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Expandly Blog

Three EU Compliance Deadlines Hit Beauty Brands This Summer

Two regulations are already in force. A third lands in October. For US beauty brands entering or operating in the EU, three separate compliance clocks are running simultaneously in H2 2026.

In This Article

01 What Regulations 2026/78 and 2026/909 require
02 Why the CMR substance ban matters now
03 What the PFAS cosmetics ban covers
04 How UK and EU tracks have diverged
05 What to audit before October 10

Key Takeaways

► Two cosmetics regulations already in force since May
► PFAS in cosmetics banned from October 10, 2026
► UK has not adopted equivalent regulatory updates
► Safety Assessment review needed before next shipment

EU beauty brands face three compliance deadlines in H2 2026, each requiring a different response. Regulations 2026/78 and 2026/909 are already in force. The EU REACH PFAS ban in cosmetics follows on October 10. Any brand shipping cosmetics into the EU should have reviewed its Safety Assessment and product information files before the next fulfillment cycle.

October 10 The date from which PFAS shall not be placed on the EU market or used in cosmetic products, under EU REACH transitional arrangements. Source: Cosmeservice, May 2026. [UNVERIFIED — review before publish]

Regulation (EU) 2026/78 (Omnibus VIII) entered force on May 1, 2026, banning and restricting 15 CMR substances in cosmetics including perboric acid, silver and carbon nanotubes, and acetone oxime. Hexyl salicylate is restricted to 2% in hydroalcoholic fragrance products. Regulation 2026/909 entered force May 18, introducing new labelling requirements for water-activated and refillable formats and updated Responsible Person documentation standards. Both amend EC Regulation 1223/2009. The UK has not yet updated its equivalent framework to reflect either change.

The PFAS ban in cosmetics under EU REACH is a third separate deadline. From October 10, 2026, PFAS shall not be placed on the EU market or used in cosmetic products. This is distinct from and earlier than the PPWR PFAS restrictions on food-contact packaging from August 12. It directly affects waterproof, long-wear, and transfer-resistant formulations, which commonly contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Brands shipping these product types to the EU market must confirm PFAS-free formulations before October 10. [UNVERIFIED — confirm October 10 date against EU REACH text before publish]

  • Regulation (EU) 2026/78 in force May 1: 15 CMR substances banned or restricted in cosmetics under EC Regulation 1223/2009.
  • Regulation (EU) 2026/909 in force May 18: labelling updates for water-activated and refillable formats; updated RP documentation standards.
  • EU REACH PFAS in cosmetics: transitional arrangements end October 10, 2026. PFAS-containing formulations must not be placed on the EU market from that date.
  • UK has not adopted equivalent updates to either regulation. Brands operating in both markets face divergent compliance tracks.

For beauty brands, Expandly begins EU onboarding with CPSR and label review against EC Regulation 1223/2009, ensuring formulation compliance is confirmed before any product reaches the EU market.

Expandly helps US ecommerce brands expand into Europe — compliance, marketplaces and fulfilment, all handled. We’ve supported 2,000+ brands make the move.

Find out more
  • VAT registration handled across UK, Germany, Netherlands and all EU markets
  • EPR compliance managed from day one — packaging, WEEE, batteries and beyond
  • EU fulfilment from our Netherlands warehouse — fast access to the whole continent
  • Dedicated onboarding, compliance and success team alongside the platform

The bigger picture

EU Beauty Regulation 2026 Why Expert Support Matters

Three compliance deadlines in one H2 period illustrate why EU cosmetics entry requires ongoing regulatory tracking, not a one-time setup. Regulations 2026/78 and 2026/909 are already active, and PFAS restrictions land in October. For beauty brands, Expandly begins with CPSR and label review against EC Regulation 1223/2009 before any product reaches the EU market. That starting point means formulation gaps are identified before VAT registration and marketplace setup begin, so brands don't invest in market entry infrastructure before compliance is confirmed. Acting before October 10 also avoids the cost of compliance mid-shipment.

  • EC Regulation 1223/2009, amended by 2026/78 and 2026/909, is the primary EU cosmetics compliance framework
  • Expandly cosmetics onboarding includes CPSR-A, CPSR-B, label review, and Responsible Person setup before first EU sale
  • PFAS ban October 10, 2026 — waterproof, long-wear, and transfer-resistant formulations require formulation audit now

EU Beauty Market Growth

Beauty supplements are growing at 6% annually in real terms, three times the rate of the overall consumer health market. For US beauty brands, the EU market appetite for premium and functional beauty products makes compliance investment straightforward to justify.

6%

Euromonitor, February 2026 (annually in real terms)

EC Regulation 1223/2009

EC Regulation 1223/2009 is the primary EU cosmetics framework. It requires a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR-A and CPSR-B), a Product Information File held by a Responsible Person, and CPNP notification before any product is placed on the EU market. Both 2026 regulations amend this framework directly.

1223/2009

EC Regulation governing cosmetics in all 27 EU member states

Compliance-First Onboarding

For beauty brands, Expandly begins with CPSR and label review against EC Regulation 1223/2009. From there, VAT registration, marketplace setup and EU-local fulfilment follow in the right order.

2,000+

brands expanded with Expandly

If this sounds like your world,
let's talk.

Expandly helps US ecommerce brands expand into Europe — compliance, marketplaces and fulfilment, all handled.

Self-Serve

  • £1,150/month
  • Platform-led with email support
  • Best for: $1M–$5M brands

Guided

  • £3,000/month
  • Dedicated Account Manager
  • Best for: $5M–$20M brands

VIP

  • £5,000/month
  • Dedicated VIP Consultant
  • Best for: $20M–$50M+ brands
See full pricing and what's included