China

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China Cosméticos

Interpretation of the “Announcement on Matters Relating to the Registration and Notification of Cosmetics (Draft for Comments)”

On March 31, 2026, the Comprehensive Department of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) publicly solicited comments on the Announcement on Matters Relating to the Registration and Notification of Cosmetics (Draft for Comments). This draft aims to deepen the reform of cosmetic review and approval and promote high-quality industrial development through eight optimization measures. 1. Encouraging “China First” Launches for New Products To foster a “First-Launch Economy” aligned with high-standard international trade rules: 2. Reduction and Exemption of Animal Testing Data Toxicological test reports may be exempted under specific conditions: 3. Adjusting Management of Ingredient Safety Information 4. Sharing Safety Technical Data for Products with Similar Formulas This clarifies the sharing of safety data among products under the same brand and registrant: Category Core Rules Site Change Requirements Definition of Similar Formula Applicable Entities: Multiple products (incl. toothpaste) of the same brand under one registrant. Select one representative product for […]

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China Cosméticos

Regulations for Cosmetic Registration and Notification Testing

The Work Specifications for Cosmetic Registration and Notification Testing apply to all testing activities related to the registration and notification of cosmetics within the People’s Republic of China. This includes microbiological testing, physical and chemical (physicochemical) testing, toxicological testing, and human safety and efficacy evaluations. Table 1: Microbiological Testing Items Testing Item General Cosmetics ①② Special Cosmetics: Anti-hair loss ② Special Cosmetics: Hair Dyeing ③ Special Cosmetics: Hair Perming Special Cosmetics: Spot-clearing / Whitening Special Cosmetics: Sunscreen Total Plate Count ○ ○ ○ ○ Total Mold & Yeast Count ○ ○ ○ ○ Thermotolerant Coliform Bacteria ○ ○ ○ ○ Staphylococcus aureus ○ ○ ○ ○ Pseudomonas aeruginosa ○ ○ ○ ○ Notes: Table 2: Physicochemical Testing Items Testing Item General Cosmetics Anti-hair loss Hair Dyeing Hair Perming Spot-clearing / Whitening Sunscreen Mercury ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Lead ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Arsenic ○ ○ ○

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China Cosméticos

Regulations for Imported Cosmetics

Special Cosmetics may only be produced or imported after registration with the medical products administration department under the State Council. Imported General Cosmetics must be filed (notified) with the medical products administration department under the State Council prior to importation. Regulations on Data Submission When applying for the registration of imported special cosmetics or the notification of imported general cosmetics, applicants must simultaneously submit documents proving that the product is already marketed and sold in the country (region) of origin, as well as documentation proving that the overseas manufacturer complies with Cosmetic Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). If a product is manufactured specifically for export to China and a certificate of sale from the country of origin cannot be provided, research and test data conducted specifically for Chinese consumers must be submitted instead. Regulations on Chinese Labeling Imported cosmetics may either use an original Chinese label or have a Chinese label

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China Cosméticos

China Cosmetic Categories and Classification

Cosmetics in China are divided into Special Cosmetics and General Cosmetics. The state implements Registration Management for Special Cosmetics and Notification (Filing) Management for General Cosmetics. Registrants and notifiers must classify and code products based on their efficacy claims, application areas, target users, product forms, and usage methods. 1. Efficacy Claim Classification Code Efficacy Category Interpretation and Claim Guidelines A New Efficacy Claims that do not fit into the existing categories below. 01 Hair Dyeing To change hair color; original color cannot be restored immediately after washing. 02 Hair Perming To change hair curl/straightness and maintain stability. (Temporary products are excluded). 03 Spot-clearing / Whitening Helps reduce pigmentation for whitening effects; includes physical coverage or acne mark improvement. 04 Sun Protection Protects skin/lips from UV damage. (For children, only limited to the skin). 05 Anti-hair loss Helps improve or reduce hair loss. (Excludes hormone-based or hair growth stimulant products). 06

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China Cosméticos

Provisions Concerning the Exemption of Toxicological Testing

Product testing reports for registration or notification must be issued by a designated cosmetic testing agency and comply with the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics, the Work Specifications for Cosmetic Registration and Notification Testing, and other relevant regulations. Product testing reports include toxicological test reports. The Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics is gradually incorporating alternative non-animal testing methods. I. General Exemption for General Cosmetics Manufacturing enterprises of General Cosmetics may be exempted from submitting toxicological test reports for a product if they meet the following two conditions: II. Exceptions (Exemption Does Not Apply) The exemption from toxicological testing does not apply if any of the following conditions exist: III. Requirements for Multiple Manufacturers In cases where a product is produced by multiple manufacturing enterprises, the exemption from toxicological testing is only applicable if all participating manufacturers have obtained QMS certifications issued by their respective local government authorities. Have

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