ZMUni Compliance Centre

The global cosmetics regulatory environment continues to evolve. To help businesses stay updated with regulatory changes, ZMUni Compliance Center regularly releases a monthly recap of global cosmetics regulations. This article covers the regulatory developments related to cosmetics in China and globally in August 2025, with an emphasis on updates in cosmetic ingredients and cosmetic management, among other areas.     China Cosmetic Regulatory Updates New Cosmetics Ingredients (NCI) Notification   In August 2025, 14 new cosmetic ingredients were notified with the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). They include:   Before this recap, ZMUni has continued to release passages introducing the NCI updates, along

  On August 29, 2025, China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) announced the inclusion of five newly approved toxicological test methods into the the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition).    The five newly introduced methods are:   No. Testing Method Remarks 1 Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability (BCOP) Assay These tow methods reflect China NMPA's more open attitude toward animal testing and support non-animal testing strategies. 2 In Chemico Skin Sensitisation: Kinetic Direct Peptide Reactivity Assay (kDPRA) 3 Skin Absorption: In vitro Method These two provide additional safety evaluation options for new cosmetic ingredient application and comprehensive cosmetic product safety

On August 25, 2025, China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) released its list of non-compliant imported food products for July 2025. According to the list, a total of 476 batches from 37 countries and regions were denied entry, representing a month-on-month decrease of approximately 2% (down 9 batches from 485 in June) but a year-on-year increase of about 21% up 84 batches from 392 in July 2024). The number of food items denied entry remained at a relatively high level.   The majority of non-compliant products originated from the U.S. (19.9%), followed by Spain (17.6%), Japan (16.0%), and Vietnam (8.4%). Key reasons for import

From August 14 to August 27, 2025, 7 new cosmetic ingredients were notified with the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).   The technical requirements for the 7 new cosmetic ingredients mentioned above have not been disclosed, and they have not yet entered the safety monitoring period.   Fermented lysates Notification 20250100 was submitted by GALENIC COSMETICS LABORATORY SAS (France) for a fermented lysate derived from Bifidobacterium longum subsp. Infantis, a widely used probiotic. In May, 2025, this company also notified another ingredient sourced from the same probiotic (Notification No. 20250050).   Botanicals Notification No.20250101: Annona Squamosa Fruit Extract Notification

The European Union has a well-established and stringent regulatory framework for cosmetics, with clear and detailed requirements regarding ingredient safety, labeling compliance, and market access. As one of the world's key export markets for cosmetics, the EU attracts significant international trade. However, companies that are not fully familiar with EU regulations on cosmetic substances may face serious risks, including product detention, import refusal, or recalls.   This article provides a concise overview of the EU's List of Substances Prohibited in Cosmetic Products, designed to help businesses proactively ensure compliance, avoid the use of banned ingredients, and reduce the risk of

We are delighted to share the news of two international cosmetic brands successfully entering the Chinese market with our regulatory support. A highlight among these achievements is guiding a New Zealand brand through a successful animal testing exemption notification for its general cosmetics, a significant accomplishment given the regulatory complexities and historically low exemption success rates for New Zealand products.   Export Cosmetics to China: Animal Testing Exemption Approach Works? China's cosmetics market presents vast opportunities alongside a stringent regulatory environment. Since May 1, 2021, under the Provisions for Management of Cosmetic Registration and Notification Dossiers, imported general cosmetics may

  A recent review of the China State Administration for Market Regulation's website shows that five imported health foods were approved for registration between May and July—the first such registrations since 2017. Four were registered by WRIGHT LIFE PHARMACEUTICAL LIMITED, and one by Indonesia's PT. HELMIGS PRIMA SEJAHTERA.   Basic Information of the Five Approved Imported Health Foods Approval No. Product Name Function Main Ingredients Guo Shi Jian Zhu J20250001 (“国食健注J20250001”) WRIGHT LIFE NOTOGINSENG AND PANAX QUINQUEFOLIUS CAPSULES Supports immune health Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Panacis quinquefolii radix Guo Shi Jian Zhu J20250002 (“国食健注J20250002”) HELMIG'S CURCUMIN TABLET Supports healthy blood pressure; provides auxiliary

From August 6 to August 13, 2025, 5 new cosmetic ingredients were notified with the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). The technical requirements for the 5 new cosmetic ingredients mentioned above have not been disclosed, and they have not yet entered the safety monitoring period.   6'-Sialyllactose sodium salt, 6'-SL 6'-SL is an important member of the human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) family, composed of galactose, glucose, and sialic acid. As one of the most abundant sialylated HMOs in breast milk, 6'-SL is known for its exceptional moisturizing and skin-repairing properties.   Previously, 6'-SL obtained approval for use in food applications from both