Dreaming of your own perfume brand? We are happy to help you at every stage.
Read our complete guide and find out where to start and what to pay attention to.

Many companies and individuals are at an early stage of planning their own perfume brand. It’s a big step, so they want to prepare properly. They research options, think about strategy and plan budgets. At this stage, assumptions are not always consulted with manufacturers, which is understandable. To support you as early as possible, we have prepared a guide to private label perfume production – a roadmap for your planning process.

Of course, we are available at any time – and if you wish, you can contact us and we will guide you through the full concept, design, and production process. If, however, for any reason you are not ready yet, we hope this article will be helpful. Importantly, the advice presented here applies not only to perfumes but also to any cosmetics produced under a private label.

Outsource or produce yourself?

I may not be fully objective here, but if you don’t plan to run a whole factory (not to mention the investment costs), then of course – outsource. Just like you use sewing plants when running a fashion brand.

Cosmetic production may seem simple, but in practice it requires meeting strict standards. The process must comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP – according to harmonized standards), and the facility must be listed in the cosmetic production registry. You also need reliable suppliers of components, laboratories testing the products, and safety assessors. Professional companies – especially those specialized in contract manufacturing of cosmetics – already have established contacts and favorable conditions that you can benefit from when outsourcing.

Your strategy as the starting point

Your strategy may require adjustments depending on cooperation frameworks, including pricing and minimum order quantities for certain solutions. Still, before starting discussions, it’s good to have a plan that covers: what exact product you want to create, which price and quality segment it will target, what starting volumes you expect, what your minimum, optimal and maximum budget is (it’s always good to have some buffer), and in which regions you plan to sell (EU law is harmonized, but outside the EU regulations differ).

Strategy is not only the foundation of your business but also a time-saver and a way to ensure smoother communication. We will of course ask questions to better understand your needs, but having a clear vision in mind will definitely speed up cooperation.

Do you need a registered company?

In most cases, yes – contract manufacturing is usually a B2B service. It is not required for initial discussions or consultations, but when it comes to billing and payments, a registered company is often necessary.

Minimum order quantities

Minimum order quantities depend on the manufacturer. Some accept only large volumes (e.g. from 5,000 units per SKU), others start at 1,000, and there are also companies offering small series from 100 units.

At AromaPartners, the MOQ (minimum order quantity) is 1,000 units per SKU. During project evaluation, we can also estimate prices for larger volumes and highlight the main cost drivers. For example, adhesive labels – the price difference between 1,000 and 5,000 prints is often minimal, so larger runs become more cost-effective. This is valuable knowledge since, if you plan long-term, buying larger quantities of certain components can help optimize your budget.

Cooperation models

At AromaPartners, we work both in a full-service model (handling everything from A to Z) and a partial model (where some responsibilities or components are provided by you – e.g., if you supply your own bottles).

The level of service can also vary by customization options. These include white label (ready-made solutions where only branding changes) or full private label, where you can choose most components from a wide catalog and customize them to a large extent, or even commission the development of your own (e.g., a custom bottle – though this requires larger volumes and investment). At AromaPartners, we operate fully in the private label model.

Product documentation and regulatory approval

In the European Union, cosmetic packaging does not need to state the factory that physically produced it. It must include “the name or registered company and address of the responsible person” – or a code allowing identification (though it’s best to be cautious with codes). This responsible person bears full legal responsibility for compliance. In most cases, this will be your company – and that’s nothing to fear.

In fact, there is no “official” regulatory approval – no permit number is required. The perfumes you receive from us can be legally sold as long as they comply with regulations. No authority will check in advance, but inspections can happen once the product is on the market.

The key requirements are correct labeling, GMP-compliant production, CPNP (Cosmetic Product Notification Portal) registration, and documentation including:

• product description enabling easy identification of the file;
• cosmetic product safety report (usually backed by relevant tests – depending on product type);
• production method description and GMP compliance statement;
• evidence of claimed effects (if applicable);
• data on any animal testing by the manufacturer, representative, or suppliers (animal testing is banned in the EU).

It’s important to note that if you plan to sell outside the EU, you must meet additional requirements.

At AromaPartners, we guarantee EU regulatory compliance. Documentation requires multiple steps, including product testing. We can either include documentation “in the product price” or provide it separately. We recommend the latter, as it gives you clear cost breakdowns and avoids repeating costs in future productions.

Contracts

Do you always need a formal written contract? Not necessarily. In Poland, the so-called “documentary form” is also binding – for example, agreements via email. Even verbal arrangements are legally valid, though harder to prove in case of dispute. A written contract is not obligatory but makes it much easier to resolve disputes and clearly define responsibilities.

Regardless of the form, it’s worth discussing a few key points (non-exhaustive list), such as:

• scope of cooperation – what is included in the service and price, what requires extra cost;
• production timelines (including supply of necessary components);
• responsibility for compliance – formally you are liable to regulators, but you can secure terms making the manufacturer accountable for defects (regress clause);
• rights to the formula – if you want to own them and if feasible;
• payment and delivery terms;
• copyrights to graphic materials (labels, packaging, etc.).

Summary

We hope this guide is helpful if you are considering outsourcing the production of your own perfume brand. Our consultant will guide you through each stage of the process and support you with knowledge and expertise.

Developing your own cosmetics is a serious venture. You have every right to ask about every detail and expect clear explanations. We also want your product to succeed – after all, long-term partnerships are the foundation of every business.

Q&A – frequently asked questions

Can I order less than 1,000 units?

The standard MOQ at AromaPartners is 1,000 units per SKU. This results from supplier constraints. Smaller runs are usually more expensive and rarely offered.

How long does contract perfume manufacturing take?

On average, from a few weeks to several months, depending on component availability and level of customization (e.g., custom bottles extend the timeline).

Does the manufacturer handle legal documentation?

Yes. A professional private label manufacturer prepares the safety report, conducts required cosmetic tests, submits the product in the CPNP portal, and ensures compliance with GMP and EU law.

Can I sell cosmetics outside the EU?

Yes, but each market has its own regulations. Outside the EU (e.g., USA, UK, Middle East), additional documents and tests are required, and labeling requirements may differ.