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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 January 2026, with an emphasis on updates in cosmetic ingredients and cosmetic management, among other areas.
In January 2026, 19 new cosmetic ingredients were notified with the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). They include:
The technical requirements for the 19 NCIs mentioned above have not been disclosed, and they have not yet entered the safety monitoring period.
🔘 China Announces the Third Dynamic Update to the IECIC
On January 4, 2025, China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has carried out the third dynamic update of the Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China (IECIC). This follows the first update in June 2025 and the second update in October 2025, reflecting the ongoing practice of regular adjustments to ensure ingredient safety and regulatory compliance. See previous news.
🔘 China Strengthens Oversight of Live-Streaming E-commerce, with Implications for the Cosmetics Industry
On January 7, 2026, China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) jointly released the Administrative Measures for the Supervision of Live-Streaming E-commerce, aiming to strengthen regulatory oversight of live-streaming e-commerce, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of consumers and business operators, and promote the sector's healthy development.
The Measures comprise 67 articles and will take effect on February 1, 2026. They target four key market participants—live-streaming e-commerce platform operators, live-streaming room operators, live-streaming marketing personnel, and live-streaming marketing service institutions (MCN agencies)—by clarifying responsibilities, defining prohibited conduct, and enhancing regulatory mechanisms.
In addition, the Administrative Measures for the Supervision of Online Trading Platform Rules, also jointly issued by SAMR and CAC, will come into force on February 1, 2026, further strengthening the regulatory framework governing online transactions.
Given the extensive use of live-streaming sales in the cosmetics and personal care sector, the new Measures are expected to have direct compliance implications for product claims, advertising practices, and the respective responsibilities of brands, influencers, and platforms involved in cosmetics marketing.
Source: https://www.cac.gov.cn/2026-01/07/c_1769516655383334.htm
🔘 China Issues Supplemental Testing Method for Sudan Dyes in Cosmetics
On January 12, 2025, China NMPA issued a new supplementary testing method: BJH 202502 Determination of Sudan I (CI 12055) and Other 3 Kinds of Ingredients in Cosmetic. This method specifies the determination of Sudan I (CI 12055), Sudan II (CI 12140), Sudan III (CI 26100), and Sudan IV (CI 26105) in cosmetic products. It is applicable to the quantitative determination of these dyes in liquid (aqueous and oil-based), cream/ointment, powder, solid, and wax-based cosmetic formulations. See previous news.
🔘 China Updates Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics, Adding and Revising 27 Standards
On January 12, 2026, China NMPA issued three announcements (No. 1, No. 5, and No. 6 of 2026), formally incorporating 27 new and updated testing standards, covering the addition and revision of testing methods for 177 cosmetic ingredients, into the Safety Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 edition). The standards and methods covered by these announcements were previously released for public consultation between June and September 2025 and have now been formally adopted. See previous news.
🔘 China Opens Public Consultation on Three Draft Cosmetic Testing Methods
On January 15, 2025, China's National Institute for Food and Drug Control(NIFDC) opened public consultation on three cosmetic standards. Stakeholders are invited to submit comments by February 24, 2026. See previous news.
🔘 China Releases Technical Q&A (IV) on New Cosmetic Ingredients
On January 21, 2026, China’s National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) issued Technical Q&A (IV) on New Cosmetic Ingredients. The document addresses common issues related to post-notification technical verification of new cosmetic ingredients.
Source: https://www.nifdc.org.cn/nifdc/bshff/hzhpjssp/hzhpspcjwtjd/hzhpwtjdjssp/202601210839241890551.html
🔘 China Releases Guidance on Electronic Label Information Submission for Cosmetics
On January 29, 2026, the Information Center of China NMPA released the Guidelines on Electronic Label Information Submission via the Cosmetic Registration and Notification Information Service Platform. Relevant electronic label functions will be launched on February 1, 2026.
Before cosmetics (including toothpaste) using electronic labels are marketed, pilot enterprises must submit electronic label information via the platform, covering the system construction model, responsible entity information, and electronic label registration/notification materials. Any changes to electronic label information must be submitted prior to the marketing of products using the updated labels.
Source: https://www.nmpaic.org.cn/yjzxyw/202601/t20260129_429372.html
🔘 Multiple Regions Release First Batches of Cosmetic E-Label Pilot Companies
In January 2026, regulatory authorities in Shanghai, Guangdong, Zhejiang and Shandong have successively released their first batches of pilot companies for the cosmetic electronic label (e-label) program, marking the official rollout of e-label pilots across multiple regions in China. The pilots are conducted in accordance with the NMPA Notice on Launching the Three-Year Cosmetic Electronic Label Pilot Program and aim to optimize cosmetics (including toothpaste) labeling management, enhance consumer right-to-know protections, and improve compliance efficiency for businesses.
Among the regions, Shanghai announced 40 pilot companies, Guangdong selected 33, Zhejiang 12, and Shandong 18, with participants determined through voluntary application, local authority recommendation, and regulatory assessment.
Notably, two subsidiaries of ZMUni were selected for the first batch of pilot companies in Shanghai and Zhejiang, respectively, reflecting the company’s active participation in the implementation of cosmetic e-label initiatives. See previous news.
🔘 China Customs Rejects 20 Batches of Cosmetic Imports in December 2025
On February 2, 2025, China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) published the list of non-compliant cosmetic imports for December 2025. A total of 40 batches of cosmetics were notified in this round, including 20 batches with non-compliant labeling and 20 batches that failed to meet the requirements of the Administrative Measures for the Supervision of Import and Export Cosmetics Inspection and Quarantine.
Source: http://jckspj.customs.gov.cn/spj/2026-02/02/article_2026020215424222174.html
🔘 France’s National PFAS Ban Takes Effect from January 1, 2026
Effective January 1, 2026, France has implemented a nationwide prohibition on products containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in certain consumer categories, including cosmetics. This restriction is established under Decree No. 2025-1376 of December 28 2025, which implements provisions of Law No. 2025-188 of February 27 2025 aimed at protecting the public from risks associated with PFAS exposure.
Under the decree, the manufacture, import, export and placing on the market of products containing PFAS are prohibited from January 1, 2026, for categories such as cosmetics, textiles, footwear and related waterproofing agents, unless residual PFAS levels fall below defined thresholds or exemptions apply (including certain protective equipment and industrial technical textiles). A 12-month transition period allows products manufactured before January 1, 2026 to be sold or exported until December 31, 2026, after which the prohibition will be fully enforced.
Source: https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000053201526
🔘 EU Amends Cosmetics Regulation to Update CMR Substance Controls
On 12 January 2026, the European Commission adopted Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/78, amending Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products with respect to substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR).
The Regulation updates Annexes II, III, IV and V of the EU Cosmetics Regulation to reflect revised CMR classifications under EU chemicals legislation and relevant safety assessments. The amendments include changes to the list of prohibited substances, as well as adjustments to substances subject to restrictions, and to those permitted for use as colorants or preservatives under specific conditions.
In accordance with Article 2 of the Regulation, the amendments apply from 1 May 2026 and are binding in their entirety and directly applicable in all EU Member States. From that date, all cosmetic products placed on the EU market, including both newly manufactured products and those already on the market, must comply with the updated annex requirements.
Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2026/78/oj/eng
🔘 US FDA Issues Draft Guidance on Cosmetic Records Access Authority
On January 21, 2026, the U.S. FDA issued Draft Guidance for Industry: FDA Records Access Authority for Cosmetics Products and opened it for public comment until March 23, 2026.
Issued under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA), the guidance clarifies the FDA’s authority to access cosmetic product records during inspections, including adverse event records, ingredient information, and manufacturing records, while outlining confidentiality protections. It also provides recommendations on recordkeeping, inspection cooperation, and potential legal consequences for refusal to grant access.
🔘 Indonesia Identifies 26 Hazardous Cosmetic Products in Q4 2025
On January 6, 2026, Indonesia’s National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) announced the results of its Q4 2025 cosmetics surveillance, identifying 26 cosmetic products containing hazardous or prohibited substances.
The banned ingredients detected include retinoic acid, hydroquinone, dexamethasone, mometasone furoate, mercury, and clindamycin, which may pose risks such as skin damage, pigmentation disorders, hormonal effects, and organ toxicity.
BPOM has taken enforcement actions including revocation of distribution permits, product withdrawals, and administrative sanctions, and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening market supervision to protect consumer safety.
Source: https://www.pom.go.id/siaran-pers/bpom-temukan-26-kosmetik-berbahaya-di-akhir-2025
🔘 South Korea Proposes Revisions to Cosmetic Safety Standards
On January 12, 2026, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of South Korea published a draft revision to the Cosmetic Safety Standards and opened it for public comment, with feedback due by February 6, 2026.
Key proposed amendments include:
Hair Dye Ingredient Clarification: Consolidation and clarification of ingredients that are only permitted or restricted in hair dye products to eliminate regulatory ambiguity.
Addition to Sunscreen Restriction List: Inclusion of the reviewed sunscreen filter Phenylene Bis-Diphenyltriazine in the list of restricted substances, with a maximum allowed concentration of 5%.
Updated Safety Testing Methods: Revision of test methods for regulatory safety checks on circulation cosmetics, including methods for detecting dioxane, formaldehyde, and free alkali, to improve testing efficiency and standardization.
The draft aims to enhance regulatory clarity for ingredient use in cosmetics, especially for hair dyes and sun protection products, and to modernize safety testing protocols.
🔘 Malaysia Updates Cosmetic Ingredient Requirements, Adding New Banned and Restricted Substances
On January 26, 2026, Malaysia’s National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) issued Circular No. 1/2026 (Pekeliling Bil. 1/2026), amending the ingredient annexes of the Guidelines for Control of Cosmetic Products in Malaysia. The revisions align with decisions adopted at the 42nd ASEAN Cosmetic Committee (ACC) meeting.
Key updates include:
Annex I (Prohibited Substances) - 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4-MBC) added to the banned list; existing notified products may remain on the market until November 17, 2028; Miconazole and Miconazole Nitrate added as prohibited substances; cosmetics containing these ingredients must be immediately withdrawn from the market upon issuance of the circular.
Annex III (Restricted Substances) - Genistein and Daidzein: updated maximum use limits; non-compliant notified products may continue to be marketed until November 17, 2027.
Annex VII (Permitted UV Filters): 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4-MBC) removed from the list of permitted UV filters; existing products may remain on the market until November 17, 2028.
NPRA emphasized that during the transition periods, responsible companies must conduct formulation compliance assessments and make necessary formulation changes or regulatory adjustments to ensure continued compliance with Malaysia’s cosmetic regulations.
Source:
🔘 Japan Proposes Revisions to Biological Raw Material Standards, Easing Restrictions on Bovine Materials
Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has proposed a partial amendment to the Standards for Biological Raw Materials (MHLW Notification No. 210 of 2003), which provide guidance on measures required when biological raw materials are used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, and regenerative medicine products (“drugs, etc.”). The amendment would remove the spinal column and skull derived from cattle aged 30 months or younger from the list of prohibited raw materials, and update country-of-origin descriptions in line with the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) reassessment of countries with negligible BSE risk, including the deletion of references to Canadian-origin materials.
Source: https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2026/TBT/JPN/26_00463_00_e.pdf
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.
