China Cosmetics Regulations Changes

July 20^th 2015 marked the day that the China Food and Drugs Administration released the second version of the Draft regarding Cosmetic Regulations, this will replace November 15^th 2014 version. The draft is the evolved version of the Umbrella law on cosmetic Supervision and Administration Regulation which was created in 1989. We are now in the period that is called “the public consultation” and this period ends August 20^th, this is a critical period because it might be the last chance to interact with the CFDA before the Draft becomes official.

What is the draft?

The draft is the revised version of the Cosmetic Health Supervision Regulations. This project started in 2013, got it first revision in 2014 and now it evolved into the second draft in 2015. Created by the China Food and Drugs Administration (CFDA) after in-depth studies, extensive research and being repeatedly modified finally completed as the “cosmetic supervision and management regulations”.

 Difference between the first and second Draft

One of the biggest changes in this year’s Draft can be found in the new ingredients section. It will be easier to register new ingredients and cosmetics producer will benefit the most of this. Foreign brands often use ingredients that are not listed in the known ingredient list approved by the CFDA. Making it easier to register new ingredients will convince foreign brands to check the Chinese market more thoroughly.

Another big difference is the sudden change of toothpaste in the Draft. In the second version of the Draft toothpaste will be added to the cosmetics list. This will make it for toothpaste producers more difficult because suddenly they are  classed solely on the claim of their product. In theory this change can put toothpaste in the non-special, special use or even in the category for drugs related products.

The final big difference I will discuss is the expending responsibilities of the domestic Responsible Agent. Their responsibilities are expending till after the product hit the shelves, they will be responsible for monitoring the cosmetic adverse reactions and they will bear legal liability of defective products. The second Draft also calls for a stronger control over producers and more serious punishment for illegal activities.

Experts & Webinar

 Our technical team member Eliza Li is writing a detailed report where she will explain in full detail the changes of the second Draft. It will soon be posted in the member section of Chemlinked.

A webinar will also be held by the Cosmetic Division of Reach 24H Lucy Lu. The webinar takes place on July 29^th and will start from 9pm China standard Time. Please follow the link to make an early reservation to make sure you will have a guaranteed place www.cosmetic.chemlinked.com/node/3065