Update 2026: For markets, compliance requirements and opportunities, read our guide Cosmetics exports in 2026.
The cosmetics sector represents one of the most flourishing markets for Made in Italy.
This is a field marked by a steadily growing trend, which has definitely expanded beyond national borders in recent years.
Exporting cosmetics can be a winning option for many entrepreneurs, however, there are several aspects to consider in order to make a truly successful business.
The numbers speak for themselves: as much as 4.9 billion was generated in 2020 alone by Italian companies, thanks to the export of cosmetic products until reaching 5.9 billion euros in 2022. For 2023, the trend remains positive (+10%) and it is estimated that Italian cosmetics exports could reach 6.4 billion euros soon.
Within the world ranking of cosmetics exporters, Italy ranks 6th.
But which destination countries are most interested in such products?
Top of the list is France, followed by Germany and the United States. Other nations, such as South Korea and the United Arab Emirates, are showing increasing interest in this sector closely linked to the Made in Italy brand.
A market, therefore, that continues to expand and seems to encounter no slowdown.
So what is needed to start exporting cosmetics in the best way, with the goal of embarking on a profitable business that can continue with excellent performance and achieve increasingly ambitious results over time?
First of all, it is advisable to be supported by one or more experienced professionals who can identify cosmetic products to be launched outside national borders, carefully analyzing the company's production and logistical capabilities and implementing a strategy aimed at achieving both lower cost impact and adequate economic returns.
These figures, who specialize in the area of the’internationalization, they can also give decisive help in obtaining the necessary documentation to export cosmetics to various countries around the world.
On this point, in order to be able to sell in a foreign country that of having all the specific documents (including certifications) required by current regulations regarding product exports remains an indispensable condition.
The first to be obtained is the Free Sale Certificate (CLV in English) issued by the Ministry of Health and requiring different procedures depending on the place of destination, i.e., an EU or non-EU country.
The PIF (Product Information File), a kind of dossier in which all the information about the product, including what is inherent in what is stated on the label, such as warnings about use, must then be prepared.
What is entered into the BIP will also be used to fill in the Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) notification request with the correct data, which is necessary to enter the goods into the European sales circuit.
To export cosmetics outside Europe, on the other hand, it is necessary to have appropriate documents that will need to be adapted according to the destination country.
Often, such certifications are mandatory: this is the case with ECAS, the mandatory certificate issued by the authorities in the UAE that allows customs clearance, distribution and sale of products imported into the UAE.
Other types of documents are the Certificate of Formula, GMP Declaration (Good Manufacturing Practice) and Safety Data Sheet.
Since procuring such documentation can prove to be a circuitous route, relying on those who can provide a professional consulting in this regard is always recommended.
Clearly, the documents required to allow products to be exported across borders are not enough to ensure a profitable sale.
There are many factors to consider, starting with logistics or rather the supply chain which determines the distribution flow of each individual product.
Being able to rely on an effective and fast sales network that can identify which are the best distribution channels to optimize each process is crucial to achieving the desired results.
At the same time, it is necessary to be competitive, always continuing to work on quality, remaining ready to seize every innovation in the industry and possibly planning new strategies.
Exporting cosmetics can certainly be a winning move, as this market appears to be growing steadily and without any downturn. However, careful assessments are essential in any case. One among them, a which countries allocate the sale? Where will the greatest profits be made, at lower costs?
Contact us to receive information about it, and learn what Octagona can do decisively for you and your business.
The export of Italian cosmetics has increased from 4.9 billion euros in 2020 to 5.9 billion in 2022. For 2023 the trend remains positive (+10%) and it is estimated that it could reach 6.4 billion in the short term. In the global ranking of cosmetics exporters, Italy ranks 6th.
The main markets for Italian cosmetics are France, in first place, followed by Germany and the United States. South Korea and the United Arab Emirates are also showing an increasing interest, markets strongly linked to the value of the Made in Italy brand.
The Free Sale Certificate (CLV, in English Free Sale Certificate) is the document issued by the Ministry of Health that certifies the possibility of selling the cosmetic product. It is the first document to obtain for export and the procedures change depending on whether the destination is an EU country or a non-EU country.
The PIF (Product Information File) is the dossier containing all the information about the cosmetic product, including those listed on the label, such as the instructions for use. The data in the PIF are used to compile the notification to the CPNP (Cosmetic Products Notification Portal), which is required to place the product on the European sales market.
Outside of Europe, documents need to be adapted to the destination country and are often mandatory. In the United Arab Emirates, the ECAS is required; this certificate issued by the local authorities allows for customs clearance, distribution, and sale. Other possible documents include the Certificate of Formula, the GMP Declaration (Good Manufacturing Practice), and the Safety Data Sheet.
In addition to documents, what matters are the supply chain that governs the distribution of each product and an effective and fast sales network capable of identifying the best distribution channels. Constant quality, attention to industry innovations, and a careful selection of the countries in which to sell are also essential, taking into account profits and costs.
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