What is TPO and why is it banned?

TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide) is a photoinitiator: an ingredient that helps gel polish and UV gel harden under a UV or LED lamp. For years it was standard across the industry. In 2025, updated EU toxicology reviews reclassified TPO as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant under the CLP Regulation. That reclassification automatically placed TPO on Annex II of EU Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009, the list of substances banned outright in cosmetic products.

The ban is already in effect, here’s what that means for you

Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/877 made the ban law. Since 1 September 2025, UV gels containing TPO can no longer be sold, supplied or professionally used anywhere in the EU. Using a TPO product on a paying client counts as “making available on the market” under the European Commission’s guidance, so the restriction covers salons as well as suppliers and distributors.

The UK is following the same path. New TPO containing products have been barred from the market since August 2026, with a full sell-through deadline of February 2027. If you supply distributors or salons outside the EU, that timeline is worth building into your planning now.

Request CNC’s 2026 online brochure

CNC was TPO-free before the law required it

As a private label UV gel manufacturer based in the Netherlands since 1993, we build compliance into every formula from day one:

• Every UV gel in our catalogue has been TPO-free since before the ban existed
• HEMA-free and Di-HEMA-free options across fiber gels and gel polish, for brands chasing safer formulas.
• Full documentation comes with every order: MSDS, DDS sheets, INCI files and CPNP support, so proving compliance to your own customers takes minutes,

Build your safe private label nail brand with us

Safe products, less risk to consumers and nail technicians and lowered risk to allergic skin reactions; we always prioritize skin- and nail-friendly products. CNC International is your go-to supplier for your complete range of private-label nail products.