When querying overseas ingredient manufacturers and distributors about the requirements for exporting ingredients for cosmetic use in China, the most common response is "Yes, we've completed NMPA registration." However, what does NMPA registration truly entail, and what are the specific obligations for exporting cosmetic ingredients to China?
This article offers a practical and up-to-date overview of cosmetic ingredients regulatory requirements in China to help relevant stakeholders navigate regulatory challenges with confidence.
China's cosmetics market is regulated by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). On January 1, 2021, the Cosmetic Supervision and Administration Regulation (CSAR) came into effect, replacing outdated rules from 1989. The goal: to enhance product safety, quality, and efficacy.Under CSAR, cosmetic ingredients and finished products follow different regulatory pathways.
In addition, ingredient compliance also often overlaps with chemical regulations—particularly MEE Order No. 12 (China REACH).
Before exporting a cosmetic ingredient to China, foreign suppliers must first determine whether the substance qualifies as a new chemical under Chinese regulations.
Under the revised Provisions on Environmental Administration of New Chemical Substances (MEE Order 12), effective January 1, 2021, companies must register chemical substances not listed in the Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances in China (IECSC). The registration applies to new substances in preparations, substances contained in articles that are intended to be released, and those used as ingredients or intermediates in pharmaceuticals, pesticides, veterinary drugs, cosmetics, food additives, and feed.
|
Type |
Applicable Scope |
|
Record/Notification |
|
|
Simplified Registration |
1 ton ≤ Annual Manufacturing/Importation Volume < 10 tons |
|
Regular Registration |
Annual Manufacture/Importation Volume ≥ 10 tons |
In China, cosmetic ingredients are classified into two categories:
Existing Cosmetic Ingredients — listed in Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China (IECIC 2021)
New Cosmetic Ingredients (NCIs) — not included in IECIC 2021 and subject to pre-market approval
The Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China (IECIC 2021) objectively catalogs ingredients that have been used in cosmetics produced and sold in China.
If classified as an existing cosmetic ingredient and intended for use in finished products, the exporter must apply for an ingredient submission code in China or provide supporting safety assessment documentation.
An NCI refers to a natural or synthetic ingredient used in cosmetics for the first time in China. Ingredients excluded from the IECIC 2021 are considered NCIs.
In China, NCIs are regulated based on their risk level.
Registration is required for high-risk NCIs, such as those with preservative, UV-filtering, coloring, hair-dyeing, or whitening functions.
Notification (Filing) applies to low-risk NCIs without significant safety concerns.
*NCI Application Procedure
Related Reports:
FAQs on the Utilization of New Cosmetic Ingredients in China
As of April 27, 2025, a total of 250 new cosmetic ingredients have been notified in China, including 43 notifications completed in 2025. These new cosmetic ingredients cover various types such as peptides, plants, and fermentation broths. Overseas enterprises can pay close attention to the approval dynamics of new cosmetic ingredients by following ZMUni website as we will keep launching an ongoing series tracking NCI approvals and trends. Recent updates include:
China's NCI Approval Updates (April 1 to 10, 2025): More Plant-based Ingredients
China's NCI Approval Updates (March 17 to 23, 2025): Another Plant-based Ingredient
China's NCI Approval Updates (March 10 to 16, 2025): Dual-Use Ingredients for Food and Cosmetics
Several Provisions on Supporting Cosmetic Ingredient Innovation
Beyond general regulatory updates, we also offer deep dives into specific ingredient categories—covering classification, compliance pathways, safety requirements, and market entry strategies. Explore our featured articles:
Compliance Guide: Essential Steps for Registering Whitening and Freckle-Removal Ingredients in China
Hair Dye Ingredients in China: Approved List & New Cosmetic Ingredient Registration
Bioengineered New Cosmetic Ingredients Rise with Growing Green Beauty Demand
Unlocking Opportunities in China's Booming Peptide Market: Key Insights and Compliance Pathways
ZMUni Compliance Centre provides one-stop regulatory support for cosmetic ingredients entering the Chinese market—covering everything from China REACH and ingredient submission code applications to NCI registration/notification and customs clearance. For new cosmetic ingredients, we have served over 100 companies and successfully completed more than 20 new cosmetic ingredients applications in China. Learn more about our services [here].
