Cosmetic Label Compliance Checklist

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Checklist Item

Detailed Requirements & Evetin's Expert Notes

1.1 Product Identity

Must be a clear, descriptive name or illustration of the product (e.g., "Liquid Foundation," "Volumizing Mascara"). Must be parallel to the base of the package.

1.2 Net Quantity of Contents

US: Must be in both US customary (oz/fl oz) and metric (g/mL) units. Use "Net Wt." for solids/creams, "Net Contents" for liquids. Place in the bottom 30% of the PDP.
EU: Must be in metric units (g or mL). The 'e' mark is required for packages over 5g/5mL, indicating average fill compliance.

1.3 Font Size & Prominence

US: Minimum font size for net content is based on the PDP area. Ensure it is prominent and readily legible.
EU: Minimum height of 1.2mm (for surface area > 80cm²).

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Detailed Requirements & Evetin's Expert Notes

2.1 Responsible Person / Distributor

US: Must state "Distributed by" or "Manufactured for" followed by the US company's name and address.
EU: Must state the name and address of the "Responsible Person" established within the EU.

2.2 Ingredient Listing (INCI)

CRITICAL: Must use International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI).
Order: List in descending order of predominance for ingredients >1%. Ingredients ≤1% can be listed in any order at the end.
Placement: Must be conspicuous and easy to read. "Ingredients:" is the standard heading.

2.3 Country of Origin

Must be marked in English. "Made in [Country]" must be permanent, legible, and conspicuous (e.g., "Made in China").

2.4 Product Function

EU Requirement: If not obvious from the product name, a description of the product's function must be included (e.g., "Provides long-lasting color and shine").

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Detailed Requirements & Evetin's Expert Notes

3.1 Warning Statements

Required if the product may be hazardous in any foreseeable use.
• US: E.g., "Warning: Avoid contact with eyes." For aerosols, specific warnings are mandatory.
• EU: E.g., "Keep out of reach of children." Use standardized symbols where applicable (e.g., Period After Opening - open jar icon).

3.2 "Hypoallergenic," "Dermatologist Tested," etc.

All claims must be substantiated by verifiable evidence. Vague or absolute claims (e.g., "chemical-free") are high-risk and discouraged.

3.3 "Fragrance/Parfum"

If added, "Fragrance (Parfum)" must be included in the ingredient list. The 26 EU allergens must be declared individually if present above threshold levels.

3.4 Organic/Natural Claims

If used, must comply with relevant standards (e.g., USDA Organic, COSMOS). The percentage of organic ingredients may need to be declared.

3.5 SPF & Anti-Acne Claims

US: Products making SPF or anti-acne claims are regulated as Over-The-Counter (OTC) drugs and require a "Drug Facts" panel. This is a complex area-consult Evetin early.

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Checklist Item

Detailed Requirements & Evetin's Expert Notes

4.1 Language

US: All mandatory information must be in English.
EU: All mandatory information must be in the official language(s) of the member state(s) where the product is sold.

4.2 Durability & Legibility

All label information must be permanent, legible, and visible under normal conditions of use. Check that text does not rub off and is not obscured by folds or seams.

4.3 Batch Code / Lot Number

Must be present on the primary packaging (bottle, tube) or secondary packaging (carton). Allows for traceability in case of a recall.

4.4 Period After Opening (PAO)

EU Requirement for products with a minimum durability >30 months. The open-jar symbol with the number of months (e.g., 12M, 24M) must be shown. Highly recommended as a best practice for all markets.

4.5 Date of Minimum Durability

If the product has a stability period of less than 30 months, the "use by" date must be clearly indicated.