How long does private label manufacturing take, from brief to first batch?
No single figure: it depends on whether the product exists or must be developed, sampled and tested. 51 of the 443 manufacturers on NordSourced publish a lead time on their website. For a new cosmetic, accelerated stability tests are "often performed at 37°C, 40°C or 45°C during 1, 2, 3... months" (Cosmetics Europe and CTFA, 2004).
What are the stages from brief to first batch?
Up to seven, in this order: brief and quotation, formula development, samples and approval, testing, packaging and artwork, production, and for a cosmetic, notification before sale. A product the manufacturer already makes skips development and most testing, so it goes almost straight to packaging and artwork. Some stages can run side by side.
- Brief and quotation. You state the product, the route, the quantity and the packaging; the manufacturer quotes the work and the schedule.
- Formula development, for a new product only. The manufacturer develops the formula or the design to your brief.
- Samples and approval. You test samples and ask for changes until you approve one; each round adds time. See samples.
- Testing. For a new cosmetic: stability testing, then a safety assessment, which the law requires before the product is placed on the market.
- Packaging and artwork. Packaging is sourced and your artwork approved; some manufacturers start their lead time only at this point.
- Production of the first batch, to the lead time in your order.
- Notification, for a cosmetic: the responsible person notifies the product in the Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) before it is placed on the market.
Which stages have a published duration?
Only a few. The law sets duties before sale but no durations, and the industry stability guideline gives common test lengths, not a total. The table shows what the sources say for each stage; whole-project figures come only from manufacturers, in their own words, in the next section.
| Stage | Duration in the source | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Stability testing of a new cosmetic | Accelerated tests often run for 1, 2, 3 or more months at 37°C, 40°C or 45°C; the duration depends on the product type | Cosmetics Europe and CTFA guideline, March 2004 |
| Safety assessment of a cosmetic | No duration; it must be done before the product is placed on the market | Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Article 10 |
| CPNP notification of a cosmetic | No processing time published; it is a notification made before sale, not an approval | European Commission, CPNP page |
| Production of the first batch | The manufacturer's lead time; 51 listed manufacturers publish one (below) | Manufacturers' own websites |
| Whole project, idea to finished product | Published by some manufacturers only (next section) | Manufacturers' own websites |
The Commission describes the CPNP as "a free of charge online notification system" and adds that "there is no need for any further notification at national level within the EU". Its page names no review step and no processing time.
How much longer does a new formula take than a product the manufacturer already makes?
In the figures manufacturers publish, a new formula adds weeks or months. The extra time is the work before production: developing the formula, making and approving samples, and for a cosmetic, stability testing. A reorder skips that work, and some manufacturers publish a separate, shorter reorder time. Each sentence below is the manufacturer's own.
- Cosmetic Lab, based in Latvia, writes that "a full OEM project typically takes 12–20 weeks from brief to dispatch, covering formula development (4–8 weeks)", and that "brands working from our existing formula library can expect a 4–6 week lead time".
- Made Group, based in Lithuania, writes that "once formula and label are confirmed, typical lead time is 4–8 weeks to shelf-ready stock — against 6–12 months for full custom development".
- ERA Scientifico, based in Latvia, states: "Ready-made products: typically ready within 6-8 weeks" and "Custom formulations: from concept to shelf-ready product in approximately 8-9 weeks".
- Nordic BioCosmetic, based in Finland, writes that "on average the product process from idea to finished product takes 6-12 months".
- The Very Lab, based in Lithuania, writes that "the standard lead time for our production process, from the initial formulation to final product delivery, is approximately 10-16 weeks".
- INTERSCALIT, based in Lithuania, writes that "from initial request to delivery it takes approximately 5 weeks for repeat orders and 6 weeks for new projects".
These are statements on websites, not offers for your product, and each manufacturer counts from a different starting point. That is why a published figure is not a promise (below).
How long does stability testing take for a new cosmetic?
There is no fixed duration. The Cosmetics Europe and CTFA guideline of March 2004 says that "'standard' stability tests cannot be prescribed", and that the temperature and duration of accelerated tests depend on the product type. Each manufacturer designs its own programme, so ask yours which tests it runs and for how long.
The tests exist to "ensure that a new or modified product meets the intended physical, chemical and microbiological quality standards". The guideline is an industry document, not law. The law's duty is separate: under Article 10(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, the responsible person must, "prior to placing a cosmetic product on the market, ensure that the cosmetic product has undergone a safety assessment".
Accelerated results are a forecast. The guideline also recommends periodic monitoring of retained samples after launch, so stability work does not end with the first batch.
Which lead times do manufacturers in Northern Europe publish?
51 of the 443 manufacturers listed on NordSourced publish a lead time on their own website, with a quote and a link (data of 2026-10-14). The table counts them by product group. Below it, up to 25 are listed in alphabetical order with the figure as each states it; the order is not a ranking.
| Product group | Manufacturers listed | Publish a lead time | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics | 75 | 9 | 12% |
| Food supplements | 68 | 19 | 28% |
| Furniture & interior | 99 | 9 | 9% |
| Food & beverages | 130 | 5 | 4% |
| Home textiles | 29 | 6 | 21% |
| Household & cleaning | 39 | 1 | 3% |
| All groups | 443 | 51 | 12% |
| Manufacturer | Country | Product groups | Published lead time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allreasons | Latvia | Food & beverages | 3–5 weeks |
| Amber Linen | Lithuania | Apparel | 2–6 weeks |
| Aukmergės baldai | Lithuania | Furniture & interior | 6–8 weeks |
| Bars Production | Sweden | Food supplements, Food & beverages | 12 weeks |
| BF-ESSE | Latvia | Food supplements | 14 days to test run; 2-8 weeks to production |
| BioCC | Estonia | Food supplements | 4-6 weeks |
| Blanc Label | Sweden | Apparel | from 10 days with print |
| Candle Family | Lithuania | Furniture & interior | 1-3 months (custom scent development; faster when picked from the existing scent library) |
| Conectra | Estonia | Home textiles | 2–6 weeks |
| Contract Pharma Solutions | Lithuania | Food supplements, Cosmetics, Other | ~6 weeks average project timeline |
| Cosmetic Lab | Latvia | Cosmetics | 12-20 weeks for a full custom OEM project; 4-6 weeks from existing formulas |
| Elisenda | Latvia | Other | 5–14 working days |
| ERA Scientifico | Latvia | Food supplements | 6-8 weeks (ready-made); 8-9 weeks (custom formulations); 5-8 weeks (reorders) |
| EU Neon | Latvia | Furniture & interior | 3–4 weeks |
| Futures Nutrition | Lithuania | Food supplements | 3-4 weeks (standard/repeat orders); 6-8 weeks (custom formulations) |
| Gauya Furniture | Latvia | Furniture & interior | 8-12 weeks from approved technical drawings |
| Hankintatukku Arno Latvus | Finland | Food supplements | 8–16 weeks |
| Huonekalutehdas Laitala | Finland | Furniture & interior | about 4 weeks |
| HYPERPHARM (Client) | Estonia | Food supplements | from 2 weeks |
| INTERSCALIT | Lithuania | Home textiles | about 5 weeks for repeat orders and 6 weeks for new projects |
| Jonnex-Farma | Latvia | Food supplements, Cosmetics | 60 days to 9 months |
| Kemvit | Finland | Household & cleaning | 2-10 weeks |
| Lami Super Booster | Estonia | Cosmetics | 2-4 months |
| Lanka ja Muovi | Finland | Furniture & interior | 2–4 weeks |
| Lennol | Finland | Home textiles | 14 working days after materials arrive |
And 26 more in the directory.
Supplement manufacturers publish a lead time most often: 19 of 68. A figure belongs to one route, often a product the manufacturer already makes, so read the profile before you compare two of them.
Why is a published lead time not a promise?
Because it is a statement on a website, not a term of your order, and each manufacturer starts its clock at a different point: the order, the payment, the approved formula, the approved artwork or approved drawings. The date you can plan with is the one in your order or agreement, together with what starts it.
- Merywood, based in Estonia, writes that "standard lead time is 4–6 weeks from formula approval to delivery".
- Allreasons, based in Latvia, writes that "production starts once you approve the final artwork, and the order is ready 3 to 5 weeks later".
- Gauya Furniture, based in Latvia, writes that "most projects are delivered within 8–12 weeks from approved technical drawings".
- EU Neon, based in Latvia, writes that "once you place your order and payment has been received, you can expect to receive your EU NEON LED sign within 3 to 4 weeks".
- Lami Super Booster, based in Estonia, writes that "standard manufacturing and filling typically require 2-4 months following formula selection, final artwork approval and custom packaging arriving into our warehouse".
- Propack Powder and Formula, based in Lithuania, writes that "the average launch time is 2 weeks from order confirmation".
Materials move the date too. Rohtos Labs, based in Finland, gives "manufacturing turnaround times as low as 6 – 12 weeks (depending on formulation, availability of raw materials and packaging)". The checking guide lists what to settle in the quotation, and what the agreement should contain what to write into the contract.
What does my product decide about the timeline?
Three things decide it: whether the formula exists, whether the law asks for testing and notification before sale, and whether the packaging is new. A new cosmetic in new packaging has the longest chain of stages, because the Cosmetics Regulation requires a safety assessment and a CPNP notification before it is placed on the market.
| Your situation | Stages you go through | What sets the pace |
|---|---|---|
| A reorder of a product already made for you | Production | The manufacturer's reorder lead time, where it publishes one |
| A product the manufacturer already makes, with your label | Quotation, artwork, production | Approval of your artwork and the production lead time |
| The same product in packaging new to the manufacturer | Quotation, packaging, artwork, production | Delivery of the packaging to the manufacturer |
| A new food, supplement or household formula | Development, samples, packaging, production, and any notification its rules ask for | Sample rounds and raw materials; see launching a food supplement |
| A new cosmetic | All seven stages | Stability testing, the safety assessment and sample rounds |
| A furniture or textile design of your own | Drawings or patterns, samples or prototypes, production | Approval of the drawings and of the sample |
Questions and answers
Which supplement manufacturers in the Baltics publish how long production takes?
14 food supplement manufacturers listed on NordSourced in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia publish a lead time on their own website. BF-ESSE gives 14 days to test run; 2-8 weeks to production. BioCC gives 4-6 weeks. Contract Pharma Solutions gives ~6 weeks average project timeline. Each counts from its own starting point, so ask for a schedule for your exact product.
How long does a cosmetics manufacturer in Northern Europe need for a new product?
9 of the cosmetics manufacturers listed on NordSourced publish a lead time on their website. Contract Pharma Solutions gives ~6 weeks average project timeline. Cosmetic Lab gives 12-20 weeks for a full custom OEM project; 4-6 weeks from existing formulas. For a new formula, add stability tests, which often run for one to three months or more, and the safety assessment the law requires before sale.
How long does CPNP notification take?
No official processing time is published. Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 requires the responsible person to submit the notification electronically before the product is placed on the market. The Commission's CPNP page calls the portal free of charge and describes a notification, not an approval, so do not plan for a waiting period it does not state.
Is stability testing a legal requirement for cosmetics?
The law, as quoted on this page, requires a safety assessment before a cosmetic is placed on the market (Article 10(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009). The stability guideline of Cosmetics Europe and CTFA from 2004 is an industry document, not law, and it says standard tests cannot be prescribed. Ask the manufacturer which tests feed the safety assessment.
How can I get my product to market sooner?
Start from a product or formula the manufacturer already has, use packaging it already stocks, and have your artwork ready when you order. Manufacturers that publish two figures give a shorter one for an existing formula than for a new one. For a cosmetic, a new formula also needs stability testing and a safety assessment before sale.
Is a reorder faster than the first batch?
Manufacturers that publish both give reorders a figure of their own. ERA Scientifico gives 6-8 weeks (ready-made); 8-9 weeks (custom formulations); 5-8 weeks (reorders). Futures Nutrition gives 3-4 weeks (standard/repeat orders); 6-8 weeks (custom formulations). INTERSCALIT gives about 5 weeks for repeat orders and 6 weeks for new projects. A reorder repeats production only, without development, samples or new packaging, unless you change the product.
What can delay a first batch?
Several manufacturers name their own reasons. Nordic BioCosmetic lists the final content of the formula, the number of samples to be made, the delivery of raw and packaging materials, and the schedules of the required tests. Propack Powder and Formula says its time "depends on the product composition, format, and packaging readiness".
Does a published lead time include delivery to me?
It depends on the manufacturer, so ask. Published figures end at different points: Miss Lolita lingerie counts "from the placement of the order to shipment", Merywood "from formula approval to delivery", Cosmetic Lab "from brief to dispatch" and others do not say. Write the end point and the Incoterms rule, ICC's delivery term, into the order.
How long must a cosmetic's product information file be kept?
Article 11(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 says the file is "kept for a period of ten years following the date on which the last batch" of the product was placed on the market. The clock that matters to you therefore runs long after launch: settle in the agreement who keeps the file and where.
How many manufacturers in the Nordics and Baltics publish a lead time?
51 of the 443 manufacturers listed on NordSourced (data of 2026-10-14): 4 in Sweden, 13 in Finland, 14 in Latvia, 11 in Lithuania and 9 in Estonia. Each figure comes with a quote and a link to the manufacturer's own page. The rest do not state one on their website, which does not mean they cannot give you a date.
How long do samples take before production starts?
Wings2fashion, based in Estonia, writes that "sampling takes two to three weeks, followed by four to six weeks in bulk production". Skarvin publishes 10-15 working days (sample batch) + 25-40 working days (main batch), depending on batch size and finish. Each development round adds its own time, so ask how many rounds the price includes; see samples.
Should the lead time be written into the contract?
Yes, with what starts it and where it ends. A force majeure clause, as the EU IP Helpdesk describes it, can "release the parties from their obligations under the contract if external factors beyond their control" make performance impossible, so read that clause together with the date. See what the agreement should contain.
Where to go next
Sources
- Guidelines on Stability Testing of Cosmetic Products (March 2004), Cosmetics Europe (formerly Colipa) and CTFA. Checked 13 Oct 2026.
- Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, Articles 10, 11 and 13, European Parliament and Council, hosted by the European Commission (DG SANTE). Checked 13 Oct 2026.
- Cosmetic Products Notification Portal, European Commission, DG GROW. Checked 13 Oct 2026.
- Your Guide to IP and Contracts (15 December 2020), European IP Helpdesk (EISMEA). Checked 13 Oct 2026.
Directory figures are counted from the manufacturers listed on NordSourced, each listed because its own website says it makes products for other brands; see how we check. This page is general information, not legal advice. Found a mistake? Tell us.