Embarking on an e-commerce business is a step that can bring great satisfaction, but it requires great dynamism and attention to regulations. Selling cosmetics means guaranteeing customer safety and environmental protection, so here are some of the aspects to consider: knowing them is essential.
Indice
Visual cosmetic brand identity: what is it?
Before delving into the topic of regulations, it is important to emphasise the concept of brand identity. Any business must have an engine already in place to be able to cope with the load of obligations and tasks. Planning a well-defined strategy is therefore the way to go when launching your cosmetics e-commerce. The cosmetics sector, even more than others, must be based on a strong brand identity. It is therefore necessary to study the needs and sound out the market, but above all to build credibility that will allow the brand to come into its own immediately.
Studio Concept is the communication agency that works alongside companies in the Beauty and Cosmetics sector. Framing the concept at the basis of each project and translating it into a product that is effective on the market: this is the target that a targeted brand identity can make it possible to reach from day one. Online trade runs at the speed of content that works, we anticipate it with the right shot.
Cosmetics Regulation: EC Regulation 1223/2009, what does it say?
There is a very precise text to provide the necessary practice for trading in cosmetics, this is the case with the EC Regulation of 30 November 2009. Readily available in the Official Journal of the European Union, this document lays down definitions and establishes criteria and references in terms of safety, liability and free movement of cosmetic products. In addition to the obligations of manufacturers and distributors, there are classifications of substances, mixtures and cosmetic products. Complying with the European standards is an obligation, but it is also a tool to guarantee sellers and customers.
The EC Regulation 1223/2009 is complemented by the CPNP (Cosmetic Product Notification Portal) tool, which involves centralised notification to declare the marketing of cosmetic products within the European Union. This notification presupposes that the activity has:
- authorisations by the Asl;
- registration with the Chamber of Commerce;
- VAT number;
- Scia;
- registration with the Inps.
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The environmental labelling of packaging
Selling cosmetics online means handling both the incoming goods and the marketing to customers, the large traffic means a sea of packaging to be channelled and disposed of. It is essential that each item has labelling to direct its proper disposal. The rationale behind this is to indicate the composition of the packaging in order to optimise the waste regeneration cycle.
Wherever possible, each item must be labelled with the type of packaging, the abbreviation of the material (in capital letters) and the type of collection into which the packaging is to be sent. An exception to direct labelling is for pre-wrappers and transport packaging: in these cases, the same labelling remains compulsory but can be relocated to external or digital media. Using the ministerial guidelines is the most effective way not to risk making a mistake; penalties range from EUR 5,200 up to EUR 40,000.
What is the European legislation on labelling?
The Packaging Directive 94/62/EC provides clarity on labelling steps. In the Official Journal is DL No. 116 of 3 September 2020, which transposes EU Directive 2018/851. In essence, these are the references to be followed with regard to the labelling of packaging. Considering the extensions that have taken place, the legislation has in fact come into force as of 1 January 2023. The only exemption is granted to inventories and is valid until complete disposal.
Legislative Decree No. 116 of 3 September 2020 explicitly mentions the labelling required in compliance with UNI technical standards. The relevant UNI standards are voluntary, so reference can be made to UNI EN ISO 1043-1 for plastics, UNI 10667-1 for recycled polymers or UNI EN ISO 14021 for environmental self-declarations.
Privacy and Cookie Policy for cosmetics e-commerce
Considering the legal protection of products and packaging is only part of the job. An e-commerce is an online portal: like all others, it must ensure full compliance with data protection legislation. Browsing data are in fact saved for the purpose of analysing consumer preferences, favouring a more secure and personalised offer: that is the purpose of cookies. It is necessary for the portal to be aligned with the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and the Data Protection Directive, which also requires the prior consent of the visitor.
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Terms of Payment
The smooth flow of goods must be matched by equally efficient payment methods. A careful analysis of transaction modes is a prerequisite for organising the most appropriate strategy for one’s own e-commerce. “Copying from others’ is not always the most efficient solution, especially if others do not offer the same products for sale. If it is true that standing out can mark one’s own market share, one has to adapt the payment conditions to it.
The classic cash on delivery, for example, may be more problematic for certain promotions; credit and prepaid cards are a must, paypal can be synonymous with guarantee. Then there are virtual currencies, in addition to the other traditional types. A cost-benefit analysis is therefore essential.
Do you need to redo your ecommerce site and make navigation a true immersion experience in your cosmetics world?
Do you need to rethink the visual identity of your cosmetics brand and communicate it better in your e-commerce through emotional and engaging product images and videos that capture the consumer’s attention?
Do you need to renew the graphics of your cosmetics line or do you need to add a new line to your range or do you need to design a new seasonal collection with a pack that conveys a clear, beauty mood?
Does your ecommerce business need to be promoted on an ongoing basis on your social channels through targeted adv meta campaigns on Instagram or Facebook that bring brand awareness and conversions?
