Halden SCPN notification: what you need before you start
SCPN is the UK government's notification service for cosmetics. If you are planning to sell in Great Britain, it is one of the first things your Responsible Person will ask you about, because nothing can go on sale until it is done. This post sets out what the service needs, using the legislation and the official guidance.
What SCPN is
The Submit Cosmetic Product Notifications service (SCPN) is run by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS). GOV.UK says that if you make cosmetic products available to consumers in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), you must notify them through it. Northern Ireland has a separate process and uses the EU portal, CPNP.
The legal duty is in Article 13 of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 as it applies in Great Britain: before placing a product on the market, the Responsible Person must submit the required information electronically to the Secretary of State.
Who can notify
The Responsible Person, who must be established in the UK. That can be the manufacturer, the importer, a distributor that labels the product as its own, or a company or person appointed by the manufacturer or importer. If you are based outside the UK, your UK Responsible Person notifies for you. Our post on whether you need a UK Responsible Person explains who that is by default.
To use the service you need a GOV.UK One Login. The SCPN start page says that if you already have an SCPN account, your One Login should use the same email address.
What you need
Article 13(1) and the GOV.UK guidance between them list the following. Getting these together is usually the brand's job, with the Responsible Person checking them.
| Item | Where it comes from |
|---|---|
| Product category and name, so the product can be identified | Article 13(1)(a) |
| Name of the Responsible Person | Article 13(1)(b) |
| Address where the product information file is kept | Article 13(1)(c) |
| A named person to contact in an emergency | Article 13(1)(d) |
| Any substances in the form of nanomaterials, with their identification and exposure conditions | Article 13(1)(e) |
| Name and CAS or EC number of any substances classified as CMR category 1A or 1B | Article 13(1)(f) |
| The frame formulation, so doctors can treat someone quickly if something goes wrong | Article 13(1)(g) |
| The original label and, where reasonably legible, a photograph of the packaging | Article 13(2) |
The GOV.UK guidance page also mentions chemical details of substances and a summary of the ingredients, so have your full formula with percentages and your INCI list to hand.
The formula: frame formulation or concentrations
SCPN describes a frame formulation as a way of giving the ingredients in a product with a maximum concentration. Frame formulations are set categories, and you can look them up on the SCPN site. If a product does not fit a frame formulation, for example because it includes a new ingredient, SCPN says you must notify it using an exact or range concentration instead.
Either way, the figures have to match the formula that is actually made, and the one your safety assessment covers.
Label and pack images
SCPN's own guidance on images says:
- You must upload the artwork for the product label.
- If the product comes in a box or other outer packaging, you also need a clear photo of that packaging.
- For a product with several components, such as a kit, you need the artwork and a photo of the set.
- If there is a leaflet, tag, card or separate label with instructions or information, attach that artwork too.
- You can upload up to 10 images, each up to 30MB, as JPG, PNG or PDF. They must be in focus, with all packaging text legible.
This is a good moment to check your label against the GB rules. A notification is only as good as the label it shows. Our free label check gives you a first look.
Nanomaterials and CMR substances
Nanomaterials. Where a nanomaterial is listed in Annex IV, V or VI (colourants, preservatives and UV filters) and used within its restrictions, its details are given as part of the normal product notification. Other nanomaterials need more: SCPN's guidance lists details such as the chemical name, expected yearly quantity, particle size and properties, and toxicological and safety data. OPSS guidance says a product containing such a nanomaterial must be notified at least 6 months before it is placed on the market. A nanomaterial that is not listed in those Annexes cannot be used as a colourant, preservative or UV filter at all.
CMR substances. Substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction in category 1A or 1B must be named, with their CAS or EC number. Most CMR substances are banned in cosmetics, and GB has added more to the banned list in 2026. We cover those changes in our post on the 2026 rule changes.
After you notify
- Keep it current. If any of the information changes, the Responsible Person must update it without delay (Article 13(11)). A reformulation, a new label or a new Responsible Person can all count.
- It is not public. GOV.UK says search access is restricted to competent authorities, mainly Trading Standards officers, and the National Poisons Information Service.
- Not notifying is an offence. The SCPN service says not notifying can lead to a fine and a prison term of up to 3 months, with an unlimited fine in England and Wales.
- Fees. None of the GOV.UK or SCPN pages we checked mention a fee for notifying.
How it works with us
- You send us your full formula, INCI list, safety report, label artwork and pack photos.
- We review the formula and label against the current GB rules and tell you in writing what, if anything, must change.
- We notify each product on SCPN as your Responsible Person, before it goes on sale.
- We keep it up to date when you change a formula, a label or a supplier, and hold your product information file in the UK.
Notification is included in every plan. Our prices are published, or tell us what you sell for a written quote.
Common questions
Who can submit an SCPN notification?
The Responsible Person, who must be established in the UK. A brand based outside the UK cannot notify for itself unless it has a UK-established Responsible Person.
Does my EU CPNP notification count in Great Britain?
No. Products made available to consumers in Great Britain have to be notified on the UK's Submit Cosmetic Product Notifications service (SCPN). CPNP is the EU portal, and it is also the route for Northern Ireland.
Is there a fee to notify on SCPN?
None of the GOV.UK or SCPN pages we checked mention a fee for notifying.
Can anyone look up my notification?
No. GOV.UK says search access is restricted to competent authorities, mainly Trading Standards officers, and the National Poisons Information Service.
What if my product contains a nanomaterial?
Nanomaterials listed in Annexes IV, V or VI and used within their restrictions are covered in the normal product notification. Other nanomaterials need extra information, and OPSS says they must be notified at least 6 months before the product is placed on the market.
Read next: How much does a UK Responsible Person cost?
Sources
- Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 as it applies in GB, Article 13 (notification): legislation.gov.uk/eur/2009/1223/article/13
- GOV.UK, Submit a cosmetic product notification (last updated 31 December 2020): gov.uk/guidance/submit-a-cosmetic-product-notification
- SCPN service start page: submit.cosmetic-product-notifications.service.gov.uk
- SCPN, find a frame formulation: submit.cosmetic-product-notifications.service.gov.uk/frame_formulations
- SCPN, how to prepare images for notification: submit.cosmetic-product-notifications.service.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-prepare-images-for-notification
- SCPN, how to notify nanomaterials: submit.cosmetic-product-notifications.service.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-notify-nanomaterials
- OPSS guidance for Great Britain: gov.uk, Regulation 1223/2009 and the Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013 (Great Britain)
This post is general information, not legal advice. It reflects the legislation and guidance as we found them on 27 October 2026.