Royal Decree 1055/2022: New cosmetic labeling regulations in Spain

The sale and distribution of cosmetic products in Spain is subject to strict labeling and presentation regulations, especially regarding recycling and packaging waste management. With the Royal Decree 1055/2022, which will come into force on January 1, 2025, new guidelines are introduced that seek to promote a circular economy, reduce the environmental impact of packaging, and improve product traceability in the Spanish market. In this article, we will explore the main changes that this regulation implies for cosmetic labeling and how to comply with these requirements efficiently.

European regulatory context: Regulation 1223/2009

The labeling of cosmetic products in Europe is already regulated through Regulation 1223/2009, which establishes the safety, transparency, and quality standards that products marketed in the European Union must meet. This regulation requires that the label of each cosmetic product include essential details such as the list of ingredients, usage warnings, the manufacturer or distributor, and the expiration date. However, in recent years, the European Union has promoted additional regulations to reduce the environmental impact of packaging. In this line, the Royal Decree 1055/2022 adds to the European regulatory framework, integrating new measures that reinforce the recycling and reuse of packaging materials in Spain.

Entry into force of Royal Decree 1055/2022

Starting January 1, 2025, all companies that distribute products with packaging in Spain must comply with the requirements of Royal Decree 1055/2022, which directly affects the cosmetics, food, cleaning products, and other consumer goods sectors. This decree’s main objective is to reduce the volume of waste generated and promote the recycling and reuse of packaging. For cosmetic companies, this implies significant adjustments in the design and labeling of their products, which must comply with new environmental information and transparency obligations.

New requirements for cosmetic labeling in Spain

The Royal Decree 1055/2022 introduces several obligations and restrictions on the labeling and information of cosmetic packaging:

• Reuse and recycling indications: Cosmetic packaging must include clear information about its recyclability and disposal instructions for the consumer. Companies are expected to indicate whether the packaging is reusable and promote its sustainable use. This measure aims to improve waste management by consumers, aligning with the principles of the circular economy.
• Prohibition of certain materials in packaging: Some packaging materials and components, especially those that hinder recycling, will be prohibited. This includes certain types of non-recyclable plastics and packaging that do not comply with established recyclability guidelines. Companies will need to redesign their packaging to adapt to these standards.
• Mandatory registration and information of packaging: All cosmetic companies will have to register their packaging in the packaging section of the Product Producers Registry, managed by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge. This registry will include details about the type of packaging, materials, and recycling methods. The goal is to facilitate traceability and ensure that packaging placed on the market complies with sustainability requirements.
• Symbols and labeling: With the Royal Decree 1055/2022, new symbols are added to indicate the recyclability and characteristics of packaging materials. This helps consumers identify sustainable packaging and properly recycle cosmetic products. The regulation also requires packaging to include standardized symbols that comply with European environmental labeling regulations.

Product photography solutions with AVisual STUDIOS

For cosmetic businesses that need to update their online product images in compliance with the Royal Decree 1055/2022, at AVisual Studios we offer product photography professional solutions that help highlight essential labeling and packaging details. Located in Madrid and Barcelona, we have state-of-the-art automated photography equipment, ideal for capturing high-precision images, ensuring that all necessary labeling elements are clearly displayed.

For small and medium-sized products, our Alphatable is a compact platform that allows for precise photography. With its adjustable lighting, it captures uniform and shadow-free images, ideal for cosmetic products that need to be displayed clearly in catalogs. For an even more dynamic visualization, the Alphashot 360 allows for 360° image capture, offering an interactive experience where the customer can rotate the product and observe every detail of its label. Its adjustable LED lighting system ensures professional quality, and its software facilitates the export of these images in interactive formats, such as GIFs and rotation videos.

For large products, the Alphastudio XXL is ideal, offering ample space and powerful LED lights to capture volumetric images from multiple angles, essential in cosmetics e-commerce that requires a higher level of detail. Finally, the ScanCube 308 is perfect for small products like makeup and jewelry, offering 360° visualization and GIF export options for an interactive presentation. Together, our equipment allows cosmetic companies to take e-commerce photographs quickly and efficiently, complying with the new regulations as soon as possible, without compromising visual quality. This facilitates a professional presentation aligned with the sustainability demands driven by Royal Decree 1055/2022. Adapting to these regulations not only helps avoid penalties but also supports the growing trend towards transparency and environmental responsibility.