ZMUni Compliance Centre

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

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

ASEAN's cosmetics market is rapidly growing, making it an increasingly important region for global brands. Regulatory frameworks are evolving alongside market demands, with ingredient restrictions being a critical compliance focus for regulators across member countries.   This article provides a clear overview of the ASEAN Prohibited Cosmetic Ingredients List (Annex II Part 1), outlines key categories of prohibited substances, and highlights important considerations for companies referencing the list.   1. What is the ASEAN Prohibited Cosmetic Ingredients List? The ASEAN Prohibited Cosmetic Ingredients List corresponds to Annex II Part 1: List of Substances Which Must Not Form Part of the Composition of Cosmetic

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 July 2025.   China Cosmetic Regulatory Updates   New Cosmetics Ingredients (NCI) Notification   On July 11, 2025, China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) released the List of Registered and Notified New Cosmetic Ingredients. As of the end of June 2025, a total of 272 new cosmetic ingredients had been registered or notified in China, reflecting steady growth driven

From July 23 to August 5, 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.      Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate Extract In December 2021, Shanghai Jahwa United Co., Ltd., together with Jiangsu Hengshun Vinegar Ind Co., Ltd., filed two patents related to Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate Extract, one for its potential in treating eczema (CN 113855609 A), and another for anti-aging applications (CN 113855765 A).   The extract is derived from fermented

  On July 30, 2025, China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) released the Notice on the 2025 Cosmetics Standard Project Plan, which announced 34 cosmetics standard formulation and revision projects proposed by NMPA's Cosmetics Standardization Technical Committee.   The notice is open for public comment for 7 days from the date of publication. Feedback can be submitted via email to: hzpjgs@nmpa.gov.cn   The whole project plan involves a total of 34 cosmetic standards, comprising 5 revisions of existing standards and 29 newly developed standards. These standards span five key areas—ingredient safety, product specifications, testing methods, toxicological assessments, and toothpaste-related standards.   Notably, several of the proposed

  On July 31, 2025, China's National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) issued a public consultation notice on six draft technical guidelines concerning the research and quality control of hair dye, perm, and sunscreen cosmetics. These guidelines aim to provide clearer technical direction for product development, safety assessment, and quality standards for high-risk cosmetic categories—commonly referred to as special cosmetics under China's regulatory framework. The consultation is open for public feedback until August 15, 2025. Comments should be submitted via email to: hzppjzx@nifdc.org.cn.   What's Included:   Technical Guidelines for Hair Dye Products (Trail)(Draft for Comments) Technical Guidelines for Hair Dye Products Quality