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Nico Shaw Núñez, Director of Regulation, CTPA
The UK and the US maintain a strong trading relationship in relation to cosmetics and personal care products. In 2024, the UK exported approximately £360M worth of products to the US, with imports from the US accounting for almost double at £680M. This made the US our biggest trading partner outside of the European Union last year, a position that has been relatively stable over time1.
The imposition of tariffs, where previously there had been none, will certainly affect this trading relationship. We cannot predict to what extent, but these tariffs will result in added cost to make UK products available to US consumers, a cost which will have to be absorbed by companies or passed onto the consumer directly.
While the UK will be subject to additional 10% tariff rates, the supply chains that enables cosmetic and personal care products to reach consumers have become increasingly global. Products originating from the EU will be subject to higher rates at 20%, and products from China at 34%, for example. With supply chain ties to both regions, as well as other countries, it is unclear yet how this will affect UK companies. CTPA will be working with members to clarify matters such as these and continue to raise our industry’s challenges brought by these measures.
The UK Government has established a strategic position with regards to the UK-US relationship, and CTPA supports any approach that looks to secure our long-term goal of supporting free trade for cosmetics and personal care products.
1uktradeinfo. Consulted March 2024 for relevant HS codes relating to cosmetic products
About CTPA
The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association Limited (CTPA) is the UK trade association representing all types of companies involved in making, supplying and selling cosmetics and personal care products. As the credible authority for a vibrant and innovative UK industry trusted to act responsibly for the benefit of the consumer, CTPA promotes best practices and advises companies about the strict legal framework for cosmetics and personal care products. Representing industry views to the UK Government and external stakeholders CTPA also provides information to the media on many topics relating to cosmetic products and the cosmetics industry in general.
Media enquiries: [email protected]
CTPA website: www.ctpa.org.uk
CTPA consumer website: www.thefactsabout.co.uk
