When launching lip liners into international markets—especially the EU and U.S.—many brands assume that a well-designed package and appealing formula are enough. But in reality, over 40% of cosmetic shipments to Europe face delays or rejections due to non-compliant labeling, according to a 2023 report by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety.
That’s where INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) compliance becomes your first line of defense—not just a legal requirement, but a trust-building tool for buyers and regulators alike.
The U.S. FDA doesn’t mandate INCI labeling per se—but it requires accurate ingredient disclosure on product labels. Meanwhile, the EU enforces strict INCI standards under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. For example:
A common mistake? Using generic terms like “natural oil” instead of precise INCI names such as “Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil.” This leads to confusion—and higher rejection rates at customs.
A Chinese beauty brand exporting lip liners to Germany faced a 3-week delay after their shipment was flagged for missing INCI compliance. The issue? They used informal language (“plant-based wax”) instead of the correct term “Cera Alba (Beeswax).” After correcting the label with a third-party lab report from SGS and updating packaging design, the same batch cleared within 72 hours upon resubmission.
This case shows how small errors can cause big losses—and how proper documentation turns setbacks into wins.
Pro Tip: Always include a QR code linking to your full INCI list and third-party test reports—it builds buyer confidence instantly and speeds up inspections.
In both EU and North America, vegan cosmetics are growing at a rate of 15% YoY. But here’s the catch: without clear labeling and proof (like Vegan Society certification), buyers may doubt claims.
Include phrases like “Certified Vegan” or “No Animal-Derived Ingredients” alongside your INCI list. Add a brief explanation of why this matters—for example: “Our vegan formulation avoids beeswax, making it ideal for eco-conscious consumers in Scandinavia and California.”
✅ Audit your current product labels against INCI standards
✅ Work with certified labs for ingredient verification
✅ Design flexible packaging templates that adapt to different regions
✅ Prepare temperature-controlled shipping plans for sensitive formulations (especially in summer months)
If you're serious about scaling globally, don't let one mislabeled ingredient hold back your entire business.
Get our free downloadable checklist: “10 Steps to INCI-Compliant Lip Liner Packaging for EU & US Markets”
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