## [What Is OPSS?](/index%2ephp/what-is-opss) 1 min read Your browser does not support the audio element. In the [United Kingdom](https://www.freyrsolutions.com/cosmetics/cosmetics-regulatory-services-in-the-uk), the safety and compliance of [cosmetic](https://www.freyrsolutions.com/cosmetics) products are governed by a dedicated regulatory body known as the **Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS)**. As the national authority responsible for overseeing product safety, OPSS plays a pivotal role in ensuring that [cosmetics](https://www.freyrsolutions.com/cosmetics) available in the [UK](https://www.freyrsolutions.com/cosmetics/cosmetics-regulatory-services-in-the-uk) market meet rigorous standards designed to protect consumers and uphold industry integrity. Established in 2018, OPSS operates under the [UK’s](https://www.freyrsolutions.com/cosmetics/cosmetics-regulatory-services-in-the-uk) **Department for Business and Trade**. Its mandate spans a wide array of consumer products, including [cosmetics](https://www.freyrsolutions.com/cosmetics). Following the [UK’s](https://www.freyrsolutions.com/cosmetics/cosmetics-regulatory-services-in-the-uk) departure from the [European Union](https://www.freyrsolutions.com/cosmetics/eu-cosmetic-regulation-and-registration-services), OPSS assumed full responsibility for enforcing the **UK Cosmetics Regulation**, which is based on the retained version of the [EU’s](https://www.freyrsolutions.com/cosmetics/eu-cosmetic-regulation-and-registration-services) Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. This regulation applies to [cosmetic](https://www.freyrsolutions.com/cosmetics) products sold in **Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales)**, while Northern Ireland continues to follow [EU](https://www.freyrsolutions.com/cosmetics/eu-cosmetic-regulation-and-registration-services) rules under the Northern Ireland Protocol. ## OPSS and [Cosmetic](https://www.freyrsolutions.com/cosmetics) Regulation OPSS ensures that [cosmetic](https://www.freyrsolutions.com/cosmetics) products are safe, properly labeled, and traceable. Its responsibilities include: - **Market surveillance**: Monitoring [cosmetic](https://www.freyrsolutions.com/cosmetics) products to detect non-compliance and potential safety risks. - **Enforcement**: Taking corrective actions such as product recalls, fines, or legal proceedings when violations occur. - **Business guidance**: Providing resources and support to help manufacturers, importers, and distributors meet regulatory obligations. - **Ingredient oversight**: Evaluating and updating lists of restricted or banned substances based on scientific evidence and international best practices. One of the key requirements enforced by OPSS is the appointment of a **UK-based Responsible Person** for each [cosmetic](https://www.freyrsolutions.com/cosmetics) product. This individual or entity is legally accountable for ensuring that the product complies with all applicable regulations before it is placed on the market. ## Conclusion OPSS serves as a cornerstone of the [UK’s](https://www.freyrsolutions.com/cosmetics/cosmetics-regulatory-services-in-the-uk) product safety framework, particularly in the [cosmetics](https://www.freyrsolutions.com/cosmetics) industry. For businesses operating in or entering the [UK](https://www.freyrsolutions.com/cosmetics/cosmetics-regulatory-services-in-the-uk) market, understanding and complying with OPSS regulations is not only a legal obligation but a strategic imperative. As regulatory expectations continue to evolve, proactive engagement with OPSS guidance ensures both compliance and consumer trust in an increasingly competitive landscape. Partner with a Regulatory expert like [Freyr](javascript:void(0)) for end-to-end regulatory support in [UK](https://www.freyrsolutions.com/cosmetics/cosmetics-regulatory-services-in-the-uk)!