UK Responsible Person for Consumer Product Safety: Costs & Providers (2026)

• UK law requires a Responsible Person for certain consumer products, especially cosmetics and medical devices.
• Annual fees range from £250 to £850 for most providers; setup fees may apply.
• REP27 — Europe Services, SE covers EU GPSR but not UK-only Responsible Person mandates.
• Some providers include document review and post-market support; others charge extra.
• Not all sellers need this—marketplace sellers may be covered by the platform.

Updated 17 October 2026 · 7 sources checked

Providers compared

Prices as published on each provider's website on 17 October 2026, excluding VAT unless stated. Each row links to its source.

What the Law Requires: UK & EU Product Safety

In the UK, the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 require that all products placed on the market are safe during normal or reasonably foreseeable usage. Enforcement authorities can take action—including product withdrawal—if these obligations are not met. For certain product categories, such as cosmetics and medical devices, a UK Responsible Person (RP) must be formally appointed. This person or company acts as the official contact for product safety authorities, holds technical documentation, and is responsible for compliance with safety obligations. The UK regime is distinct from the EU's post-Brexit.

In the EU, Regulation (EU) 2023/988 (GPSR) Article 16 requires that any consumer product placed on the EU market must have an economic operator established in the Union—commonly known as the Responsible Person. This entity is responsible for holding technical files, cooperating with authorities, and acting as the point of contact for safety issues. The GPSR applies broadly to most consumer products, with specific requirements for labelling and documentation.

• UK: Cosmetics, medical devices, and some other categories require a UK RP.
• EU: GPSR Art. 16 mandates an EU-based Responsible Person for most B2C goods.

It's important to note that the UK and EU requirements are separate after Brexit. A UK Responsible Person does not satisfy EU obligations and vice versa. Sellers targeting both markets must appoint a Responsible Person in each jurisdiction if their product category requires it.

References: UK GPSR 2005, EU GPSR 2023/988

How to Choose a Responsible Person Provider

Choosing the right Responsible Person provider is critical for legal compliance and operational efficiency. Start by identifying your product type and target market. For example, cosmetics and medical devices have stricter requirements and often higher fees than general consumer goods. Consider these factors:

• Coverage: Does the provider support your product category (cosmetics, medical devices, general consumer goods)?
• Jurisdiction: Do you need a UK RP, EU RP, or both? REP27 — Europe Services, SE only provides EU Responsible Person services under GPSR Article 16, not UK-only RP.
• Pricing Model: Is the fee per product, per brand, or unlimited? Are there setup or annual renewal fees?
• Included Services: Does the price include document review, notifications, post-market support, or just the legal address?
• Experience and Responsiveness: How quickly can the provider issue designation? Do they offer a verifiable certificate or public register?

Decision matrix:

Always request a detailed quote and service agreement to avoid hidden costs. If you sell in both the UK and EU, ask if the provider can coordinate both roles or if you need separate contracts.

What the Price Really Includes (and Excludes)

Responsible Person service pricing varies widely depending on the provider, product type, and included services. While some providers offer all-inclusive annual fees, others charge setup fees per product or brand, or additional hourly rates for advisory work. It's crucial to compare not just the headline price but also what is—and isn't—included:

For example, Phoenix Safety Consultants and Naturally Balmy focus on cosmetics and include ongoing regulatory support, while UKRP Service and Taylored Consultancy offer tailored advisory and compliance monitoring, often with separate setup and maintenance fees. REP27 — Europe Services, SE provides unlimited product coverage for EU GPSR but does not cover UK-only obligations.

Always confirm whether document review, post-market compliance, and technical file holding are included. Some providers may charge extra for urgent requests, additional product types, or complex documentation.

Hidden Costs and Exclusions

Responsible Person service contracts can contain hidden costs and exclusions that are not always obvious from the published price. Common additional charges include:

• Per-product or per-brand setup fees: Especially common for cosmetics and medical devices, where each product or brand may require separate documentation and review.
• Ongoing advisory or post-market support: Some providers include this in the annual fee; others charge by the hour or day for additional support.
• EU Responsible Person services: If you need coverage for both the UK and EU, this may require a separate contract and fee.
• Document translation or technical file updates: Not always included in the base price.

Providers rarely highlight:

• Notice periods for terminating the service
• Limits on liability for compliance errors or regulatory fines
• Extra charges for urgent requests, regulatory notifications, or per-product changes

For example, UKRP Service charges £450–£650 per day for bespoke advisory work, and Taylored Consultancy applies setup fees per product or brand. Phoenix Safety Consultants’ fees can range up to £25,000 depending on the scope and complexity. Always request a full quote and review the service agreement for exclusions and additional charges before signing.

How Appointment Works: Step by Step

Appointing a Responsible Person is a multi-step process that requires careful coordination to ensure compliance and avoid business disruption. Here’s how it typically works:

1. Identify your obligations: Determine if your products require a Responsible Person in the UK, EU, or both, based on product type and target market.
2. Gather documentation: Collect all necessary product safety documents, such as safety assessments, declarations of conformity, and technical files.
3. Request quotes: Contact providers to confirm they cover your product type and market, and request detailed quotes and service terms.
4. Sign agreement and pay: Review the service agreement carefully for exclusions and hidden fees, then sign and pay the required fee.
5. Receive designation: The provider will issue a designation letter and provide an address for labelling and regulatory contact. Some, like REP27, also issue a verifiable certificate and public register entry.
6. Update labels and documentation: Add the Responsible Person’s details to product labels, packaging, and technical files as required by law.
7. Provider holds documentation: The Responsible Person holds your technical documentation and responds to authority or consumer requests as required.
8. Renew as needed: Responsible Person appointments are typically annual and must be renewed to maintain compliance.

Checklist for appointing a Responsible Person:

1. Confirm if your products require a UK or EU Responsible Person.
2. Compile all product safety documentation.
3. Contact at least three providers for quotes and service details.
4. Review and sign the service agreement, ensuring all required services are included.
5. Update product labels and technical files with the new RP details.
6. Store proof of appointment and keep documentation ready for inspection.

Risks, Fines, and What Providers Usually Do Not Say

Failure to appoint a Responsible Person where required can have serious legal and financial consequences. Under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, producers are strictly liable for damage caused by defective products. The General Product Safety Regulations 2005 empower UK authorities to withdraw unsafe products, impose fines, and prosecute non-compliance. In the EU, similar enforcement actions apply under GPSR Article 16.

• Risks include: Product withdrawal, sales bans, customs holds, civil liability for damages, and regulatory fines.
• Fines: The precise amount varies by case, but failure to comply with safety regulations can result in substantial penalties and reputational harm.
• What providers may not disclose: Notice periods for terminating the service, limits on their liability, per-request fees, and exclusions for certain types of support or documentation. Some providers only forward requests and do not provide legal advice or answer on the merits (as with REP27).

Always read the service agreement carefully, clarify liability limits, and ensure you understand what happens if your provider fails to respond to an authority or consumer request. Consider the risks of business interruption if your Responsible Person is unavailable or if there is a gap between providers.

Realistic Scenarios: Who Needs What?

Understanding real-world scenarios helps clarify your obligations and the simplest compliant route:

• US SaaS company: No Responsible Person is needed unless you sell physical goods in the UK or EU. Digital-only businesses are outside the scope of these regulations.
• Chinese Amazon seller: If selling to EU consumers, you must appoint an EU Responsible Person under GPSR Article 16 (e.g., REP27). For UK sales, a UK RP is required for cosmetics, medical devices, and some other categories. Amazon and other marketplaces may provide RP coverage for certain categories—always check the platform’s policy.
• UK online shop selling own-brand cosmetics: You must appoint a UK Responsible Person (Phoenix Safety Consultants, Naturally Balmy, Taylored Consultancy, or similar). The RP will hold your Product Information File, submit notifications, and act as the contact point for authorities. If you also sell in the EU, you need a separate EU RP.

These scenarios illustrate why it’s essential to match your provider and service to your specific business model, product category, and target market. Marketplace sellers should confirm if the platform provides RP coverage or if a separate appointment is necessary.