How to export cosmetics to international markets

Exporting cosmetics to international markets from Australia can be a lucrative business opportunity, as the demand for beauty products continues to grow steadily worldwide. However, the process of exporting cosmetics can be complex and requires careful planning and preparation. In this blog, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to export cosmetics from Australia to overseas markets, including information on the regulations, labelling requirements and shipping options.

According to Statista, the global cosmetics market experienced a growth of over 16% in 2022 compared to the previous year – with skincare, makeup, perfumes and oral cosmetics being the major product categories. While France, South Korea and the US are known as some of the top exporting countries when it comes to beauty products, Australia (AU) doesn’t fall too far behind on the list either, with the revenue of its cosmetics market exhibiting an expected CAGR of 4.18% from 2023 to 2027, as found by Statista. If you’re a cosmetics business owner in Australia looking to break into foreign markets, exporting your products worldwide can offer you numerous benefits, from increased sales to establishing brand recognition internationally. But with so many markets out there, it can be difficult for companies unfamiliar with exporting to know where and how to start. To make things easier for you, we’ll do a deep dive into the art of taking your cosmetics business global and how you can ensure your export journey runs as smoothly as possible.

Key tips for exporting cosmetics abroad

1. Understand international regulations and requirements 

Before shipping cosmetics or any other beauty products overseas from Australia, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the various regulations and requirements in place for each country. Each nation will have its own set of rules regarding labelling, packaging, and safety standards that must be met or your shipment may be delayed or even rejected outright. Additionally, many countries have restrictions on what can be imported into their borders – so if you’re trying to export products with ingredients that aren’t allowed, your package won’t reach its destination. In sum, taking the time to research the necessary regulations and requirements of the country you’re exporting to beforehand will benefit you greatly.

2.  Choose the right packaging material

When exporting cosmetics from Australia to international markets, choosing a packaging material that provides adequate protection for overseas shipping must be a priority. It is important to consider how it will affect both transport and storage as well as whether they are suitable for the climate of the country you’re exporting to. This ensures that the products arrive at their destination safely and reduces the risk of damage while in transit. For example, if you’re exporting to a tropical climate, you may want to choose a more durable material that won’t be affected by humidity or moisture. Likewise, if your products require refrigeration during transport, you’ll need to select materials that are insulated and can keep temperatures regulated during the entire shipping journey.  

Furthermore, sturdy and reputable packaging material is also important when considering the reputation of cosmetics that are made in Australia. As such, Australian cosmetic brands should maintain their integrity to ensure that customers can receive their orders in tip-top condition with no delays. To keep up with the high standards of quality and safety, Australian businesses looking to export internationally should invest in premium materials and reliable suppliers when packaging their cosmetic products for overseas shipping.

3. Include necessary labels and documentation

Exporting cosmetics can be a lucrative endeavour, but it is important to ensure the proper documents accompany your shipments. To maximise success, companies should make sure that their cosmetics comply with applicable labelling requirements and include all required supporting documentation. This includes respecting any specific regulations for cosmetics in the destination country, such as health warnings or particular ingredients that cannot be used. Having the right cosmetics information on labels and documents allows goods to reach customers faster, avoiding potential delays due to compliance with local regulations. 

For instance, if you’re exporting cosmetics from Australia to Europe, you’ll need to designate a Responsible Person (RP) that will be in charge of ensuring product compliance by reviewing the formula to check for any prohibited or forbidden CMR substances; reviewing the label and including all necessary information such as the product function, ingredients list and precautions; as well as submitting the product information via the cosmetic product notification portal (CPNP).