Selling

TL;DR: Domestic soap is classified as a cosmetic in the EU and is subject to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. To sell legally you need a trade certificate, a CPSR (safety report from an expert), a PIF (documentation file) and a CPNP notification. Timeframe from decision to first legal sale: 4-6 months. Approximate cost: 75,000-110,000 CZK in the first year.

The transition from domestic soap production to legal sales in the Czech Republic and the EU requires meeting specific regulatory conditions. Soap is a cosmetic product under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 - and as such is subject to mandatory safety documentation, INCI labelling and notification in the EU database.

This section will guide you through the entire process: from understanding the legislation to compiling documentation, pricing, product photography and selecting sales channels.

Legislation and documentation

What do I have to do to make my soap legal to sell?

Soap is classified as a cosmetic in the EU - you must comply with Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. complete guide Covers CPSR (safety report), PIF (information file), GMP/ISO 22716, CPNP notification, INCI obligations, responsible person. Indicative cost and timeline for a small manufacturer.

What are the CPSR, PIF and CPNP and in what order to prepare them?

The three mandatory documents have a clear order of preparation. Detailed Guide explains what each contains, who prepares it, how much it costs and the order in which to proceed. Step by step from finalizing the recipe to the first legal sale.

Approximate cost of CPSR: 5 000-15 000 CZK per product (Safety Assessor)

How to properly construct an INCI list for soap?

The INCI list is mandatory on the label - saponified oils are referred to by specific names. Complete INCI labelling guide covers Sodium olivate, Sodium cocoate..., order of ingredients in descending order of quantity, identification and mandatory indication of fragrance allergens, mandatory label elements according to EU law. Example of a finished label for the Czech Republic.

Economics of production

How much does it cost to legally produce soap in the Czech Republic?

Legal production requires several investments. Complete overview covers one-off (CPSR, trade licence, equipment) and ongoing costs (insurance, updating documentation). Approximate first year: 75 000-110 000 CZK. GMP template for small producers (batch records, purity, traceability).

How to set the price of soap to be profitable?

Proper pricing is key to the sustainability of the business. Specific calculations shows: material costs + labour + overhead + regulatory costs + margin. Example: lavender soap 85 g → recommended price 220-250 CZK. Price psychology, price anchoring, channel comparison (e-shop vs. wholesale).

Marketing and sales

How to take photos of soap for e-shop and social networks?

Professional photography increases sales. complete guide covers natural light, composition (overhead, 45°, macro), styling with props, phone settings, editing in Lightroom Mobile. Specifics for Etsy, Instagram and e-shop. Common mistakes.

Where and how to sell hand soap?

Many channels are available - farmers markets, your own e-shop, Etsy, social networks. complete guide covers Farmers Markets, custom e-commerce (Shoptet, Shopify), Etsy and Fler, Instagram and TikTok Shop, wholesale (spas, hotels, eco-shops). Comparison table of fees and reach. Recommended strategies for the three stages of growth.

Where to buy raw materials for soap making?

The right suppliers are the key to long-term profitability. Complete overview Covers suppliers by category for NaOH/KOH, base oils, specialty oils, EO, FO, micas and pigments. Local (Mýdlárna.cz) and foreign (Aromazone, Gracefruit, New Directions Aromatics). How to evaluate suppliers (SDS, COA, IFRA certificates).

Timeline: from production to legal sale

Frequently asked questions

Can I sell soap without CPSR? No. A CPSR (safety report) is a legal requirement for every cosmetic product sold in the EU. Selling without a CPSR is a violation of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and carries the risk of a fine, product recall and a sales ban. Only soap intended solely for personal use (not a gift, not for sale) is an exception.

How long does it take to get a CPSR? Usually 2-6 weeks after sending all documents to the Safety Assessor. The time depends on the expert's workload and the complexity of the prescription. It is the most time consuming step in the regulatory process.

Is it more expensive to buy oils from a wholesale supplier? In the long term, yes, the price per kilogram is significantly lower (up to 50% cheaper). But the minimum order is higher (5-25 kg), which requires storage space and long-term use. For a beginner, it is more economical to start with small packs from Mýdlárny.cz.

Do I need ISO 22716 certification? Full ISO 22716 certification is expensive and usually unnecessary for small manufacturers. Simplified GMP documentation is sufficient: batch records, cleanroom, raw material traceability and pH test. Certification is only worthwhile at higher volumes.

What if they change the recipe? Changing the recipe (different oil, different quantity, different EO) requires a new or updated CPSR. Some changes (e.g. change of supplier of the same oil) may be supported by additional analysis without a complete new CPSR - check with your Safety Assessor.

How much does CPNP registration cost? CPNP notification is completely free. It is a mandatory online reporting in the EU system. Registration is done by you as the responsible person at ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cpnp.

Do I have to have a business license to have a CPSR? No, you can have a CPSR without a business license. But you need a business license to sell legally. Ideally: first order your CPSR (within 2-6 weeks), in parallel get a trade certificate (within 1-5 days), then you're all set.

See also:

• EU regulations for soap makers - legislative basis
• Cost of legal production - financial planning
• Recipes - finalisation of the recipe as the first step to sales