Can You Sell Cosmetics in Norway with Your CPNP Notification?

Daniel Jiménez
3 hours ago
3 min read

This is a question we receive quite often from clients who are already selling their cosmetic products in the European Union and are looking to expand into new markets. Norway is usually one of the first countries brands consider when entering the Nordic region, mainly because the regulatory pathway is relatively straightforward — if you already comply with EU rules.

The short answer is: yes, in most cases you can sell cosmetics in Norway using the same EU CPNP notification. But, as always in regulatory affairs, there are a few details worth understanding before placing products on the market.

Is Norway Covered by EU Cosmetic Regulations?
Is CPNP Notification Valid in Norway?
Responsible Person Requirements
Import and Logistics: What Changes?
Common Mistakes We See in Practice
Why Norway Is an Attractive Expansion Market?

Can You Sell Cosmetics in Norway with Your EU CPNP Notification?

Is Norway Covered by EU Cosmetic Regulations?

Norway is not part of the European Union, but it belongs to the European Economic Area (EEA). This means the country has adopted the EU Cosmetics Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009), including ingredient restrictions, safety requirements, GMP expectations, and documentation obligations.

From a compliance perspective, Norway behaves very similarly to an EU Member State. If your product is already compliant in the EU — with a valid Responsible Person, Product Information File (PIF), Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR), and CPNP notification — you are already most of the way there.

Is CPNP Notification Valid in Norway?

Yes. Because Norway participates in the EEA regulatory framework, CPNP notification also covers the Norwegian market.

This means:

No separate national cosmetic notification is required
Norwegian authorities have access to CPNP data
EU-compliant products can be placed on the market

However, notification alone does not guarantee compliance. Authorities can still request documentation during market surveillance.

Responsible Person Requirements

Your cosmetic product must have a Responsible Person established in the EU or EEA.

One important point we regularly clarify with clients: since Brexit, a UK Responsible Person alone does not cover Norway or the EU. Companies that initially entered the UK market sometimes overlook this when expanding into Europe.

The Responsible Person remains legally accountable for product safety, documentation, vigilance, and compliance.

Import and Logistics: What Changes?

Norway is outside the EU customs union. This does not change cosmetic compliance itself, but it does affect:

Import procedures
VAT handling
Customs documentation
Identification of the importer

Companies should clearly define who acts as importer and who holds regulatory responsibility before placing products on the market.

Common Mistakes We See in Practice

In our experience, the biggest challenges are rarely regulatory complexity. They are usually small gaps that could have been avoided with early planning, such as:

Assuming UK Responsible Person coverage still applies
Missing Norwegian language labelling
Incomplete PIF documentation
Unclear importer roles
Believing Norway requires a separate notification system

A short compliance review before launch often prevents much larger problems later.

Why Norway Is an Attractive Expansion Market?

For brands already compliant in the EU, Norway is typically considered a low-barrier market because:

The regulatory framework is harmonised with EU law
CPNP notification remains valid
No additional registration fees are required
Compliance costs are relatively limited

This makes Norway a logical first step when expanding into the Nordic region.

If your cosmetic products are compliant with EU regulations and correctly notified in CPNP, entering the Norwegian market is usually straightforward. The key is ensuring that your Responsible Person, labelling, and documentation remain fully aligned with EEA requirements.

If you are planning to expand into Norway or other international markets, reviewing your compliance status before launch can save significant time and cost later.

At Belab, we regularly support brands with EU and global market access, including Responsible Person services, PIF preparation, and international regulatory strategy. If you have questions about Norway or any other market, our team will be happy to help.