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China is continuously strengthening its supervision over cosmetics —affecting not only domestic companies but also overseas brands. Since Cosmetic Supervision and Administration Regulation (CSAR) took effect in 2021, enforcement has intensified across both pre-market and post-market stages, with unannounced inspections, product sampling, and hefty fines becoming more common.
Overseas manufacturers are increasingly under the spotlight. In 2024, the NMPA conducted surprise inspections at production sites in Spain and South Korea. The Spanish company was found to have products suspected of containing a prohibited substance (Diflorasone Diacetate). According to relevant regulations, overseas inspections target high-risk companies, especially those with large import volumes or past compliance issues.
Meanwhile, cosmetic industry continue to face penalties for non-compliant advertising/marketing. Typical cases include:
Aug 2023: a well-known international cosmetics retailer in China was fined RMB 80,000 for falsely promoting an general cosmetic (niacinamide toner) as having whitening effects, a claim only permitted for special cosmetics.
Jun 2024: *** Trading (Shanghai), distributor of one well-known imported oil products, was fined RMB 100,000 for claims such as "safe for use during pregnancy" and "targets stretch marks," which lacked regulatory approval and used medical language.
Nov 2024: *** Olive & Centella Soothing Serum was promoted on Red Book (China's popular social platform) using claims like "olive essence from Mediterranean olive trees" and "rich in oleuropein." Lab tests, however, showed no detectable oleuropein and the ingredient was not Mediterranean-sourced. The domestic responsible party was fined RMB 500,000.
As enforcement intensifies, brands must ensure that every product claim, marketing message, and visual is not only compelling—but also compliant, Whether it is through CBEC or general trade. In China's high-stakes market, a single regulatory misstep can lead to severe penalties, reputational damage, and loss of consumer trust.
1. Pre-Market Review: Build a Solid Foundation - Ensure product compliance from the source to build a strong foundation for market entry.
Registration & Notification Review: Full-scope review of product formula, ingredients, labels, and efficacy claims. We verify prohibited/restricted substances, labeling accuracy, and scientific substantiation of claims.
Manufacturing Qualification Check: Audit production licenses, quality management systems, and supplier control processes to ensure compliance throughout the production chain.
Enterprise & Brand Credential Verification : Confirm the authenticity and validity of brand certifications, import documentation, and traceability to prevent reputational and legal risks.
2. Post-Market Oversight: Manage Advertising Risks - Control exposure across every promotional touchpoint.
Advertising and Promotional Material Review: From digital ads to print campaigns, we review your promotional materials to ensure compliance with legal standards on accuracy, fairness, and non-deceptive practices.
Livestream & Short-Video Content Review: Whether selling through TikTok, Tmall, or other video-driven channels, we help review scripts, subtitles, and messaging for compliance. China, in particular, imposes strict rules on livestream advertising—making pre-screening essential to avoid regulatory violations.
Customized Compliance Training: Equip your team with practical knowledge on compliant promotion practices, from common claim pitfalls to case-based learnings tailored to your product type and sales channels.
3. Creative Claims: Stay Compliant, Stay Compelling - Empower promotion innovation while staying within regulatory lines.
Strategic Copy Review & Guidance: Support early-stage content creation with compliant vocabulary suggestions, industry case examples, and full-text reviews to identify risk points and offer solutions.
Ongoing Monitoring & Regulatory Alerts: Track regulatory updates and market feedback. We flag emerging compliance issues and help you adjust your messaging in time to stay ahead.
ZMUni offers an integrated compliance service that combines regulatory expertise, messaging optimization, and thorough review to ensure your advertising meets legal standards and resonates with the market.
Trusted Expertise - With over 10 years of hands-on experience in China's cosmetic compliance, we've successfully served 2,000+ global clients.
Regulatory Intelligence - We monitor policy updates, enforcement trends, and penalty cases in real time—helping your business stay ahead of regulatory risks.
Multilingual Support - Our professional multilingual team ensures smooth communication and efficient project delivery every step of the way.
Advertising Law of the People's Republic of China
Cosmetic Supervision and Administration Regulation (CSAR)
Supervision and Administration Measures on Online Operation of Cosmetics
Administrative Measures on Cosmetics Labeling
Guide on the Naming of Cosmetics
Standards for Cosmetic Efficacy Claim Evaluation
Cosmetic Classification Rules and Catalog
+86 571 8659 2517
+86 180 5841 8258
info@zmuni.com