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Step-by-Step: Polish Cosmetic Market Entry

  • magdafilipiuk
  • Sep 5
  • 3 min read

Poland is one of the most attractive and steadily growing cosmetic markets in the EU, with strong demand for skincare, natural beauty, and innovative products. With a population of over 38 million and a well-developed retail and e-commerce infrastructure, it offers excellent opportunities for both premium and affordable brands. Polish consumers are increasingly brand-aware and open to international products – especially those aligned with eco-conscious, dermatological, and vegan trends.

If you're planning to introduce cosmetic products into the Polish (and thus EU) market, here’s a structured guide to ensure legal compliance and market readiness:

1. Check EU Cosmetic Regulation Compliance

  • Ensure your product complies with EU Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009, which governs cosmetic safety, labeling, and marketing in all EU countries, including Poland.

  • This includes restrictions on certain ingredients, manufacturing under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), and the requirement for a safety assessment.

  • Only permitted substances may be used — and banned substances (Annex II) must be strictly avoided.

2. Appoint a Responsible Person (RP) in the EU

  • Legally required for each cosmetic product.

  • The Responsible Person (RP) is liable for product safety, regulatory compliance, and coordination with EU authorities.

  • The RP can be the importer, a local distributor, or a specialized third-party service provider.

3. Prepare the Product Information File (PIF)

§  The PIF must be available at the RP’s EU address before the product is placed on the market.

§  It must contain:

  • Product composition and technical data

  • Manufacturing process under GMP

  • Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)

  • Label and packaging artwork

  • Claims substantiation

  • Animal testing declaration (required even for cruelty-free brands)

 4. Conduct the Safety Assessment (CPSR)

  • Must be performed by a qualified professional such as a toxicologist or pharmacist.

  • Divided into:

  • Part A: Data on formulation, toxicology, and exposure

  • Part B: Conclusion and final safety statement signed by the assessor

5. Notify the Product via the CPNP Portal

  • All cosmetic products must be registered in the EU Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) before being sold.

  • The notification includes formulation data, packaging, and labeling.

  • Only the Responsible Person can submit this notification.

6. Ensure Proper Labeling in Polish

  • The product label must include:

  • Product function (unless obvious)

  • Ingredients list (INCI format)

  • Usage precautions and warnings

  • Expiry date or Period After Opening (PAO symbol)

  • Name and address of the Responsible Person

  • Country of origin (for non-EU products)

  • The label must be in Polish and comply with EU readability and legibility requirements.

7. Handle Import and VAT Formalities

  • Non-EU companies must ensure proper import procedures, including:

  • EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification)

  • Payment of import duties and 23% VAT in Poland

  • Customs clearance with required documentation: invoice, packing list, certificate of origin

8. Substantiate Claims and Marketing Materials

  • All marketing claims (e.g., “anti-aging”, “dermatologically tested”, “vegan”) must be truthful, not misleading, and supported by evidence.

  • Claims are evaluated based on EU guidelines and may be audited by Polish authorities or consumer watchdogs.

  • Digital advertising and influencer marketing are also regulated.

9. Register Local Business Activity (If Applicable)

  • If you plan to sell directly to Polish consumers (e.g. through a local e-store or retail presence), you may need to:

  • Register a Polish company (Sp. z o.o. or sole proprietorship)

  • OR collaborate with a local distributor or logistics partner

  • Not mandatory for indirect sales via marketplaces or B2B export, but often recommended for better control and trust.

Ready to Enter the Market?

You can choose to navigate the Polish market independently — or accelerate your entry by partnering with Svitez Group. With deep industry insight and proven experience in cosmetic brand localization and compliance, we support international companies in building a strong and sustainable presence in Poland. Our approach is strategic, transparent, and tailored to the unique needs of each brand.

 

 
 
 
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