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 within China and globally in May 2025, with an emphasis on updates in cosmetic ingredients, cosmetic management, and halal certification, among others.
New Cosmetics Ingredients (NCI) Notification
In May 2025, 20 new cosmetic ingredients were notified with the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). They include:
The technical requirements for the 20 new cosmetic ingredients mentioned above have not been disclosed, and they have not yet entered the monitoring period.
Prior to this recap, ZMUni has continued to release passages introducing the NCI updates with its approval status and market applications, for more detailed information, check the following episodes:
China's NCI Approval Updates: Faster Applications Signal Regulatory Efficiency
China's NCI Approval Updates (May 10 - 20, 2025): Fermentation Filtrate-Based Ingredient
Regulatory Updates
On May 6, 2025, China's National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) issued a new notice titled Second Call for Project Proposals for 2025 Cosmetic Standards Plan. This round of solicitation highlights four key focus areas:
Cosmetic Ingredient Standards - Priority will be given to ingredients that are widely used, pose higher safety risks, or are classified as new raw materials.
Management of Prohibited, Restricted, and Permitted Ingredients - Proposals should consider both international regulations and actual usage conditions within China.
Testing Methods Urgently Needed for Supervision - Submissions must be supported with sufficient justification or explanations of current method limitations.
Adoption of International Standards - The focus will be on mature, urgently needed international standards that can support industry development in China.
On May 6, 2025, China NIFDC of China released the 2024 Annual Review Report on Cosmetics. The Report provides an overview of the NIFDC's continued efforts in 2024 to advance reform of the cosmetic review system, support innovation in cosmetic ingredients, and promote the implementation of safety assessment frameworks. It also offers a detailed analysis of registration and notification data for cosmetics and new cosmetic ingredients, reflecting current trends and developments within China's cosmetic industry. See previous report.
On May 7, 2025, China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) issued Announcement No. 18 of 2025, which introduces seven updated testing methods into the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition). This announcement will take effect on March 1, 2026. Specifically, the update includes five newly added testing methods and two revised methods. Details are as follows:
|
Type |
Method |
|
Newly Added |
Determination of Hard Particles in Toothpaste |
|
Determination of Diethylene Glycol and Glycol in Toothpaste |
|
|
Determination of Soluble Free Fluoride in Toothpastes |
|
|
Determination of Total Fluoride in Toothpaste |
|
|
In Chemico Skin Sensitisation The ARE-Nrf2 Luciferase LuSens Test |
|
|
Revised |
Determination of Li and 42 Kinds of Elements in Cosmetics |
|
Determination of Li and 42 Kinds of Elements in Toothpaste |
On May 9, 2025, China NIFDC launched an enhanced version of the Cosmetics Smart Submission and Review System. This system upgrade, developed in alignment with the Several Provisions on Supporting Cosmetic Ingredient Innovation issued in February 2025, aims to streamline the evaluation and approval procedures for both new cosmetic ingredients (NCIs) and their associated special cosmetics. See previous report.
On May 20, 2025, the NMPA released the 2024 Annual Report on National Cosmetic Sampling and Testing. A total of 21,362 batches across 12 categories—including acne treatments, toothpaste, skincare, makeup, whitening products, and children’s cosmetics—were tested. Based on the Cosmetic Safety Technical Guidelines (2015 Edition), 97.79% (20,889 batches) were found compliant.
Official FAQs
On May 28, 2025, the Beijing Medical Products Administration issued "FAQs on the Notification of General Cosmetics" (Vol. 45). This edition focuses on key compliance points related to the entrusted manufacturing arrangements between cosmetic registrants or filers and their contract manufacturers.
In May 2024, the Guangzhou Medical Products Administration issued the 80th to 81st editions of the "FAQs on the Notification of General Cosmetics." This edition addresses key topics including cosmetic safety assessment, testing methods, and requirements related to testing reports for cosmetic registration and filing.
Non-compliant Imported Cosmetics
On May 22, 2025, the General Administration of Customs (GACC) reported that six batches of cosmetics were denied entry at ports in April due to non-compliance with safety and hygiene regulations. Among them, three batches had labeling issues, one was past its expiration date, and one each failed due to non-compliant hemp seed oil content and excessive microbial count.
Europe
On May 2, 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of European Union issued three final opinions.
On May 12, 2025, the European Commission issued Regulation (EU) 2025/877, updating the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. The amendment adds a new group of substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction (CMR) under the CLP Regulation to Annex II, which lists substances prohibited in cosmetic products. Additionally, Entry 311 of Annex III has been removed, with its content relocated to Entry 1730 of Annex II. The new regulation will take effect on September 1, 2025.
On May 21, 2025, the European Union issued Notification G/TBT/N/EU/1140 of its proposal to amend the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. The amendment plans to add 15 substances classified as CMR to Annex II (List of Prohibited Substances). It also proposes updates to Annex III (List of Restricted Substances), Annex IV (List of Permitted Colorants), and Annex V (List of Permitted Preservatives). The regulation is expected to be adopted and come into effect in the first quarter of 2026.
On May 8, 2025, the UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) under the Department for Business and Trade issued Notification G/TBT/N/GBR/102. The notice outlines a draft regulation titled Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) (No.2) Regulations 2025, which proposes amendments to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009—specifically the list of permitted UV filters in cosmetics. The changes aim to restrict the use of Benzophenone-3 in cosmetic products. Stakeholders have 60 days from the date of the notification to submit comments.
On May 21, UK SAG-GS issued an opinion on 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4-MBC) as a UV Filter in Cosmetic Product. Due to the absence of industry-submitted data and an incomplete evidence base, SAG-CS relied on existing evaluations from other recognized authorities, including the EU SCCS. SAG-CS acknowledged that 4-MBC demonstrates endocrine-disrupting effects in in vivo studies. It also raised concerns about the lack of comprehensive genotoxicity and reproductive/developmental toxicity data, as well as the substance’s potential for endocrine disruption. As a result, the group was unable to determine a safe use level for 4-MBC in cosmetics and could not confirm its safety as a UV filter in such products.
America
On May 14, 2025, Health Canada issued a notice proposing updates to the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist—a list of substances that are prohibited or restricted in cosmetic products in Canada. The proposed amendments are adding 3 ingredients and revising 4 ingredients.
On May 20, 2025, the U.S. FDA convened an independent panel of international experts to assess the safety and necessity of talc in food, drug, and cosmetic products. The panel reached a unanimous decision in favor of banning talc, citing safety concerns across all product categories.
Asia
On May 8, 2025, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) announced the implementation of electronic halal certificates (e-Certs) for the Malaysian Halal Certification Scheme (SPHM), effective from May 5, 2025.
On May 15, 2025, Vietnam's Ministry of Health released Draft Decree No. 2935/BYT-QLD on Cosmetic Product Management. The proposed regulation covers a wide range of topics including product classification, notification, manufacturing, import/export, labeling, advertising, quality control, and recall procedures. Once adopted, the new regulation will take effect on July 1, 2026. Existing cosmetic product certificates will remain valid during a transition period until June 30, 2028, after which re-notification in compliance with the new requirements will be mandatory.
On May 16, 2025, Vietnam's Drug Administration (DAV) issued Official Dispatch No. 2965/BYT-QLD, urging enhanced monitoring and enforcement to combat the growing circulation of counterfeit, smuggled, and substandard cosmetic products.
Subsequently, on May 20, 2025, DAV released another notice (No. 1372/QLD-MP), calling for strengthened post-market surveillance of sunscreens. The notice emphasizes cracking down on non-compliant products, false claims, and improper notifications, to safeguard consumer rights and reinforce public trust in Vietnam's cosmetics industry.
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.
