A Cosmetic Product Safety Report is not optional in Europe — you cannot legally sell a cosmetic in the EU without one. But once brands accept that, the next question is practical: how to get a CPSR for a real product, what documents the safety assessor needs, and how long the CPSR process takes. This step-by-step guide walks you through exactly that, from gathering your formulation data to receiving a signed report you can drop straight into your Product Information File.
Key takeaways
- A CPSR must be completed by a qualified safety assessor before a product goes on sale.
- The CPSR has two parts: Part A (safety information) and Part B (the assessor’s reasoning and conclusion).
- You provide the inputs — full formula, raw-material data, manufacturing details and label — and the assessor produces the report.
- Missing or incomplete documentation is the single biggest cause of delay in the CPSR process.
- The signed CPSR becomes a core part of your PIF and supports your CPNP notification.
What a CPSR is — in one paragraph
The Cosmetic Product Safety Report is the formal safety assessment required by Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 for every cosmetic placed on the EU market. It demonstrates that the product is safe for human health under normal and reasonably foreseeable use. If you want the deeper background, read our explainer on the CPSR explained; this article focuses on the practical steps to actually obtain one.
How to get a CPSR: the step-by-step process
Step 1 — Lock your formulation
The assessment is tied to one exact formula. Finalise your INCI list with precise percentages before you start, because any change to the recipe means revisiting the assessment.
Step 2 — Gather raw-material documentation
For each ingredient you typically need the specification, safety data, allergen and impurity information, and any certificates of analysis. The quality of this data directly determines how quickly the assessor can work.
Step 3 — Provide product and manufacturing details
Supply the product description, intended use, target population, packaging, and confirmation that it is made under good manufacturing practice. Stability and microbiological data (or a justification for their absence) may also be required.
Step 4 — The safety assessor evaluates and signs
A qualified assessor reviews the toxicological profile, calculates exposure and the margin of safety, and writes Part A and Part B. Only a person with the required qualifications can sign the report — this cannot be self-certified.
Step 5 — File and notify
The signed CPSR goes into your Product Information File, and its data supports your CPNP notification. At that point the safety side of your launch is complete.
What you need to supply — checklist
| Input | Detail expected | Why the assessor needs it |
|---|---|---|
| Full formula (INCI %) | Exact quantitative composition | Basis of the entire assessment |
| Raw-material data | Specs, SDS, allergens, impurities | Toxicological evaluation |
| Manufacturing info | GMP, process, packaging | Stability and contamination risk |
| Microbiological data | Challenge test or justification | Preservation and shelf safety |
| Label & claims | Artwork and intended use | Warnings, dosage, foreseeable use |
Tip: Build a single folder per product containing every input above. Brands that hand over a complete pack get their CPSR back far faster than those who send documents piecemeal.
Warning: A CPSR is product- and formula-specific. If you reformulate, change a supplier’s raw material, or significantly alter the packaging, the assessment may need to be updated before you can keep selling.
How long does the CPSR process take?
For a straightforward, low-risk product with complete documentation, a CPSR can be turned around quickly. The timeline stretches when raw-material data is missing, when lab testing (such as a challenge test or stability test) still has to be commissioned, or when a range has many variants — each of which may need its own report. Preparation, not assessment, is usually the bottleneck.
Bringing it all together
Knowing how to get a CPSR is mostly about preparation: lock your formula, gather complete raw-material and manufacturing data, then hand it to a qualified safety assessor who produces Part A and Part B and signs the report. Do that well and the rest of your compliance file falls into place. Lexora’s CPSR service pairs you with qualified assessors and tells you exactly what to provide, so you get a defensible, ready-to-file report without the back-and-forth.
Frequently asked questions
Who can write a CPSR?
Only a qualified safety assessor — typically a person holding a recognised qualification in pharmacy, toxicology, medicine or a similar discipline — can sign the Part B safety assessment. Brand owners and unqualified consultants cannot self-certify a CPSR, even for simple products.
What documents do I need to get a CPSR?
You need the full quantitative formula, raw-material specifications and safety data, manufacturing and GMP details, microbiological and stability data (or a justification), and the product label and claims. Complete documentation is the fastest route to a signed report.
Do I need a separate CPSR for each product variant?
Often yes. Different colours, fragrances or formulations can each require their own assessment, though closely related variants may sometimes be grouped with proper justification. The safety assessor decides based on how the formulas differ.
Is the CPSR the same as the PIF?
No. The CPSR is the safety assessment document; the Product Information File is the larger dossier that contains the CPSR along with the product description, manufacturing method, claims evidence and labelling. The CPSR is a key part of the PIF, not a replacement for it.
How long is a CPSR valid?
A CPSR does not have a fixed expiry date, but it must stay accurate. It needs updating whenever the formulation, raw materials, packaging or relevant safety knowledge changes, so the report always reflects the product as currently sold.