Shipping Beauty and Cosmetics Internationally: What Brands Need to Know 

The global beauty and cosmetics industry is booming with a 46.6% year over year increase in international growth. Shipping beauty and cosmetics internationally is becoming an enticing market. International shoppers are eager to access favorite skincare brands, fragrances, and clean beauty essentials, presenting a significant opportunity for brands to expand globally. But with that opportunity comes complexity. 

From ingredient restrictions to labeling requirements, shipping cosmetics across borders requires more than a shipping label and sturdy box. This guide breaks down what brands need to know especially when expanding into example regulated markets. 

Why international shipping is a game-changer for beauty brands 

Beauty and skincare products have a loyal following that transcends borders. According to Statista, cosmetics and beauty are projected to generate revenues amounting to nearly 140 billion U.S. dollars by the year 2030. Whether you’re a clean beauty pioneer or a heritage fragrance brand, international demand can drive powerful revenue growth and brand affinity. Here’s why going global makes sense: 

• High repeat purchase rates and customer loyalty across markets 

• Strong cross-border demand for innovative or niche products not locally available 

• Premium positioning in new markets where “made in USA” or “K-beauty” has cachet 

• Scalability with DTC—especially when supported by seamless logistics and compliance 

But tapping into this growth means navigating international compliance requirements for cosmetics, which are among the most scrutinized product categories in cross– border commerce. 

Key considerations when shipping cosmetics internationally 

Whether you’re launching DTC, B2B, or both, beauty products fall under regulated categories due to their formulation, intended use, and potential impact on human health. These requirements vary by destination country, but some common themes apply:

1. Product classification

Cosmetics can be defined differently across regions. While most definitions generally imply that cosmetics are defined as a product that is meant to be used on the human body for cleaning, perfuming, or changing appearance. It is an important distinction from food products or supplement products which can blur the lines with certain beauty products at times, but are treated differently by customs. However, there are nuances to each region like the U.S., Canada and the EU which make it important to review before shipping into a new region.  

When it comes to product classification, how you describe your item matters. Every brand should use a clear and specific product description— Beauty products in particular can be branded with flashy names that depict color or flavors, like a sugar scrub called “Brown Sugar” or a lotion called “Vitamin C boost”. Customs authorities need to know exactly what’s in the box to process it smoothly. This is especially important for products that often get extra scrutiny, like anything meant for human use. Pairing a detailed description with the correct Harmonized System (HS) helps reduce the risk of delays, inspections, or even rejections at the border. 

Tip: Ensure your product is correctly classified with accurate HS codes before attempting to ship. Misclassification can result in costly delays or seizures at customs.

2. Ingredient restrictions

Most countries maintain lists of banned or restricted ingredients. The EU’s Cosmetic Ingredient Annex and Canada’s Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist both prohibit or limit certain substances. 

• Coloring agents, preservatives, and UV filters are permitted only if they are from approved lists 

• Animal-tested final formulations are banned in the EU. 

• Some ingredients may be legal in the U.S. one country, but restricted in others .

3. Packaging and labeling

Accurate, compliant labeling is essential for customs clearance in some regions like Canada. Key elements include: 

• Product identity and use 

• Ingredients list  

• Warnings or precautions of avoidable hazards 

• Contact information where consumers can direct questions 

• (Regionally) Country-specific language requirements (e.g., labels in French and English for Canada; Spanish in Spain) 

Even for DTC shipments, labeling should follow best practices to avoid scrutiny.

4. Customs documentation

Accurate, thorough customs documentation is essential for smooth cross border delivery—especially for regulated products like cosmetics. Two key elements are critical: 

• Clear product descriptions: Avoid vague labels like “beauty item” or “makeup.” Instead, use precise terms such as “lipstick in plastic tube, 3g” or “fragrance oil, alcohol-based, 50ml.” 

• Correct HS codes: Use the appropriate Harmonized System (HS) code that matches the product’s composition and use. This determines the duties and admissibility of the shipment. 

In addition to standard commercial invoices and shipping labels, be sure to include any country-specific documentation tied to product registration or compliance, where applicable Failure to include these documents can result in delays, inspections, or rejected entries at customs. Even if your product is compliant, missing paperwork can stop your shipment cold. 

Special focus: Shipping cosmetics to Canada 

Canada’s regulatory landscape for cosmetics is nuanced as they are categorized and regulated as both consumer products and cosmetics, and are accordingly governed under two separate frameworks: 

1. Cosmetic Regulations (under the Food and Drugs Act) 

1. Canada Consumer Product Safety Act  

Cosmetics are defined broadly as any substance used to clean, improve, or alter skin, hair, teeth, or appearance—including perfumes, skincare, deodorants, and makeup. But the degree of regulatory oversight depends on whether you’re shipping for personal use (DTC) or commercially (B2B or wholesale). 

Personal use (DTC) shipments 

If you’re sending cosmetics directly to Canadian consumers for personal, non-commercial use, and those shipments fall under personal use thresholds, you are generally exempt from the more burdensome requirements like the Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF) outlined by Health Canada and in Section 4 of the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act. Key criteria for this exemption include: 

• Shipment is going to an individual for personal use 

• Shipment does not exceed a 90-day supply 

• There are no repeated shipments within a 90-day period to the same address that cumulatively exceed the limit 

• The product is not intended for use in a professional setting (e.g., salons or dermatology clinics or labs) 

Labeling and ingredient compliance still apply. Even if Health Canada doesn’t enforce CNF or licensing for these shipments, your products: 

• Must not contain restricted or banned ingredients (see Health Canada’s Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist) 

• Should ideally include bilingual (English/French) labeling 

• Must avoid misleading or medical claims (e.g., “cures acne,” “heals eczema”) 

While enforcement may be more relaxed for DTC, Canada Border Services Agency can still inspect, delay, or reject shipments that appear suspicious or noncompliant. So it’s best practice to align labeling, formulation, and documentation with Health Canada guidelines. 

Commercial shipments (B2B, bulk, resale) 

Once you cross into commercial activity—whether that’s selling through distributors, shipping inventory to Canadian retailers, or sending products for use in professional services—you are subject to more heightened restrictions from Health Canada including: 

• Ensuring the product is not dangerous, restricted or recalled 

• Submitting a Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF) before import 

• Adhering strictly to labeling regulations, including ingredient list formatting (INCI), bilingual packaging, contact details, and mandatory warning statements 

• Keeping detailed product records and safety data 

Shipments that don’t meet these standards can face delays, seizure, or fines. Transitioning from DTC to B2B in Canada should involve a compliance audit and potentially working with a local regulatory consultant. 

Special focus: Shipping cosmetics to the European Union 

According to McKinsey & Company, the European Union accounted for 24% of the global beauty market, which totaled $441 billion in 2024. The EU sets a high bar for cosmetic safety, transparency, and accountability, making it one of the most complex regions to enter—but also one of the most lucrative for brands that do it right. Cosmetics in the EU are governed by Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009, which applies across all 27 member states. 

Key compliance pillars

1. Responsible Person and IOR Requirements

Cosmetics can only be sold in the EU if a Responsible Person (“RP”) is designated within the EU. This person or entity is legally accountable for the product’s compliance and must: 

• Be located in the EU. 

• Ensure the product meets all health, safety, and consumer information requirements. 

• Maintain technical and regulatory documentation. 

For imported products, the importer becomes the Responsible Person by default unless they officially designate another EU-based individual or organization to assume that role. This designation must be made in writing and accepted by the appointed Responsible Person in writing. 

Note: The IOR cannot be a third-party service provider (e.g., FlavorCloud). It must be the brand itself or an authorized partner who can act as the Responsible Person. 

The Responsible Person is also responsible for maintaining the Cosmetic Product Information File (PIF) for each product, which must be stored at the address listed on the label. 

 2. Product composition and ingredient restrictions

Cosmetics sold in the EU must only include ingredients that are explicitly allowed and used in approved concentrations. Ingredient compliance is based on detailed annexes in the regulation: 

• Annex II: Lists prohibited substances. 

• Annexes III–VI: Outline restricted substances, approved colorants, preservatives, and UV filters. 

In addition: 

• A Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) must be issued as part of the PIF. 

• Products must not contain ingredients or final formulations that have undergone animal testing, a requirement that applies regardless of where the testing occurred. 

3. Notification before first importation

Before you can place a cosmetic product on the EU market, the Responsible Person must submit the product through the EU Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP). This step ensures EU authorities are informed and allows for market surveillance tracking. 

 4. Safety assessment

Every product must undergo a formal safety assessment conducted by a qualified professional. This assessment results in the CPSR, which evaluates the product’s safety based on its ingredients, intended use, and exposure levels. The CPSR must meet the structure and content requirements outlined in Annex I of the regulation. 

 5. Information availability and documentation

The Responsible Person must keep specific technical and compliance information readily accessible at the address listed on the product packaging, and in a language recognized by the destination country. This includes: 

• Description of the cosmetic product 

• The Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) 

• Method of manufacture and a statement confirming Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance 

• Proof of claimed product effects (e.g., long-lasting, anti-aging) 

• Details on any animal testing conducted 

These documents must be available to EU authorities upon request and updated as needed. 

 6. Packaging and labeling

Cosmetic packaging must be clear, permanent, and legible, and must include the following elements: 

• Product name and function 

• Ingredient list in INCI format 

• Net contents (weight or volume) 

• Best-before date or Period After Opening (PAO) symbol 

• Name and address of the Responsible Person 

• Country of origin (if manufactured outside the EU) 

• Usage instructions and safety warnings in the local language of the destination market 

Improper or missing labeling is a common cause of customs rejections and delayed market entry. 

 7. Market surveillance and adverse effects

The Responsible Person must monitor product performance and safety post-launch. If a product causes a serious undesirable effect (e.g., allergic reaction, injury), the Responsible Person is legally required to notify the competent authority in the country of sale. 

National authorities also collect reports from consumers and health professionals and are required to share safety data across EU Member States to enable rapid response if an issue arises. 

Spain: A complex example within the EU 

It’s important to remember: when shipping cosmetics to the European Union, brands must comply with two layers of regulation: 

1. EU-wide requirements mentioned above 

1. Country-specific rules enforced by each individual member state 

Spain is a prime example of how national regulations can add complexity beyond the EU baseline. In addition to complying with all EU mandates—like appointing a Responsible Person, submitting through the CPNP, and maintaining a Product Information File—brands shipping to Spain must also: 

• Submit an advance declaration to the Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios (AEMPS) before any cosmetic product enters the market. This declaration confirms adherence to manufacturing and safety standards. 

• Ensure that all essential label information—product name, ingredients, warnings, usage instructions—is printed in Spanish, even if other EU languages are already present. 

• Be aware of product categorization nuances. Some personal care items, even if considered cosmetics elsewhere, may fall under specialized Spanish regulatory frameworks and require pre-market authorization. 

These additional layers make Spain one of the more challenging EU countries for cross-border beauty shipping. Non-compliance—even with just the language requirement—can lead to customs holds or refusal of entry. 

For brands entering the EU, it’s critical to treat national-level regulations as non-negotiable—not optional—and to evaluate each target market individually to avoid regulatory surprises. 

The bottom line 

Expanding globally in beauty requires more than great branding—it demands a strong understanding of the regulatory landscape, especially in highly scrutinized markets like Canada and the EU. Compliance isn’t just a box to check; it’s a competitive advantage that ensures your products move smoothly across borders and into the hands of your international customers. 

While navigating global beauty regulations can be complex, you don’t have to do it alone. FlavorCloud helps beauty brands simplify international fulfillment, with built-in tools for customs documentation, landed cost calculation, and expert support. Whether you’re shipping DTC or B2B, we’re here to help you go global—seamlessly and compliantly. Book a meeting with a growth consultant today.