The new Chinese standard for cosmetics Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (Version 2015) published by the end by 2015 will come into operation in December. The new standard adopts stricter limits for lead and arsenic, includes general requirements for hazardous substances cadmium, dioxane and asbestos. It also amends the lists for prohibited/restricted and allowed substances in cosmetics and adds test methods. It is advisable that cosmetics manufacturers and importers shall learn about the new requirements and act with due care.

Fully considering cosmetics regulation of foreign countries and regions, Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (Version 2015) is closer to EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in framework, which primarily specifies general requirements for cosmetic products, and technical requirements include prohibited/restricted and allowed substances and test methods. All cosmetic products that are manufactured or operated in the People’s Republic of China shall comply with the mandatory standard. (Except to products intended for sale in foreign countries).

C&K Testing’s reminders for the interest of clarity:

1. The Chinese non-special cosmetics shall be recorded for filing before their first placing on the market, while an administrative permit is required for the production of Chinese cosmetics for special use and the first import of cosmetic products;

2. Cosmetic products that manufactured or imported since 1 December 2016 shall comply with the new standard;

3. Cosmetic products that manufactured or imported before 1 December 2016 can be offered for sale until their expiry dates;

4. Where cosmetic products having been approved or recorded for filing, adjustments shall be made in their formulations for compliance of the new standard, and an application for change shall be submitted to CFDA;

5. Cosmetics producers whose products having been approved or recorded for filing shall make adjustments in technical documents such as quality control and technical requirements before 1 December 2016;

6. For cosmetics which have been approved or recorded for filing, when only their Use Conditions and Points for Attention marked on the label do not comply with the Standard, businesses can submit revised labels upon application for approval. The previous product packaging can continue to be used until 30 June 2017. It is noted that operators shall submit the revised packaging promptly via online filing system before such replacement.

C&K Testing advises cosmetics operators should choose an authoritative testing body to check product compliance.

|Further information

Chinese standard for cosmetics published—C&K Testing

Notification on implementation of new Chinese cosmetics standard—C&K Testing

Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (in Chinese)

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