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Soapmaking legislation FAQs
So many people email us and ask for information about soapmaking that we
thought we’d provide some helpful information.
First of all, if you’re in an EU country, whether you want to make cold
process or glycerine soap, you need to comply with the relevant
legislation. This, in the UK, is the Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations
2004. Each EU country will have similar legislation with a different name.
However, each EU country will base their national legislation on some basic
EU legislation from Brussels. There may be local differences such as
requiring soapmakers to work from a laboratory or be a qualified chemist but
the basic legislation arises from ongoing work in Brussels.
Legislation can change, in the UK the Department for Business, Enterprise
and Regulatory Reform (BERR), formerly the DTI, have produced a guidance
note on the Cosmetic Regulations. It can be viewed at:
http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file25422.pdf
You didn’t think you’d need to consider EU legislation when you started
soapmaking? Well, this comes as a surprise to many people, but for good or
bad, that’s the situation. If you want to make and sell soap, you have to
comply with the legislation.
In fact, although this legislation seems daunting at first sight, it’s quite
understandable if someone helps you through it. After all, if it weren’t
there wouldn’t be any craft soapmakers and this is one of the fastest
growing business/hobbies in the UK. If everyone else can cope with this
legislation, you can too. Take heart!
Another question we’re often asked is – “ I only want to sell at my local
craft market. Do I still have to comply with this legislation?”
The answer is – yes. If you sell one bar, you fall under the legislation.
Sorry……
“Is compliance expensive?” In a word – no. It’s a bit time consuming to
deal with the start-up paperwork but after that, it should be plain
sailing. And no, it’s not expensive.
“I live in the US. Does this apply to me?” – No. The situation in the USA
is quite different.
“I live in Australia. Does this apply to me?” – No. The situation is
different from both the USA and the UK. We can direct you to a good Aussie
soap group who will help you. (And the same applies to NZ).
“I live in Russia. Does this apply to me?” – Heaven knows! And we’re sorry
we couldn’t help those Russian citizens who’ve asked. Soapmaking,
apparently, is big in Russia.
Be very very careful about reading detailed legal or technical advice on the
internet – you have no way of knowing whether it’s accurate. There are some
nasty penalties for non-compliance, including imprisonment. We don’t offer
specific legal advice but do point you to official sources where you can
find out what the situation is.
Don’t the thought of some paperwork put you off. Soapmaking is addictive
and one of the most fascinating crafts you can learn.
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