Why Certain Beauty Products Are Not Sold In Other Countries

It's not that a brand doesn’t want to sell or ship to other countries. Trust me; most brands DO want to expand their businesses. However, there are two realities - regulations and budget. Every country has its own set of rules for beauty products distributed and shipped to their country. Here are some of the prime examples.

Ingredient Regulations

For example, Canada does not allow The Ordinary's AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peel to be sold there. Directly from the Health Canada website, "the maximum concentration permitted for consumer use is 10% with a pH equal to or greater than 3.5." Meaning some ingredients have to be below certain % levels or are prohibited altogether. That would disqualify them from being sold there, or a brand would have to reformulate.

Labeling Regulations

The EU has a list of the 26 most-known allergenic substances required to be listed on an ingredient list (i.e., Linalool, etc.), while in the US, it can fall under the catch-all word "fragrance." Most countries require other languages added to the packaging, enclose or attached leaflet, label, or card. The EU also does not allow "free-from" claims and requires Period After Opening (PAO) on their packaging.

So if a US-based brand only has English on its packaging or ingredient lists/claims change, they will have to redesign and remanufacture their products and/or create new packaging for that market/country. This is a HUGE financial investment for a brand!

Drug Ingredients

In most countries, sunscreen is considered a non-prescription drug ingredient and has specific monographs, labeling requirements, and testing completely separate from cosmetic products and is usually and more stringent as well.

Responsible Person

The EU requires a brand to hire an agency or what is referred to as a "responsible person," which is "a natural person who ensures each cosmetic product's compliance in the EU market with relevant obligations as set forth in this regulation."

The bottom line, to sell in other countries it's an extremely lengthy, costly, and laborious (A LOT of paperwork!) process. It can often take 1-2 years and a large sum of money to do so!