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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 October 2026, with an emphasis on updates in cosmetic ingredients and cosmetic management, among other areas.
In October 2026, 12 new cosmetic ingredients were notified with the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). They include:
The technical requirements for the 12 NCIs mentioned above have not been disclosed, and they have not yet entered the safety monitoring period.
More Insights:
🔘 BASF's MCE Becomes China's First UV Filter to Complete NCI Registration Since CSAR Took Effect
On October 29, 2026, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) issued its Delivery Information for Cosmetic Approval Documents, confirming the registration of Methoxypropylamino Cyclohexenylidene Ethoxyethylcyanoacetate, a new cosmetic ingredient submitted by BASF SE. The ingredient was granted Registration Certificate No. 国妆原注字20260001, making it the first UV filter to complete NCI registration since the implementation of China's Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulation (CSAR). Read more.
🔘 China NMPA Clarifies Implementation Requirements for Revised STSC
On October 8, 2026, China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) issued an announcement clarifying the implementation requirements for recent revisions to the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (STSC), aiming to ease compliance and avoid unnecessary retesting.
The revisions cover prohibited, restricted and permitted ingredients, limits for microorganisms and harmful substances, and testing methods. The announcement provides specific guidance for products already registered or notified, as well as those undergoing technical review or awaiting submission. Read more.
🔘 China NIDC Proposes Guidelines for Identifying New Cosmetic Ingredients
On October 8, 2026, China's National Institutes for Drug Control (NIDC) released draft Guidelines for the Identification of New Cosmetic Ingredients (Trial) for public consultation. The draft aims to clarify how new cosmetic ingredients (NCIs) are identified in China, an area that has long posed challenges for the industry, particularly when dealing with plant extracts, fermentation-derived ingredients, and ingredients developed using innovative manufacturing processes. Read more.
🔘 China NMPA Issued Toothpaste Classification Catalogue, Clarifying Efficacy Claims and Filing Requirements
On October 15, 2026, China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) issued Announcement No. 100 of 2026, introducing the Toothpaste Classification Catalogue. The new catalogue establishes a unified framework for classifying toothpaste products based on their efficacy claims and intended users, while setting clearer requirements for product filing and labelling. The catalogue will take effect on May 1, 2027, with transitional arrangements for products already on the market. Read more.
🔘 China Opens Public Consultation on Two Cosmetic Standards for Freeze-Dried and Single-Use Products
On October 15, 2026, China NIDC opened two cosmetic standards for public consultation: Cosmetic Freeze-Dried Products and Cosmetics for Single Use. Comments are invited until November 22, 2026. Read more.
🔘 China Rejects 25 Non-compliant Imported Cosmetics in September
On October 20, 2026, China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) released its list of imported cosmetics denied entry in September 2026. A total of 15 batches of non-compliant cosmetic products, including serums, facial cleansers, makeup primers, toothpaste, and facial masks, were denied entry into China. Of these, 13 batches were found to have discrepancies between the imported goods and their accompanying documentation, while the remaining 2 batches had non-compliant labeling.
Source: China Customs
🔘 China NIDC Issues Pre-submission Consultation Mechanism for New Efficacy Cosmetics
On October 20, 2026, China NIDC published a trial mechanism for pre-submission consultation on cosmetics claiming new efficacy. The mechanism allows applicants to discuss technical questions with the relevant review department before submitting a registration application. Topics may include whether a proposed efficacy claim falls within the scope of new efficacy, application procedures, and technical questions concerning the product's mechanism of action and efficacy and safety evaluation. Read more.
🔘 China Issues New Measures on Environmental Management of New Chemical Substances, Exempting Finished Cosmetic Products
On October 23, 2026, China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) officially issued the Measures on Environmental Management Registration of New Chemical Substances (MEE Order No. 40), which took effect on the date of promulgation and replaced the previous measures (MEE Order No. 12). Under the new Measures, finished cosmetic products are exempt from the environmental management registration requirements for new chemical substances. However, new chemical substances used as cosmetic ingredients or intermediates remain subject to registration when manufactured in or imported into China.
Source: China MEE
🔘 China Issues Innovation Guidance Mechanism for New Cosmetic Ingredients
On October 23, 2026, China NIDC issued the Trial Mechanism for Innovation Guidance on New Cosmetic Ingredients, aiming to encourage innovation in cosmetic ingredients and accelerate their market introduction and use. Under the mechanism, the NIDC will work with provincial medical products administrations to provide pre-submission technical guidance to applicants seeking to register or notify new cosmetic ingredients. Read more.
🔘 South Korea Issues Cosmetic Braille Labeling Guidelines
On October 20, 2026, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) issued the Guidelines on Braille Labeling, etc. for Cosmetics. The guidelines provide practical recommendations for businesses on displaying cosmetic product information through Braille or codes that provide audio or sign-language video content.
They cover labeling methods, specifications, placement and inspection, aiming to improve access to cosmetic information for people with visual or hearing impairments. The guidelines serve as a reference for businesses and do not introduce a general mandatory labeling requirement.
Source: MFDS
🔘 South Korea Proposes Updates to Functional Cosmetics Reporting Guidelines
On October 22, 2026, the Korea Cosmetic Industry Association (KCIA) announced a public consultation on a draft revision of the Guidelines for Submitting Reports on Functional Cosmetics Exempt from Review. Prepared by the National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation (NIFDS), the revised guidelines aim to clarify reporting procedures and introduce additional guidance for customized cosmetics.
Key updates include instructions for handling reports that fail requirements verification, with common reasons for rejection such as mismatches between product names and claimed functions, non-compliant formulations or dosage forms, and missing pH specifications. The draft also introduces a multiple-product submission function for eligible customized cosmetics, allowing up to 10 products meeting the same reporting requirements to be submitted together. For certain reporting categories, prior information-sharing confirmation for a representative product is required.
Source: KCIA
🔘 Vietnam Issues Consolidated Guidance on ASEAN Cosmetic GMP
On October 2, 2026, Vietnam notified the WTO of the Draft Decree on the Management of Cosmetics (G/TBT/N/VNM/453), proposing a comprehensive regulatory framework for cosmetic manufacturing, product notification, import, distribution, and post-market supervision.
The draft introduces requirements for pre-market product notification, including notification completion before customs clearance for imported cosmetics. It also addresses PIF maintenance and safety assessment in accordance with ASEAN guidelines, labeling compliance, CGMP requirements, electronic labeling, and product traceability. Regulatory authorities would also strengthen post-market surveillance through dossier reviews, inspections, product testing, and recall measures.
The draft proposes to take effect on January 1, 2027, replacing Decree No. 93/2016/ND-CP and Circular No. 06/2011/TT-BYT.
Source: G/TBT/N/VNM/453
🔘 Indonesia Issues Guidelines for the Implementation of the Halal Assurance System for Cosmetics
On October 12, 2026, Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH) issued Decree No. 370 of 2026 concerning Guidelines for the Implementation of the Halal Product Assurance System for Cosmetics. The guidelines provide practical instructions for cosmetic businesses applying for halal certification and maintaining halal compliance throughout production and distribution. The decree took effect on October 18, 2026.
Under the guidelines, businesses are required to establish documented procedures covering ingredient selection and purchasing, supplier management, production, storage, packaging, and distribution. The scope of ingredient management includes raw materials, additives, processing aids, packaging materials, applicators, and other materials that may come into direct contact with products. The guidelines also address the separation of halal and non-halal production facilities and equipment, product traceability, and halal labeling. In addition, businesses must conduct internal audits and management reviews at least annually, and report ingredient composition and/or the Halal Product Process (PPH) list to BPJPH every six months and whenever changes occur.
Source: BPJPH
🔘 Indonesia Specifies Product Types Subject to Mandatory Halal Certification
On October 15, 2026, Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH) issued Decree No. 387 of 2026 on Product Types Required to Be Halal-Certified. The decree classifies products and services subject to halal certification into 14 categories, including food and beverages, medicines, cosmetics, chemical products, biological products, consumer goods, and related services. It took effect on October 18, 2026.
For cosmetics, the decree provides a detailed classification of product types in its annex, covering various categories such as skin care products, face masks, and other cosmetic preparations. Its scope also includes certain raw materials, additives, and processing aids with halal-critical points. The decree further clarifies that previously issued halal certificates remain recognized within their existing inspection scope and establishes a procedure for stakeholders to propose additions to or removals from the product list.
Source: BPJPH
🔘 Indonesia Extends Mandatory Halal Certification Deadlines for Various Products, Including Cosmetics
On October 16, 2026, Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs announced adjustments to the phased implementation timelines for mandatory halal certification across multiple product categories. Through Government Regulation No. 40 of 2026, the Indonesian government amended Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024, extending the transition periods for certain products subject to mandatory halal certification.
Under the original implementation schedule, mandatory halal certification requirements for several product categories were set to take effect on October 18, 2026. Taking into account feedback from businesses and industry associations, as well as the need to strengthen the industry ecosystem and allow businesses sufficient time to prepare for compliance, the government decided to extend the transition periods.
The transition period for cosmetics, traditional medicines, quasi-medicines, health supplements, chemical products, genetically engineered products, and certain consumer goods has been extended until October 17, 2028, with mandatory halal certification taking effect from October 18, 2028.
Source: MINISTRY FOR ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA
🔘 Cosmetics Regulatory Updates in Southeast Asia: Recalls, Prohibited Ingredients and Enforcement Cases
In October 2026, regulatory authorities in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines issued several notices and enforcement updates concerning non-compliant cosmetic products.
Malaysia: The Ministry of Health cancelled the product notifications of two cosmetic products after identifying prohibited substances. The products included a skin cream found to contain mercury and a facial toner found to contain tretinoin and hydroquinone.
Indonesia: BPOM took enforcement action against an illegal cosmetic manufacturing facility in Mojokerto, East Java, seizing products valued at more than IDR 16 billion. Laboratory testing identified prohibited substances, including retinoic acid, dexamethasone, hydroquinone, and mometasone furoate, in sampled cosmetic products.
The Philippines: The FDA recalled two shades of a BB cream after detecting Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Lilial) and Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4), both prohibited under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive. The agency also issued public warnings against several cosmetic products that had not obtained the required Certificate of Product Notification (CPN), covering categories such as nail polish, whitening creams, lip products, and fragrances.
🔘 ASEAN Issues Guidelines on Integrating ISO/IEC 17025:2017 into Cosmetic Testing
In October 2026, ASEAN released a guideline on integrating ISO/IEC 17025:2017 risk and opportunity management into quality control and method review processes for cosmetic testing. The guideline aims to provide a consistent approach for cosmetic testing laboratories to identify and manage risks and opportunities in their testing activities.
Focusing on in-house validated methods, the guideline recommends considering factors such as method usage frequency, changes in instruments or sample matrices, and quality control results when determining review frequency. It also identifies potential risks related to personnel, resources, regulatory changes, and testing performance. The guidance does not cover standard or officially designated methods.
Source: The ASEAN Secretariat
🔘 Australia Reviews Lilial and Bourgeonal, Proposes Restrictions on Cosmetic Uses
On September 30, 2026, the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) released seven draft evaluation statements covering 21 chemicals listed on the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals (AIIC), inviting public comments until November 26, 2026. Several evaluations cover chemicals used in personal care products, including Lilial, Bourgeonal and Thymol.
Notably, the draft evaluation of Lilial and Bourgeonal identifies potential human health risks, including skin sensitisation and reproductive and developmental toxicity. AICIS recommends considering restrictions on their concentrations in body lotions and fine fragrances, as well as prohibiting their use in continuous-action air care products, including scented candles. These are proposed risk management measures and have not yet been adopted.
Source: AICIS
🔘 Australia Clarifies Assessment Scope for an Industrial Chemical Listed on the Inventory
On October 8, 2026, the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) announced a variation to the Inventory listing terms for the industrial chemical Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 2-methylpentyl ester (CAS No. 98969-19-8). The change clarifies the wording of the chemical's defined scope of assessment, including the end-use categories covered by the assessment.
The listing continues to specify the applicable concentration conditions for different product categories, including cosmetics, leave-on and rinse-off products, fine fragrances, and deodorants. AICIS confirmed that the variation does not affect the introduction of this chemical into Australia.
Source: AICIS
🔘 Australia Seeks Comments on Draft Evaluation of PFAS Introduction and Use
On October 21, 2026, the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) released a draft evaluation statement on the introduction and use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Australia for public consultation. The evaluation covers 522 PFAS listed on the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals and draws on information reported by businesses for the period from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2025.
According to the draft, 139 of the 522 PFAS were introduced into Australia during the reporting period, all through importation, with no domestic manufacture reported. Of these, 48 were introduced exclusively for research and development, while 91 were reported for various industrial and consumer uses. The most frequently reported end-use categories were lubricants and greases, paints and coatings, and adhesives and sealants. The draft does not assess the human health or environmental impacts of PFAS. Instead, the findings will help AICIS prioritize future evaluations, including a proposed risk evaluation of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Public comments are open until December 2, 2026.
Source: AICIS
🔘 Australia Advances Reforms to Strengthen Sunscreen Regulation
On October 27, 2026, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced that it is progressing with reforms to strengthen sunscreen regulation, following a public consultation held from March to May 2026 that received nearly 120 responses from industry, testing laboratories, healthcare professionals, consumer groups, academia, and other stakeholders.
The reforms under development include strengthening sunscreen testing requirements to improve the reliability of Sun Protection Factor (SPF) claims, introducing quality requirements for specific sunscreen ingredients, limiting the SPF claims permitted for cosmetic sunscreens to distinguish them from sunscreens primarily intended for UV protection, and reviewing Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidance. The TGA will conduct further review and consultation on SPF labelling before considering any proposed changes. These measures are still being developed and will be progressed in stages.
Source: Australia TGA
🔘 FDA Finalizes Guidance on Mandatory Cosmetics Recalls
In October 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized its Questions and Answers Regarding Mandatory Cosmetics Recalls: Guidance for Industry, providing clarification on the implementation of the mandatory recall provisions under Section 611 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), introduced by the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA).
The guidance explains that FDA may exercise its mandatory recall authority when there is a reasonable probability that a cosmetic is adulterated or misbranded and that its use or exposure could cause serious adverse health consequences or death. It also outlines the recall process, including the opportunity for responsible persons to initiate voluntary recalls, FDA orders to cease distribution, and the subsequent hearing and recall procedures. The guidance further identifies the types of evidence FDA may consider, such as inspection findings, test results, serious adverse event reports, and consumer complaints.
Source: U.S. FDA
🔘 Pnnsylvania Enacts Law Restricting the Sale of Animal-Tested Cosmetics
On October 22, 2026, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 381 (SB 381), also known as the Beagle Bill, enacting Act No. 92 of 2026. The law restricts the sale of cosmetics developed or manufactured using animal tests conducted or contracted by the manufacturer or any of its suppliers on or after January 1, 2027. An animal test is defined as the internal or external application of a cosmetic or any of its ingredients to an animal. The Act will take effect 180 days after its approval.
The law provides several exceptions, including animal testing conducted for medical research and certain regulatory purposes. For example, animal tests conducted outside the United States to meet foreign regulatory requirements may qualify for an exception if the resulting data are not used to substantiate cosmetic safety under U.S. federal or state regulations.
Source: Bill 381 (SB 381)
🔘 SCCS Issues Final Scientific Opinions on Heliotropin and Acetophenone
On October 15, 2026, the European Commission's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published two final scientific opinions on Heliotropin and Acetophenone, assessing their safety for use in cosmetic products.
The SCCS concluded that Heliotropin is safe at concentrations of up to 1.8% when used exclusively in fine fragrances intended for adults, taking into account its potential classification as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant under the CLP Regulation.
For Acetophenone, the SCCS concluded that concentrations of up to 100 ppm (0.01%) in finished cosmetic products are safe for adults and children aged 3 years and older, including exposure from non-cosmetic sources. This conclusion applies only to Acetophenone as a constituent of Natural Complex Substances (NCS); the safety of NCS themselves was not assessed.
Source:
🔘 European Parliament Adopts Position on Omnibus VI, Proposing Changes to CMR Substance Rules under EU Cosmetics Regulation
On October 22, 2026, the European Parliament adopted its first-reading position on the Omnibus VI proposal, which aims to simplify chemical-related requirements and amend the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, among other legislation.
The proposed changes cover derogations and transitional periods for CMR substances, as well as pre-market notification requirements for cosmetic products containing nanomaterials. The amendments are not yet in force and remain subject to further consideration by the Council.
Source: European Parliament – Legislative Observatory, Procedure 2025/0531(COD)
Note: This article is compiled by ZMUni Compliance Centre, drawing from the latest updates from official regulatory authorities in various countries and regions. For any questions regarding interpretations or expressions, please consult the official real-time announcements.
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