According to data released by the General Administration of Customs of People's Republic of China (GACC), a total of 81 batches of cosmetics were rejected by local customs in the port supervision process in 2024—an 88% increase from 43 batches in 2023, marking a significant upward trend.

Data compiled by ZMUni Compliance Centre reveals that the most affected product categories included shampoos, lipsticks, toothpastes, and perfume; the main reasons for rejection were failure to provide required certificates or compliance documents, labeling issues, and non-compliant ingredients.

Notable Fluctuations

The monthly data on the list of non-compliant cosmetic released by GACC for 2024, as shown in Figure 1, reveals significant fluctuations. July 2024 and September 2024 topped the list with 18 batches each (approximately 22.67 tons), followed by December 2024 (10 batches, 0.582 tons) and February 2024 (9 batches, 4.412 tons). This year's data highlights the ongoing strengthening of customs' oversight on imported cosmetics in China.

Figure 1: Number of Non-compliant Cosmetic Batches in 2024

Cosmetics Origins: Dynamic Shifts

In 2024, non-compliant cosmetics came from 18 countries and regions worldwide, showing a diverse range of sources. Compared to 2023, Thailand replaced Italy as the top source of non-compliant cosmetics. Notably, the number of rejections from the U.S. saw a significant increase, while South Korea's rejections also rose sharply. On the other hand, Italy and Germany saw a decline in the number of rejected batches.

Table 1: Comparison of Non-compliant Cosmetics Origins: 2023 vs. 2024 

Major Ports : Guangzhou and Shenzhen Lead

In 2024, 11 ports were involved in the importation of rejected cosmetics, showing a concentrated pattern. Guangzhou ranked first with 33 batches, followed by Haikou with 17 batches, and Gongbei with 7 batches. Key ports, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Haikou, and Shanghai, remain the main hubs for rejected cosmetics.

Table 2: Comparison of Non-compliant Cosmetic Entry Ports in 2023 vs 2024

Key Reasons for Rejected Cosmetics in 2024

Data shows that in 2024, there were 13 primary reasons for the rejection of cosmetics. The key reasons include:

- Failure to provide required certificates or compliance documents

- Non-compliant Labeling

- Failure to sensory test

- Non-compliant ingredients

Compliance Tips

ZMUni Compliance Centre emphasizes the following 5 key compliance points for businesses to focus on when exporting cosmetics to China, helping to avoid losses from rejected shipments:

1. Stay Updated on Regulations: Regularly monitor customs policies and regulations issued by relevant authorities, such as the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), to ensure products meet China's definition, classification, ingredient usage, and labeling requirements for cosmetics.

2. Compliant Registration/Notification: Depending on the product type (general cosmetics or special cosmetics), complete the appropriate registration or notification and obtain the necessary certificates. (ZMUni can assist with cosmetic registration and notification)

3. Ensure Label Compliance: Strengthen label review and management processes to ensure label information is accurate, complete, and compliant with Chinese regulations. (ZMUni offers cosmetic label review services.)

4. Strengthen Cosmetic Ingredient Management: Strictly control the cosmetic ingredients, ensuring they comply with China’s national standards to avoid risks of rejection or destruction due to non-compliant ingredients use.

5. Complete Import&Export Documentation: Ensure certificates and compliance documents match the goods to avoid risks of rejection due to inconsistencies. It is also advisable to work with reliable customs agents to ensure smooth customs clearance.

In conclusion, non-compliance in cosmetics imports primarily arises from improper labeling and incomplete documentation. To ensure smooth importation, businesses should focus on strengthening label review processes and ensuring the completeness of required documents.