ZMUni Compliance Centre

Definition of Cosmetics in China

Cosmetics

According to China's Cosmetic Supervision and Administration Regulation (CSAR), cosmetics refer to daily chemical products applied to the skin, hair, nails, lips, and other external parts of the human body through methods such as smearing, spraying, or similar approaches, for the purposes of cleansing, protecting, beautifying, or modifying appearance.

Imported Cosmetics

A cosmetic product is considered an imported cosmetic if the final manufacturing step involving direct contact with the product contents is completed outside mainland China. Products manufactured in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao are also regulated as imported cosmetics.

For products registered or notified under the same product name, if any product component in a multi-dose or combination package completes its final content-contact manufacturing step overseas, the entire product is regulated as an imported cosmetic.

Cosmetic Classification and Regulatory Requirements in China

Except for products sold through cross-border e-commerce platforms and general cosmetic soaps, cosmetics sold through other channels in China must complete registration or notification with the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) or relevant provincial regulatory authorities before entering the market.

*Imported cosmetics must appoint a China-based responsible entity (Responsible Person, RP) to complete registration or notification. The RP assumes responsibility for product safety and quality compliance in China.

Key Regulations

•  Cosmetic Supervision and Administration Regulation (CSAR)

• Administrative Measures on Cosmetic Registration and Notification

• Provisions for Management of Cosmetic Registration and Notification Documentation

• Cosmetic Labeling Management Measures

• Regulations on Supervision and Administration of Children's Cosmetics

• Cosmetic Classification Rules and Classification Catalogue

• Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)

• Technical Guidelines for Cosmetic Registration and Notification Testing

• Guidelines for Cosmetic Efficacy Claim Evaluation

• Technical Guidelines for Cosmetic Safety Assessment (2021 Edition)

• Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China (2021 Edition)

• Technical Guidelines for Submission of Cosmetic Registration and Notification Documentation (Trial)

Cosmetic Registration & Notification Process in China

Documentation Requirements for Cosmetic Registration & Notification

Cosmetic Testing Requirements

Product testing reports required for cosmetic registration or notification must be issued by qualified cosmetic testing institutions and comply with relevant regulations, including the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics and Technical Guidelines for Cosmetic Registration and Notification Testing.

Testing requirements may include:

• Microbiological testing

• Physicochemical testing

• Toxicological testing

• Human safety testing (for applicable special cosmetics)

• Human efficacy testing reports

Exemption from Animal Toxicology Testing

Since May 1, 2021, general cosmetics may be exempt from toxicological testing if they meet the following conditions and are supported by safety assessment:

1. All manufacturing sites have obtained GMP certification issued by competent authorities in the country/region where they are located (certification issued by third-party organizations is not accepted; multiple manufacturing sites require separate certification).

2. The product does not claim to be intended for infants or children.

3. The product does not contain new cosmetic ingredients currently under safety monitoring.

4. Based on the quantitative classification scoring results, the notifier, Domestic Responsible Person, and manufacturer are not classified as key regulatory supervision targets.