Product Information File (PIF)

Cosmetic products must be safe for use. The safety and quality of cosmetics must be documented by the Responsible Person in a product information file (PIF).

A PIF must be compiled and maintained for each cosmetic product placed on the European market. A PIF must be kept for 10 years after placing the last batch of a product on the market.

A PIF consists of 5 main components:

1. Description of the cosmetic product - A description that clearly links the PIF to the specific cosmetic product it relates to.
2. Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) - A detailed account of the safety of the product completed in line with Annex I of the Regulation.
3. Method of Manufacture- how the product is made including a statement of good manufacturing practices (GMP*).
4. Proof of the effect claimed- substantiation of all claims made on cosmetic product and any promotional materials.
5. Data on animal testing- animal testing is not permitted for cosmetics, but if testing is conducted by the manufacturer, raw material supplier or RP to meet requirements of other regulatory frameworks, it should be provided.

*EN ISO 22716:2008. It is acceptable to use other GMP standards once they are equal or superior to EN ISO 22716:2008 and this is demonstrated in the PIF.