The European Directory of Soap and Cosmetics makers exists solely as a platform for buyers and sellers to make contact with each other and cannot individually vet either buyers or sellers using the site. Both buyers and sellers take responsibility for their own due diligence and vetting before carrying out any transaction.

We do not hold any more information on sellers listed in the Directory than is available within each seller's listing. To contact a seller, please use the information they have provided.

Buyers and sellers should use the site with the same care for their own online safety as any other site.

Buyers should be careful to take time to pick a good seller, especially when buying from private individuals rather than companies. Look for evidence of a physical address and telephone contact details where possible, and check the seller's privacy policy and returns policy. Above all, use an appropriate and safe means of online payment to obtain some protection if the transaction does not proceed to your satisfaction. Make sure you use a secure website to enter credit card details – look for a padlock symbol in the bottom right of your browser window and for the website address to begin with 'https://'

Sellers should remain wary of any approaches from scammers. If someone you have never heard of approaches you with a large order, take great care to verify their details before proceeding with any deal. It is the responsibility of anyone listed in the Directory to vet buyers and to ensure their own safety throughout any transaction.

Many good contacts can be made via the directory, but it is always sensible to triple-check that any offer from a potential buyer is as good as it seems. Do not commit to sending large quantities of product before payment has been received and cleared.

It is not uncommon for scammers to approach sellers in different countries asking for products in large quantities – in these cases, your first question should be why they are not going to a company closer to their own country or continent. Thorough checking and/or questioning of any potential buyer could protect you from losing a great deal of money and stock. A genuine buyer should not object to answering a few questions or providing evidence of their authenticity before proceeding with a costly transaction.

Finally, the Directory cannot take any responsibility for any transaction which does not proceed according to either the buyer's or seller's satisfaction. Any action to solve an unsatisfactory transaction is a matter for the parties involved or any local agencies which may assist.