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 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.

As of 1 September 2025, the EU will ban TPO in cosmetic products due to its classification as a reproductive toxicant (CMR Category 1B). TPO is widely used in nail gels as a photoinitiator, but will no longer be permitted unless specifically exempted. Many brands are reformulating, while others are withdrawing from the EU market altogether. Nail technicians must stop using TPO-based products professionally after the ban and ensure traceability of compliant stock. The industry is transitioning toward safer, TPO-free formulations, with clear labelling and increased regulatory awareness.

In this blog post, we'll delve into what CPNP certification is, why it's crucial, and how it ensures that our Korean nail gels are safe, high-quality, and fully compliant with European regulations.

Table of Contents

1. What is CPNP?
2. Why Buying Within the EU Matters
3. The Importance of CPNP Certification
4. PrettyYeppuda: Your Trusted Source for Korean Nail Gels
5. Compliance with EU Cosmetic Products Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009
6. Safety Assessments and Ingredients
7. Check the Label: Responsible Person and Ingredients
8. Our Commitment to Quality and Safety
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. Get in Touch

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What is CPNP?

The Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP) is an online system established by the European Union (EU) to regulate cosmetic products sold within its member countries. The primary objective of the CPNP is to ensure that all cosmetic products on the EU market are safe for consumers. This includes a wide range of products, from skincare creams to the Korean nail gels we offer at PrettyYeppuda.

Breaking It Down

• Cosmetic Product: Any substance intended for application on external parts of the human body (skin, nails, etc.) for cleansing, beautifying, altering appearance, or keeping them in good condition.
• Notification Portal: A centralized online platform where manufacturers or their EU representatives submit detailed information about their cosmetic products before they are marketed.

By registering products on the CPNP, companies provide authorities with all the necessary information to monitor compliance with EU regulations and take action if needed.

Why Buying Within the EU Matters

Purchasing your nail gels from within the EU is crucial for several reasons:

1. Regulatory Compliance: Products sold within the EU must comply with strict regulations, ensuring they meet high safety and quality standards.
2. Safety Assurance: EU regulations mandate rigorous safety assessments, so you can trust that the products are safe to use.
3. Ingredient Transparency: Products must disclose all ingredients, allowing you to make informed choices.

At PrettyYeppuda, all our Korean nail gels are imported and sold within the EU, ensuring they comply with all European regulations.

PrettyYeppuda: Your Trusted Source for Korean Nail Gels

At PrettyYeppuda, we're passionate about bringing you the finest Korean nail gels. We have curated a selection from over 25 top Korean nail brands, each renowned for innovation, quality, and style. Our mission is to make these exceptional products accessible to you while ensuring they meet all European safety and quality standards, and this is close collaboration with those brands.

Compliance with EU Cosmetic Products Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009

A critical aspect of CPNP certification is adherence to the EU Cosmetic Products Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. This comprehensive regulation governs the safety, labeling, and marketing of cosmetic products in the EU.

Key Elements of the Regulation

• Safety Assessment: Every cosmetic product must undergo a detailed safety assessment by a qualified professional.
• Ingredient Restrictions: Only approved ingredients may be used; certain substances are banned or restricted.
• Product Information File (PIF): Importers assign a Responsible Person, or act as Responsible Person, who must maintain a PIF for each product, containing detailed information about its composition, safety data, and manufacturing processes.
• Labeling Requirements: Products must have clear and specific labeling, including the name of the Responsible Person, ingredients, usage instructions, and warnings.
• Responsible Person: A designated individual or company within the EU is responsible for compliance and serves as the contact point for authorities.

By complying with this regulation, we ensure that our Korean nail gels are as safe and reliable as any European-made products.

Safety Assessments and Ingredients

Your safety is our top priority. Here's how we ensure our Korean nail gels are safe for you to use:

Rigorous Safety Assessments through CPSR

Before any product reaches you, it undergoes a comprehensive safety assessment as required by the EU Cosmetic Products Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. This process culminates in the creation of a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR), which ensures that every product is safe for consumer use. The CPSR includes:

• Toxicological Profiles: Evaluating the potential toxicity of each ingredient to ensure they are safe for cosmetic use.

• Exposure Assessments: Assessing how the product is used, the amount applied, and the frequency of use to determine potential exposure levels.

• Risk Characterization: Identifying any risks associated with the product under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions of use, ensuring that any potential hazards are mitigated.

By conducting these rigorous assessments and compiling them into the CPSR, we ensure that our Korean nail gels meet the highest safety standards mandated by EU regulations. This thorough process gives you peace of mind, knowing that the products you use are not only effective but also safe.

Use of Approved Ingredients

We strictly use ingredients that are approved under EU regulations:

• No Harmful Substances: We avoid banned substances like certain heavy metals or carcinogens.
• Consistency with EU Standards: Our products use the same ingredients permitted in European nail gels.
• Cruelty-Free: Our products are not tested on animals, adhering to the EU's ban on animal testing for cosmetics.

By aligning with European safety standards, we ensure that you're getting products that are both effective and safe.

Check the Label: Responsible Person and Ingredients

When purchasing nail gels, it's essential to check the product labels carefully. Proper labeling is not only a legal requirement but also a commitment to transparency and safety.

What to Look For

• Responsible Person: The label should mention the EU-based Responsible Person who ensures compliance with EU regulations.
• Ingredient List: All ingredients should be listed in descending order by weight.
• Usage Instructions: Clear guidelines on how to use the product safely and effectively.
• Warnings and Precautions: Any necessary warnings should be prominently displayed.
• Product Identification: Batch numbers and manufacturing details should be included for traceability.

Why It's Important

If a product lacks this essential information, it's likely that it doesn't comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation (CPR). Using such products could pose safety risks due to:

• Unknown Ingredients: Without an ingredient list, you can't identify potential allergens or harmful substances.
• Lack of Accountability: No Responsible Person means there's no one ensuring the product's compliance with safety regulations.
• Legal Risks: Non-compliant products are illegal within the EU, and using them could have legal implications.

Always ensure that your nail gels have proper labeling. If in doubt, choose trusted sellers like PrettyYeppuda who guarantee compliance and transparency.

Our Commitment to Safety

Education and Support

• Expert Advice: Our team is well-versed in nail care and ready to answer your questions.
• Resources: We provide tutorials, tips, and guidance to help you achieve the best results.
• Customer Service: Our support team is available to assist you with any concerns or inquiries.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I buy nail gels within the EU?

Purchasing within the EU ensures that the products comply with strict EU safety and quality regulations. It also provides you with consumer protections and legal recourse if needed.

2. How can I tell if a nail gel is CPNP certified?

Check the product label for the mention of the Responsible Person, ingredient list, and compliance statements. If this information is missing, the product may not be CPNP certified or might be imported illegally.

3. Are all Korean nail gels sold in the EU compliant with EU regulations?

Not necessarily. Only products that have been properly registered and certified are compliant. Always purchase from reputable sellers.

4. What should I do if a product doesn't have proper labeling?

Avoid using products without proper labeling. Using non-compliant products can pose safety risks.

5. Are PrettyYeppuda's products suitable for sensitive skin?

While our products are formulated to be safe, if you have sensitive skin or known allergies, we recommend conducting a patch test before full application.

Get in Touch

We hope this blog post has provided you with some valuable insights into CPNP certification and the importance of purchasing compliant nail gels.  If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.