This article compiles data on cosmetic sampling inspections conducted within China and updates related information for February 2025.

Cosmetic Sampling Inspection Data

In February 2025, China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) announced that during the 2024 national cosmetic sampling inspection, 26 batches of cosmetics were found to be non-compliant after testing. Additionally, the Guangdong, Jiangxi, Anhui and Hubei Provincial Medical Products Administration conducted cosmetic sampling inspections, identifying 22, 16, 2, and 11 batches of non-compliant cosmetics, respectively.

1. National Medical Products Administration Announcement on 26 Non-Compliant Batches of Cosmetics (2025 No. 8)

During the 2024 national cosmetic sampling inspection, 26 batches of cosmetics were found to be non-compliant after testing by the Qinghai Provincial Drug Inspection and Testing Institute and other relevant institutions. The non-compliant products include body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and hair dye. In accordance with related regulations and measures, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has instructed the Shanghai, Jiangsu, Hunan, and Guangdong Medical Products Administrations to initiate investigations into the registrants, notifiers, and entrusted manufacturers involved in the non-compliant products. The relevant enterprises are required to immediately implement risk control measures, conduct self-inspections, and undertake corrective actions in accordance with the law.

2. Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration Announcement on Cosmetic Sampling Inspection Results (2024 Issue No. 6)

To strengthen cosmetic supervision and ensure consumer safety, the Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration conducted sampling inspections on cosmetics across the province. The inspection results showed that 22 batches of cosmetics were non-compliant. The non-compliant products include sunscreen, shampoo, and acne treatment essence. The identified non-compliance issues include:

• Failure to detect the UV filters as indicated in the product labeling and registration documentation;
• 1,2-Dichloroethane detected at 0.56 μg/g, which is prohibited from being added according to regulatory limits;
• Excessive total bacterial count, etc.

For the non-compliant cosmetics, the Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration has required the relevant enterprises and units to implement risk control measures, such as suspending sales and recalling affected products. Additionally, enterprises must investigate the causes of non-compliance and implement corrective actions accordingly.

3. Jiangxi Provincial Medical Products Administration Announcement on Cosmetic Supervision and Sampling Inspection (2025 Issue No. 1)

The Jiangxi Provincial Medical Products Administration has continued to conduct supervisory sampling inspections on cosmetics in the production and distribution sectors in accordance with the 2024 Provincial Cosmetic Supervision and Sampling Inspection Plan. In this issue, 16 batches of non-compliant cosmetics have been confirmed and are now publicly announced. All non-compliant products are hair dye creams. The relevant enterprises are required to take corrective actions in accordance with regulatory requirements to ensure compliance with cosmetic safety standards.

4. Anhui Provincial Medical Products Administration Announcement on Cosmetic Quality (2025 Issue No. 1)

To strengthen cosmetic supervision and ensure consumer safety, the Anhui Provincial Medical Products Administration conducted provincial-level cosmetic supervision and sampling inspections within its jurisdiction. The Anhui Institute for Food and Drug Control carried out the testing, and the results have confirmed that two batches of cosmetics do not comply with regulations. Non-compliant products are shampoo and conditioner. The relevant enterprises are required to take corrective actions in accordance with regulatory standards to ensure product compliance and consumer safety.

5. Hubei Provincial Cosmetic Quality Announcement (2025 Issue No. 1)

In accordance with the Hubei Provincial Cosmetic Sampling Inspection Plan, drug regulatory authorities at all levels have conducted random inspections on cosmetic manufacturers, wholesale markets, large cosmetic retail stores, and beauty & hair salons across the province. The inspection results have identified 11 batches of non-compliant cosmetics. Non-compliance issues include:

• Undeclared UV filters not detected in the product despite being listed on the approval document and label: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate and Octocrylene;
• Excessive total bacterial count;
• Detection of prohibited ingredient: Terbinafine and so on.

Relevant enterprises must immediately take corrective actions to comply with regulatory standards and ensure product safety.

Information Sharing

1. February 1, the Henan Provincial Medical Products Administration conducted fly-in inspections on 24 cosmetic business units.

Inspection Findings:

• 4 businesses have been placed under investigation, and local cosmetic regulatory authorities have been instructed to handle them in accordance with laws and regulations.
• 20 businesses have completed rectification as required.

Additional issues identified:

• Some businesses could not be located at their registered addresses.
• Some businesses were not found at their displayed addresses.
• Some businesses were not in operation at the time of inspection.

The Henan Provincial Medical Products Administration will continue to strengthen regulatory oversight to ensure compliance and protect consumer safety.

February 12, the Dezhou Market Supervision Administration issued a notice titled "Cosmetic Supervision and Inspection Results Announcement." In 2024, the Dezhou Market Supervision Administration conducted quality inspections on 130 batches of cosmetics, covering categories such as hair dyes, children’s skincare products, sunscreens, toothpaste, etc. Through the inspection, 129 batches met the required standards (pass rate: 99.23%). 1 batch of hair dye was found non-compliant due to the detection of a dye ingredient that was not declared on the product label or in the registered technical specifications.

February 17, the Shaanxi Provincial Medical Products Administration announced that the Xi’an Market Supervision Bureau has launched a special inspection campaign to strengthen the regulation of hair dye cosmetics by implementing the "Four Measures in Place" strategy. The campaign includes continuous random sampling inspections of hair dye products circulating in the market, with a focus on detecting the presence of prohibited ingredients and excessive levels of restricted substances. Furthermore, law enforcement actions have been strengthened to crack down on violations related to non-compliant hair dye products.

During the special inspection period:

• 2,529 businesses engaged in the sale and use of hair dye cosmetics were inspected.
• 4,088 hair dye products were examined.
• 130 businesses were ordered to rectify non-compliance issues.

The Xi’an Market Supervision Bureau will continue to enhance regulatory oversight to ensure the safety and compliance of hair dye products in the market.

From February 27 to 28, 2025, the National Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Conference was held in Changsha, Hunan. The meeting outlined six key tasks for cosmetics regulation in 2025:

• Ensuring Cosmetic Safety as the Bottom Line – Strengthening comprehensive risk prevention and control throughout the entire product lifecycle.
• Promoting High-Quality Development – Advancing regulatory reforms and innovations to support industry growth.
• Enhancing Regulatory Efficiency – Accelerating the optimization of regulatory mechanisms for more effective oversight.
• Strengthening Technical Support Capabilities – Reinforcing regulatory infrastructure and foundational capabilities.
• Fostering a Positive Consumer Environment – Building a collaborative governance framework involving all stakeholders.
• Advancing High-Standard International Cooperation – Actively engaging in global exchanges and collaboration in the cosmetics sector.

This strategic plan aims to enhance regulatory effectiveness, support industry innovation, and ensure consumer safety in China's cosmetics market.

About CIRS

The CIRS cosmetic team is dedicated to ensuring that cosmetic products meet the stringent regulatory standards around the globe. It can provide one-stop services covering the whole life-cycle of a personal care product, which includes cosmetic ingredient development, physical/chemical tests, toxicological tests (in vivo & in vitro), efficacy studies (in vivo & in vitro), ingredient registration, and product registration.

Cosmetic services in China:

• China Cosmetic Registration and Filing;
• China New Cosmetic Ingredient Registration and Filing;
• China Cosmetic Ingredient Quality and Safety Information Code Application (NMPA Code);
• China Cosmetics Safety and Efficacy Test;
• China Cosmetic Safety Assessment Report;
• China Toothpaste Filing;
• China Disinfectant Notification; and
• China Cosmetic Formula/Label/Claim Review

If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via test@cirs-group.com.