Are cosmetic companies required to register with the FDA?
No. Cosmetic registration in the United States is voluntary, not mandatory. Also, no registration number is required to import cosmetics into this country.
However, the FDA encourages cosmetic firms to register their establishments and file Cosmetic Product Ingredient Statements through our Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP). The VCRP helps the FDA in its mission to protect consumers, while also helping cosmetic manufacturers and distributors make informed decisions. Participating in the VCRP puts manufacturers in the pipeline for important information about cosmetic ingredients. The VCRP also supports the safety evaluation of cosmetic ingredients. The greater the participation by the cosmetic industry, the better this program works.
To learn more about this program and to participate, either online or by mail, please see Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP).