At Pretty Yeppuda, we specialize in bringing the best Korean nail products to customers all over Europe. But before a product ever reaches your salon or your home, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. Because nail gels, bases, tops, and other products are considered cosmetics under EU law, they must meet strict safety and compliance rules before they can be sold.

In this blog post, we’ll explain, in simple terms, what happens from the moment we discover a great Korean nail product to the moment it is ready for you to buy — and why this process takes months, effort, and significant investment.

We wrote this blog because we often encounter customers or potential customers who believe that cosmetic products are automatically safety tested and controlled at the EU borders by the authorities. That is not the case.

In reality, it is the Responsible Person — usually the importer — who is legally responsible for ensuring the product’s safety and compliance with EU regulations.

At the border, customs authorities work hard to verify that products meet basic import requirements, but they do not perform stability testing nor toxicological safety assessments Their role is to check whether the importer complies with the necessary obligations, not to assess the safety of the product itself.

This also means that when you purchase cosmetic products directly from outside the EU, they have not been subjected to the required EU safety assessments. As a result, these products may contain substances that are restricted or banned under EU regulations, may have incomplete or incorrect ingredient labeling, and may not meet the strict safety and stability standards required for products legally sold within the EU.

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Step 1: Finding the Right Products

Our journey starts with selecting high-quality nail products from trusted Korean brands. We look for innovative products, beautiful colors, and safe, salon-proven formulations. But simply liking a product is not enough: we can only import and sell products that meet the European Cosmetic Product Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.

This regulation lays out strict safety, labeling, and notification rules for any cosmetic sold in the EU.

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Step 2: Becoming the “Responsible Person”

When we import a nail product into Europe, we don’t just act as the seller. By law, we become the “Responsible Person” for that product in the EU.

This means we must ensure:

• The product safety is assessed by a cosmetic safety assessor

• It complies with all EU cosmetic laws.

• All necessary paperwork and tests are properly done.

The process starts for us with an initial scan of the manufacturer and the product formulations to see if there are no forbidden or restricted substances as that allows to eliminate the products immediately

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Step 3: Safety Assessment and Stability Testing

Before a product can be sold, it must be thoroughly assessed for safety. This involves two important steps:

1. Cosmetic Safety Assessment

A qualified safety assessor examines the product’s full formula, including each ingredient’s concentration, safety profile, and any potential risks.  That assessment is documented in a so called Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) Without this formal safety assessment, we cannot legally sell the product.

2. Stability Testing

We must also prove that the product remains safe and stable over time. For example, if a gel polish separates, hardens, or changes color after a few months, it could be ineffective.  Stability tests are performed for each product line and take approximately two months.

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Step 4: Building the Product Information File (PIF)

For each product, we must create and maintain a Product Information File (PIF). This file contains all important documents, including:

• Full product formulation

• Manufacturing information

• Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)

• Labels and claims

• Test reports

The PIF must be kept available for 10 years after the last batch of the product is sold. If authorities ask for it, we must be able to provide it immediately.

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Step 5: Notification in the CPNP

Before a product can legally be sold in the EU, it must be registered in the Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP), a secure online system managed by the European Commission.

When we submit a product to the CPNP, we provide:

• Product name and category

• Responsible Person’s contact details

• Full ingredient list

• Label information
  

Only after successful CPNP notification is the product officially allowed on the EU market.

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Step 6: Labeling

Labeling Compliance means:

• Ensuring the label has all mandatory information (e.g., Responsible Person, country of origin, ingredient list, warnings, batch number, PAO symbol, etc.)

• Mandatory warnings are included in the label

• Language requirements stipulate that the labels must be translated into the language(s) of the target EU market

 

Why It’s a Big Job (and Investment)

Importing one product line is already a lot of work — but Korean brands often have many different types of gels and finishes:

• Base gels

• Top gels

• Color gels

• Syrup gels

• Magnetic gels
  

• ...

Each different formulation requires its own safety assessment, testing, and CPNP notification.  Costs for a safety assessment and stability testing range between €500 and €1000 per product line.  Guess you can do the math...

If a product line (for example, a color gel collection) is based on one consistent formula, but simply offered in many shades (colors), we can register them all under a single notification — which saves time and money.  However, some brands create different formulations for different shades, meaning we must treat them as separate products. This significantly increases the cost and workload.

Korean products are also constantly evolving  seen their ongoing search for better products - the ongoing innovation is one strengths.  But this also means that safety assessments need to be done again, CPNP needs to be redone,...

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How Long Does It Take?

From the moment we decide to bring in a new product, the full compliance process typically takes 2-3 months:

• Gathering all technical documents from the manufacturer
  

• Performing safety assessments and stability tests

• Building the Product Information File

• Registering the product on the CPNP

Only after completing all these steps can we legally launch the product in our webshop.

Final Thoughts

At Pretty Yeppuda, we love introducing amazing Korean nail products to Europe — but it’s not as simple as picking a few nice colors.

Behind every bottle of gel polish, base coat, or nail art product you see on our website is months of work to ensure it meets the EU safety and compliance standards.

We think this is important for you and your clients' safety.

 

Korean nail art is renowned worldwide for its creativity, precision, and exquisite detailing. One of the signature elements that sets Korean manicures apart is the use of charms and stones, adding depth, dimension, and sparkle to every design.

At the heart of Korean nail trends, charms and crystals are more than decorations — they are a way to express individuality, luxury, and artistic craftsmanship.

Nail Art Charms: Small Pieces, Big Impact

Nail charms come in many forms:

• Tiny metallic pieces
• Miniature 3D shapes (bows, hearts, flowers)
• Chains, studs, and framed ornaments

They are applied after the gel color layers are cured, usually embedded into a thin builder gel or attached with a special nail gel for long-lasting hold.

Why choose Korean nail charms?

• Superior craftsmanship: Finely detailed and lightweight, avoiding bulky results.
• Artistic flexibility: Easily integrated into minimalistic as well as extravagant designs.
• Trend-forward designs: Reflecting seasonal and high-fashion Korean beauty trends.

Nail Art Stones: The Sparkling Finishing Touch

When it comes to nail stones, Korean nail art sets the standard for brilliance and delicacy. Nail stones come in a variety of materials (glass, resin, crystal) and finishes, each creating a different visual effect.

 Here’s a breakdown of the main types you will encounter:

Type	Description	Visual Effect
Crystal	Clear, transparent stones with maximum light reflection.	Pure sparkle, sharp light refraction, diamond-like brilliance.
AB (Aurora Borealis)	Special coating applied to clear crystals, creating a rainbow effect.	Iridescent glow, changing colors with movement and lighting.
Opal	Stones with a milky, semi-opaque appearance.	Soft, elegant shimmer; pastel-toned beauty.
Colored Crystals	Stones fully colored during manufacturing (e.g., sapphire blue, ruby red).	Bold color accents; luxury gemstone look.

 

Choosing the Right Stone for Your Nail Art

• Crystal stones are perfect for classic, elegant designs — think bridal nails, minimalistic luxury.
• AB stones are ideal for glamorous, dynamic looks, catching the light in different ways with every hand movement.
• Opal stones create a dreamy, soft aesthetic, suitable for romantic or delicate designs.
• Colored crystals make strong statements, ideal for vibrant, bold nail art or matching fashion accessories.

 Professional tip:

In Korean nail design, it’s common to mix different types (e.g., AB + clear crystal) on the same nail to add multidimensional sparkle.

Application Techniques for Charms and Stones

1. Preparation:

After curing your color or design layers, select your charm or stones.

2. Attachment:

Use a thicker builder gel or special rhinestone gel to secure the stones or charms in place.

3. Curing:

Flash cure for 10–20 seconds to hold placement, then fully cure under UV/LED.

4. Sealing:

For stones, avoid covering the entire surface with top coat — apply around the base to ensure longevity without dulling the shine.

5. Finishing:

Apply a strong top coat to surrounding areas to reinforce the design and prevent lifting.

Why Korean Nail Art Charms and Stones?Choosing authentic Korean nail art materials guarantees:

• Higher-quality materials that resist discoloration.
• Perfect sizing for delicate nail designs (especially important for smaller European nail beds).
• Trends that are always ahead of global markets, offering your clients unique and exclusive styles.

 Korean craftsmanship means that your final manicure will not only last longer but also sparkle more brilliantly, making a real statement of beauty and artistry.

Discover Korean Nail Art AccessoriesAt Pretty Yeppuda, we proudly curate a collection of the finest Korean charms, crystals, and stones.

Elevate your nail art with accessories that bring Korean luxury and innovation to your fingertips.

Explore our full collection of Nail Art Charms and Nail Art Stones and find the perfect finishing touches for your next masterpiece.

✅ Professional quality.

✅ Trend-forward Korean designs.

✅ Exclusive selection for true nail artists.

1. Why Is TPO Being Banned?

As of September 1st, 2025, the European Union will prohibit the use of TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) in cosmetic products, including nail gels. TPO is a photoinitiator used in UV-curable systems that ensures fast and even curing of gel products. However, under EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, substances classified as Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reprotoxic (CMR) are not allowed in cosmetics unless specifically exempted. TPO has recently been classified as a Category 1B CMR substance (¹) due to concerns regarding its long-term health effects, leading to its inclusion in the ban. While the actual risk during proper use may be low, the EU applies a precautionary approach, and this classification mandates its removal from the cosmetics market.

 

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2. Impact on the Nail Industry

The upcoming ban has led to a significant shift in the professional nail products market. Some manufacturers—both large and niche—have proactively reformulated their products to remove TPO. Others, including some well-known US,UK,European, and Korean brands, have decided not to reformulate, as the EU market may represent only a small part of their global sales. As a result, certain popular gel lines are being discontinued in the EU. Additionally, some brands are still in the process of reformulating, meaning product availability remains uncertain in the months leading up to the ban. The market is undergoing a shake-up, and nail professionals may find that some long-trusted products are no longer available or are being replaced by new formulations.

 

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3. Understanding the Key Dates and Scenarios

From a regulatory perspective, there are three main cases nail technicians should be aware of:

• Products manufactured before 01/09/2025 can still be sold up to that date and may be used afterward. These are considered legally placed on the market before the ban takes effect.

• Products manufactured before 01/09/2025 but not sold before that date can no longer be legally sold or distributed within the EU after 01/09/2025. However, if you bought them before the deadline, you may still use them.

• Products manufactured after 01/09/2025 that contain TPO are strictly prohibited. These products may not be sold nor used within the EU under any circumstances.

Correct documentation, batch tracking, and awareness of manufacture dates will be essential to determine what is still allowed post-ban.

 

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4. What This Means in Practice

For our customers, this regulation means that any TPO-containing products will no longer be restocked after April 2025, in anticipation of the September deadline. If you rely on specific TPO-based gels, we recommend stocking up before summer. After 01/09/2025, you may continue using these products only if they were purchased and manufactured before the cutoff.

We strongly advise against attempting to circumvent the ban by purchasing TPO-containing products from non-EU sellers after the deadline. Importing and using such products would be illegal under EU law. Should you be inspected or reported, you may be required to justify your product’s compliance, including manufacture date, purchase documentation, and batch traceability.

For a detailed explanation of your legal responsibilities as a nail technician, we recommend reading our related blog post: “Why Nail Technicians Should Order Korean Nail Products from an EU-Based Webshop.”

 

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5. Transition Support and the Road Ahead

If your favorite brand is no longer available, reach out to us. We are currently preparing an overview of TPO-free alternatives, where we’ll list commonly used products alongside recommended substitutes, so you can make an informed switch with minimal disruption.

For the rest, we ask for a bit of patience, as a number of Korean brands are still finalizing reformulations, and others are likely to follow in the future—especially as the TPO ban is expected to expand to other regions beyond the EU.

In fact, several Korean manufacturers are now actively promoting TPO-free formulations, clearly marking them as “TPO-Free” to demonstrate compliance and awareness. This is a strong signal that TPO-free is the future, and the industry is moving in the right direction.

 

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(¹) Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO) has been officially reclassified by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) from a Category 2 reproductive toxicant (Repr. 2; substances suspected of impairing fertility) to a Category 1B reproductive toxicant (Repr. 1B; substances presumed to have adverse effects on fertility or reproduction based on animal studies). This upgrade in classification reflects stronger toxicological evidence obtained from animal studies, indicating that TPO may damage fertility and is also suspected of potentially harming the unborn child at higher exposure levels. Consequently, under EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, substances classified as Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reprotoxic (CMR Category 1A or 1B) are strictly prohibited from use in cosmetic products unless explicitly exempted. Although acute toxicity studies have indicated relatively low immediate health risks (oral and dermal toxicity), repeated-dose and reproductive toxicity studies demonstrated significant adverse effects, particularly reproductive harm at higher dosages. This has led the EU to adopt a precautionary approach and mandate TPO’s removal from cosmetic products, including UV-curable nail gels.

References:

• European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), Substance Information: Diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide (CAS No. 75980-60-8).

• Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), Safety Assessment of Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide.

Korean nail products are globally admired for their innovation, vibrant colors, and lasting performance. For European nail technicians, incorporating these products into salon services offers a competitive edge. However, many professionals unknowingly place themselves—and their clients—at serious legal and health risk by ordering directly from non-EU suppliers.

Contrary to what many believe, the European Union does not perform safety assessments on cosmetic products. Responsibility lies entirely with the importer and their designated Responsible Person (RP). When you order directly from Korea or outside the EU, and use those products in your salon, you become the importer—and legally responsible.

This article explains why EU-based nail technicians should only purchase Korean nail products from a compliant EU webshop, and what is at stake when they don’t.

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1. EU Law: You Are the Importer and the Responsible Party

Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, all cosmetic products—including professional-use nail gels and builder gels—must:

• Be notified in the CPNP (Cosmetic Products Notification Portal)

• Have a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) by a qualified cosmetic safety assessor

• Be linked to an EU-based Responsible Person (RP) who ensures legal and toxicological compliance

• Be properly labeled with ingredients, batch numbers, and warnings in accordance with EU standards

When you buy from a non-EU website or import products personally, and use them on clients, you are the importer—and you also assume the role of the Responsible Person by default.

This means you are legally liable for:

• Ensuring a safety assessment was performed

• Correct labeling and traceability

• Adverse reactions or injuries caused by the product

If you cannot provide a CPSR or proof of CPNP notification during an inspection, you are using the product illegally under EU law.

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2. The Misconception: “The EU Takes Care of Safety”

Many technicians assume that if a product is on the market, it must already be tested and approved. This is a dangerous misunderstanding.

The EU does not evaluate cosmetic products before they reach the market. Instead:

• The importer must ensure a safety assessor has completed a CPSR

• A Responsible Person must register the product in the CPNP

• The product must comply with ingredient restrictions and labeling rules

When you order from a trusted EU-based webshop, these obligations are met. When you import yourself, no one is doing this work for you, and you are fully exposed—legally and professionally.

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3. The Real Risks for Nail Technicians Using Non-Compliant Products

Using non-notified and non-assessed products from outside the EU carries serious consequences:

Legal & Regulatory Risks

• You are using products illegally under EU law.

• If inspected by authorities, products can be confiscated, and you may face fines or formal warnings.

• In the event of a client injury, you may be held liable in civil court.

Insurance Invalidity

• Most professional liability insurance policies require that products used are compliant with EU regulations.

• If your product was not notified and assessed, your insurance might not cover damage or injury.

• You could be personally responsible for legal costs, medical bills, and compensation.

Health Hazards

• Imported cosmetic products that are not properly notified or safety assessed according to EU regulations may contain substances restricted or banned in the EU due to allergenic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic concerns.

• Without proper labeling or batch tracking, you cannot trace ingredients or respond to adverse effects.

• Improperly formulated products can cause permanent allergies, skin sensitization, and chemical burns—not only for clients, but for you as the technician too.

Over time, sensitization from repeated exposure can mean you are no longer able to work with nail products at all—a career-ending health outcome.

 

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4. Korean nail products sold from a trusted EU webshop must be:

• CPNP-notified products, as required by law

• Products underwent a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) by a certified cosmetic safety assessor

• A clearly designated EU-based Responsible Person (RP) who ensures regulatory compliance

• Products are correctly labeled in the official EU language(s), with the required warnings and ingredients

• In the event of an incident, you can prove you used a legally placed product—protecting you in front of authorities and insurance companies

 

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5. Even If You’re Just Starting Out—It Matters

Even beginner or part-time nail techs using products on friends or for training purposes are not exempt:

• If someone reacts badly to a non-compliant product, you are liable

• You may not be able to get insurance at all without proving the use of registered, compliant products

• Using illegal or misbranded products can damage your professional reputation, client trust, and ultimately your business growth

 

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Conclusion: Your Safety, Clients, and Career Deserve Protection

Korean nail products are powerful tools for creativity and client satisfaction—but only when they are legally placed and professionally assessed. As a nail technician in the EU, your clients’ safety, your legal liability, and your insurance coverage all depend on using compliant products.

By purchasing from a trusted EU-based webshop, you protect:

• Yourself from exposure to hazardous substances

• Your clients from health risks

• Your business from legal and financial loss

Hope to have informed you sufficiently, but feel free to reach out if you have additional questions.