Selling Cosmetics in the U.S. & FDA Cosmetic registration

It’s not a secret to anyone that the cosmetic market is growing tremendously. Current projections estimate a considerable growth in the U.S. market. With the growing trend of e-commerce, a decent size of cosmetic products is being sold through online channels like Amazon. 

US FDA Cosmetic Registration

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the regulations over the cosmetics and personal care products sold in the U.S. market.  Under current regulations of the FDA, cosmetic registration is not mandatory. However, cosmetic and personal care product companies can voluntarily register with FDA through a program called Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP). Through VCRP program manufacturers, packers, labelers and retailers can voluntarily register with the FDA. Even though cosmetic retailers and business offices can participate in the cosmetic registration, only the owners or operators of cosmetic manufacturing or packing establishments will obtain the FDA registration number after the cosmetic registration submission.

In addition, after the cosmetic product has entered the commercial distribution (sold a minimum of $1000), the cosmetic manufacturer, packer, or distributor can file a statement for each product entered the U.S. market. Through this program, that is called Cosmetic Product Ingredient Statements (CPIS), cosmetic companies can file an statement for each cosmetic formulation. Through CPIS filling process, companies have the chance to cross-reference their product ingredients with the FDA cosmetic ingredient dictionary. A CPIS filling can be amended later if the product formulation is changed.

Selling Cosmetics on Amazon

Amazon sales of cosmetic and personal care products for (FY) 2018 was estimated to be over $16 Billion, close to 40% increase compare to the (FY) 2017. According to Amazon Seller Central forum, cosmetic resellers and distributors are required to present an invoice from the manufacturer as well as  proof of FDA registration or Good Manufacturing Practice (GPM) certificate or Certificate of analysis for certain cosmetic products.

FDA Listing Inc. is a New York based corporation that assists companies from around the world to comply with U.S. FDA Regulations. FDA Listing Inc. can assist with cosmetic manufacturers and packers with FDA cosmetic establishments registration and product formulation fillings as well as FDA Cosmetic Labeling Requirements and will provide a certificate of FDA registration after completion or registration.