance on Current Cosmetic Legislation

A number of key guidance documents have been prepared to assist the cosmetics sector on the cosmetics legislation. These documents can be found in the publications section of the IMB website.

Notification

The European Commission launched the Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP) in January 2012. This is a centralised database for the notification of cosmetic products and will replace national notification requirements from July 2013. Manufacturers, importers and responsible persons are encouraged to register with the European Commission and to familiarise themselves with the CPNP prior to July 2013. Further information on the CPNP is available at the following link:
http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/sectors/cosmetics/files/pdf/cpnp_new_en.pdf

The national procedure for notification of cosmetic products remains open until 11th July 2013. 

Export Certificates

To apply for a certificate of free sale for cosmetic products click here.

Tooth Whitening

Changes in EU legislation came into effect in October 2012 under Council Directive 2011/84/EU, the 'Tooth Whitening Directive', for the purpose of assuring a greater degree of protection of consumer health in this area. This legislation has been transposed into Irish law by S.I. 396 of 2012.
Further information for consumers, retailers and distributors

Contact Us

Queries relating to cosmetic products can be directed to the following e-mail address:  cosmetics@imb.ie