Quick Answer (for busy buyers)
Here’s the buyer-first summary. If your brand name is on the label, you usually act as the responsible person and must ensure the listing is submitted and kept current.
- In the UK, skincare labels require both an expiry date (the date until which the unopened product is safe and effective) and a PAO symbol (e.g., 6M for 6 months, indicating safe use after opening).
- This stems from retained EU Cosmetics Regulation, ensuring clarity on product shelf life and post-opening safety to prevent contamination or efficacy loss.
- As an OEM/ODM, we guide you through implementation: stability testing for expiry dates typically takes 3-6 months during sampling, while PAO determination adds 1-2 weeks for microbial challenge tests.
- MOQs often start at 10,000 units per SKU, influenced by packaging complexity and ingredient sourcing.
- Packaging must support PAO claims with designs like airless pumps to minimize contamination.
- We provide documentation support including CPSRs and UK CPNP notifications, with lead times of 8-12 weeks post-sample approval for full production, testing, and labeling.
- Note that while we assist with testing and docs, regulatory approval responsibility lies with your appointed person.
Buyer outcome
A launch-ready compliance plan: inputs collected, roles assigned, and update cadence defined.
Most common blocker
Missing facility information + inconsistent ingredient/label snapshots across SKUs.
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This page is a practical buyer guide. For definitive requirements and updates, use FDA resources and qualified regulatory counsel.