Product Information File (PIF) Preparation
Everything You Need to Know About PIF for Cosmetic Products
What Is a Product Information File (PIF)?
A Product Information File (PIF) is the central compliance document required for every cosmetic product sold in the EU and UK. It contains all technical, safety, and manufacturing information proving that the product is safe for human use and fully compliant with EU Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 and the UK Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
The PIF must be kept readily available for authorities (such as the European Commission or OPSS in the UK) by the Responsible Person (RP) — either the brand owner, importer, or a professional RP like Euverify.
In short: No cosmetic product can be legally placed on the market in the EU or UK without a complete PIF.
Why Is the PIF So Important?
Authorities may request your PIF at any time for safety checks, audits, or investigations. Having a properly built and updated PIF:
- Proves your product complies with legal safety requirements
- Prevents product delisting or marketplace removals
- Ensures quick response during inspections or recalls
- Builds trust with retailers and distributors
- Simplifies your CPNP or SCPN submission process
A missing or incomplete PIF can lead to product withdrawal, fines, or loss of market access.
Part A – Cosmetic Product Safety Information
- Qualitative and quantitative composition (INCI list)
- Physical/chemical characteristics and stability data
- Microbiological quality
- Impurities, traces, and packaging material safety
- Normal and reasonably foreseeable use
- Exposure assessment and toxicological profile
- Undesirable effects or serious undesirable effects (if any)
Part B – Cosmetic Product Safety Assessment (CPSR)
- Certified safety assessment by a qualified toxicologist
- Overall conclusion on product safety
- Name, qualifications, and signature of the safety assessor
- Date of assessment
What Should Be Included in a PIF?
A compliant PIF consists of the following components:
- Product Description
- Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)
- Manufacturing method and GMP declaration (ISO 22716)
- Evidence of claimed effects (efficacy data)
- Proof of notified product (CPNP/SCPN submission confirmation)
- Data on Animal Testing
- Label artwork and packaging images
- Test reports (stability, challenge, SPF, etc.)
How Euverify Helps You with PIF Preparation
If you already have a PIF, you can simply upload it to your Euverify dashboard. Our compliance team will verify it as part of your Responsible Person service to ensure all required sections are complete and up to current regulatory standards.
If you don’t have a PIF yet, Euverify can assist in preparing it for you. Our in-house team and partner toxicologists will:
- Gather all required product information
- Build a compliant PIF
- Review supporting documents
- Format and store your file within your Euverify account for easy access and audits
How It Works Inside Euverify
- Sign Up on the Euverify platform
- Add your cosmetic products in the dashboard
- The system automatically lists what documents are needed for each product
- If you don’t have a PIF, select “Request PIF Preparation”
- Our team completes and uploads the compliant file to your account
Once verified, your products will be ready for Responsible Person appointment and market notification.
Pricing & Integration with Responsible Person Service
The Euverify Base Plan (£390 / year) covers up to 5 products and includes the EU Responsible Person service.
You can add UK Responsible Person representation for an additional £200 / year.
If PIF preparation is required, an additional fee applies depending on product complexity – the exact cost is displayed in your dashboard during setup.
Responsible Person
(EU, UK, or Both)
Appoint your official cosmetic representative. We manage all authority communications, ensure product safety, and let you sell legally across the EU and UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate PIF for each product?
Yes. Every cosmetic product, or each formula variant (e.g., different shade or fragrance), requires its own PIF.
Can my manufacturer provide the PIF?
They can supply the data, but the official PIF must be held by your Responsible Person (EU or UK).
Who signs the safety assessment (Part B)?
A certified toxicologist or qualified safety assessor must review and sign Part B.
How long must I keep the PIF?
The PIF must be kept for 10 years after the last batch of the product is placed on the market.
What if my formula changes?
You must update the PIF and, if necessary, redo the safety assessment before the modified product is sold.
Can Euverify store and update my PIF?
Yes. Your PIF is securely stored in the Euverify dashboard, and you can upload new versions anytime.
Final Thoughts
A complete and well-maintained PIF is the backbone of cosmetic compliance. Whether you already have one or need help creating it, Euverify ensures your documentation meets EU and UK standards – keeping your products market-ready and audit-safe.
Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)
Certified safety review by toxicologists. CPSR must be issued by a qualified toxicologist, confirming ingredient safety and exposure limits. We handle this through our accredited partners.
Mandatory submission before selling. All cosmetic products must be notified to the EU CPNP and UK SCPN portals before market entry. We manage both for you.