Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP) [Complete Guide]

The Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP) is an initiative by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It allows cosmetic manufacturers, distributors, and packers to register their products voluntarily. This program is not mandatory but it helps the FDA monitor cosmetic products in the market.

Understanding the VCRP can be beneficial for compliance when manufacturing or distributing cosmetics in the U.S. In this article, we will provide all the information you need to know about VCRP, its benefits, and any recent regulatory changes.

What is the Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP)?

The voluntary cosmetic registration program is a program, introduced by the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration. It allows beauty manufacturers and distributors to voluntarily register their products with the FDA. The objective of this program is to help the FDA monitor cosmetic products available in the market to ensure consumer safety. While registering isn’t mandatory, it can be useful for businesses looking to stay informed about regulations and industry best practices.

Importance Of VCRP

The Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP) was an important tool for the cosmetic industry, even though it was voluntary. Here are the key reasons why the VCRP was significant:

• Data Collection: Gathered important information on products, ingredients, and facilities to help the FDA monitor market trends and track product safety.
• Industry Transparency: Voluntary participation showed commitment to safety and responsible practices.
• FDA Monitoring: Enabled the FDA to detect potential safety risks and prioritize inspections based on the data collected.
• Regulatory Insight: The information supported the FDA in making informed regulatory decisions.
• Foundation for Future Regulations: VCRP helped shape stronger laws like the MOCRA, which now requires mandatory registration and safety substantiation.
• Promoted Best Practices: Encouraged companies to adopt safety standards and maintain accountability within the industry.

Who Can Register Under VCRP?

The VCRP is open to beauty product manufacturers, packers, and distributors that sell cosmetics in the United States. However, it does not apply to products meant for professional use only, like those used in salons, spas, or cosmetic procedures.

If your products are available to the general public, you can voluntarily register them under this program to stay aligned with industry standards and FDA guidelines.

Benefits of Registering in the VCRP

There are several benefits that VCRP provides to businesses that want to sell cosmetics in the U.S. market, such as:

1. Enhanced Credibility: Businesses that register their products exhibit a commitment to product safety & transparency.
2. Better Market Insight: VCRP provides better market insight to the FDA, as the U.S. FDA uses VCRP data to analyze cosmetic trends and safety concerns. This can benefit businesses in product development.
3. Consumer Trust: Registering under VCRP helps businesses gain consumer trust. consumers are more likely to trust brands that comply with FDA regulations.
4. Future Compliance Readiness: If any changes occur in the FDA cosmetic regulations & become more stringent in the future, then businesses that participate in VCRP may have a compliance advantage.

Steps to Register for the Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program

Follow the mentioned steps to register for Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program:

1. Create an Account on the FDA Website: Visit the FDA’s VCRP online portal to start the registration process.
2. Establishment Registration (Form 2511): Submit Form 2511 to register your cosmetic manufacturing or distribution facility.
3. Product Registration (Form 2512): Each cosmetic product formulation must be registered separately using Form 2512.
4. Submission and Confirmation: After submitting the forms, the FDA will confirm receipt and record the details.

Recent Changes Made In VCRP

The Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP) has been replaced with the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) of 2022. Unlike the VCRP, which was optional, MoCRA makes registration mandatory for cosmetic businesses.

Under MoCRA, companies must:

• Register their facilities with the FDA
• List all cosmetic products they sell
• Ensure product safety substantiation to prove their products are safe
• Report adverse events related to their cosmetics

With these changes, businesses need to comply with MoCRA regulations to continue selling cosmetics in the U.S.

Difference Between VCRP And MoCRA [VCRP Vs MoCRA]

There are no. of differences between VCRP & MoCRA. Here’s a comparison of VCRP and MOCRA in a table format:

Aspect	VCRP (Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program)	MOCRA (Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act)
Program Type	Voluntary	Mandatory
Registration Requirement	Optional product and facility registration	Requires mandatory registration of all cosmetic products and establishments with the FDA
Compliance Enforcement	No enforcement authority; serves as an information-gathering tool	Grants the FDA enforcement authority to inspect, issue recalls, and take legal action
Product Safety	No specific safety or manufacturing standards imposed	Requires manufacturers to substantiate product safety and comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
Manufacturing Facility Oversight	Optional facility registration	Requires all cosmetic facilities to register with the FDA
FDA Authority	No enforcement powers; serves for data collection	Grants FDA power to inspect, recall products, and take legal action against non-compliant businesses

Why Did the FDA Stop VCRP?

The VCRP became obsolete with the introduction of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) of 2022. Unlike VCRP, which was voluntary, MoCRA makes facility registration and product listing mandatory.

This shift gives the FDA more control over cosmetic regulations, allowing them to enforce safety standards, inspect facilities, and take action against non-compliant businesses. The goal is to ensure better oversight and consumer protection in the cosmetics industry.

How to Register Under MoCRA?

Registering under MoCRA is a very simple process, follow the listed process:

1. Create an FDA Account: Businesses must set up an account on the FDA registration portal.
2. Submit Facility Registration: Register all manufacturing and packaging facilities.
3. List Cosmetic Products: Submit detailed product listings, including ingredient information.
4. Maintain Compliance: Ensure all products are safe and meet FDA guidelines.

Also read: How To Get FDA Approval For Cosmetics?