(Source: https://pltfrm.com.cn)
To pass China’s strict regulatory standards for the import and sale of cosmetics, including ingredient review, safety testing, and labeling requirements, foreign cosmetic brands need to undertake a meticulous and well-informed approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Understand the Regulations: The first step is to thoroughly understand the current regulatory framework in China for cosmetics. This includes regulations set by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), formerly known as CFDA (China Food and Drug Administration), regarding ingredients, safety testing, and labeling.
- Ingredient Compliance: Review your product formulations to ensure compliance with Chinese regulations. China has a specific list of approved and banned ingredients for cosmetics. Ensure that your products do not contain any prohibited substances and comply with restrictions on certain ingredients.
- Product Classification: Determine whether your product is classified as general cosmetics or special cosmetics, as the latter have more stringent approval processes due to their specific functions (like hair dye, sunscreen, etc.).
- Safety Assessments and Testing: Conduct safety assessments and tests as required by Chinese regulations. This often involves testing for toxicological risks, stability, and efficacy. Note that China has specific requirements for safety testing, and in some cases, tests may need to be conducted in approved laboratories within China.
- Animal Testing Requirements: Until recently, China required mandatory animal testing for most imported cosmetics, but there have been significant changes. As of May 2021, some ordinary cosmetics imported in China can be exempted from animal testing under certain conditions. Stay updated on these regulations and understand how they apply to your products.
- Appoint a Chinese Responsible Agent: Foreign cosmetic companies are required to appoint a local responsible agent in China who will handle product registration and act as a liaison with Chinese authorities.
- Product Registration or Notification: Depending on the classification of your products, you will need to go through a product registration (for special cosmetics) or notification (for general cosmetics) process with the NMPA. This involves submitting a dossier with detailed product information, including ingredients, safety data, product label, and packaging.
- Labeling and Packaging Compliance: Ensure that your product labels and packaging comply with Chinese regulations. This includes information in Mandarin Chinese, such as ingredient lists, product name, usage instructions, and warnings.
- Keep Abreast of Regulatory Changes: Chinese regulations on cosmetics are subject to change. Stay informed about any regulatory updates and adjust your compliance strategy accordingly.
- Seek Expert Assistance: Given the complexity of regulations, it’s often advisable to seek assistance from regulatory experts or consulting firms specializing in Chinese cosmetic regulations. They can guide you through the process, help with documentation, and ensure compliance.
- Market Testing and Adaptation: Once compliant, consider market testing to adapt products to local preferences. This step, while not regulatory, is crucial for commercial success in China.
- Ongoing Compliance: After entering the market, maintain ongoing compliance with Chinese regulations, including reporting any adverse reactions and keeping up with periodic renewals of registrations or notifications.
- Navigating the regulatory landscape for cosmetics in China can be challenging, but thorough preparation and adherence to the regulations are key to successfully accessing and sustaining operations in the Chinese market.
PLTFRM is an international brand consulting agency that works with companies such as Red, Tiktok, Tmall, Baidu, and other well-known Chinese internet e-commerce platforms. We have been working with Chile Cherries for many years, reaching Chinese consumers in depth through different platforms and realizing that Chile Cherries exports in China account for 97% of the total exports in Asia. Contact us and we will help you find the best China e-commerce platform for you. Search pltfrm for a free consultation!
