HUBERT BRUNDU
SGS Cosmetics & Hygiene Technical Manager

Abstract

The old Cosmetic Hygiene Supervision Regulation in China was issued and enforced in 1990. Throughout the past 30 years, the authority has published different drafts of new regulations to the industry for public consultation and comments. Finally, on 29 June 2020, the Ministry of Justice of the People’s Republic of China announced the launch of its new Cosmetic Supervision and Administration Regulation, which officially entered into force on the 1st January 2021.  With the new regulations it makes it easier for overseas brands to import their products into China.  This article outlines what cosmetic brands must be aware of, the new rules for testing products and the process for importing products into China.

Back on July 29^th 2020, The Ministry of Justice of the People’s Republic of China announced the launch of its new Cosmetic Supervision and Administration Regulation, which officially entered into force on the 1st January 2021.

This new regulation deviates significantly from its predecessor in a number of areas. However, it also means that China’s regulations are now closer aligned to current global industry practices – especially those currently enforced in the EU.

European cosmetics brands will likely welcome this news, with it now being easier than ever before to import products into China from the EU. This is especially promising given that China is now the world’s largest (1) cosmetics import market.

Let’s examine the Cosmetic Supervision and Administration Regulation in closer detail, outlining what has changed and what cosmetics brands must be aware of going forward.

NEW DEFINITIONS

When importing cosmetics into China, you have to first declare whether your products are ‘General Cosmetics’ or ‘Special Cosmetics’. This definition ...