This article compiles and summarizes the latest developments in cosmetics regulations in China and globally as of September 2025, covering industry news, newly issued regulations, relevant policy adjustments, and regulatory requirements. It aims to assist enterprises in ensuring compliance and keeping up with global cosmetics regulatory trends.
China
Regulatory Updates
Notice on Public Consultation of Two Technical Guidelines Including the Technical Guidelines for the Research of Anti-Hair Loss Cosmetics (Trial) (Draft for Comments)
On September 5, 2025, the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) issued a notice to further standardize and guide the research and evaluation of anti-hair loss cosmetics. In accordance with the Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulation and the Measures for the Administration of Cosmetics Registration and Notification, as well as relevant supporting documents, the Cosmetics Supervision Department of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) organized NIFDC to draft two technical guidelines, including the Technical Guidelines for the Research of Anti-Hair Loss Cosmetics (Trial) (Draft for Comments), along with corresponding drafting instructions. The drafts are now open for public consultation. The deadline for feedback is September 20, 2025.
https://www.nifdc.org.cn//nifdc/bshff/hzhpjssp/hzpsptzgg/202509051520321711595.html
Notice on Public Consultation of 18 Cosmetic Standards Including the Limits of Total Bacterial Count in Eye Cosmetics, Lip Cosmetics, and Children's Cosmetics (Draft for Comments)
On September 15, 2025, the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) issued a notice to further improve the technical standards for cosmetics. NIFDC has organized the formulation and revision of 18 cosmetic standards, including the Limits of Total Bacterial Count in Eye Cosmetics, Lip Cosmetics, and Children's Cosmetics (Draft for Comments), along with corresponding drafting instructions. These drafts are now open for public consultation. The deadline for feedback is October 9, 2025.
https://www.nifdc.org.cn//nifdc/bshff/hzhpbzh/hzhpbzhtzgg/202509150848081723891.html
Notice of the General Office of the National Medical Products Administration on Launching the Second Phase of the Pilot Program for Personalized Cosmetic Services
On September 17, 2025, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) issued this notice to further deepen the reform of cosmetics supervision, meet consumer’ growing demand for personalized and diversified cosmetic products, explore feasible models and effective regulatory measures for personalized cosmetic services, and promote the high-quality development of the cosmetics industry. Based on the summary of the first phase of the pilot program, the NMPA has decided to launch the second phase of the pilot program for personalized cosmetic services in the following regions: Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Shanghai, Zhejiang, etc.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/hzhp/hzhpjgdt/20250917113949126.html
The General Office of the National Medical Products Administration Solicits Public Comments on the Draft Opinion of the NMPA on Deepening Reform of Cosmetics Regulation and Promoting High-Quality Development of the Industry
On September 19, 2025, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) issued a draft document to further deepen the reform of cosmetics regulation, promote the high-quality development of the industry, and better meet the growing expectations of the public for a better life in the new era. The NMPA has organized the drafting of the "Draft Opinion on Deepening Reform of Cosmetics Regulation and Promoting High-Quality Development of the Industry," which is now open for public consultation.
Notice on Public Consultation of the Technical Guidelines for Dossier Requirements of Cosmetic New Ingredient Registration and Notification (Draft for Comments) by the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC)
On September 24, 2025, the NIFDC issued a public consultation notice on the Technical Guidelines for Dossier Requirements of Cosmetic New Ingredient Registration and Notification (Draft for Comments). This initiative aims to implement the Provisions on Supporting the Innovation of Cosmetic Ingredients issued by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), and to optimize the technical requirements for the classification of new ingredient registration and notification. The draft is now open for public comment. Please submit your feedback to hzpxyl@nifdc.org.cn by October 19, 2025.
https://www.nifdc.org.cn//nifdc/bshff/hzhpjssp/hzpsptzgg/202509241041591736034.html
Announcement on Matters Related to Toothpaste Notification Administration (Draft for Comments) by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA)
On September 26, 2025, the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) released the Announcement on Matters Related to Toothpaste Notification Administration (Draft for Comments), which was drafted by the NMPA. This initiative aims to regulate the development of the toothpaste industry, reduce burdens on enterprises, and enhance regulatory efficiency. The draft is now open to the public for comment, with the consultation period ending on October 26, 2025.
Based on expert research and deliberation, and considering that toothpaste products subject to simplified notification procedures generally have a certain history of production, marketing, and use, the notifier may, when preparing the product notification dossier, submit supporting documentation on the product’s history of safe use as a substitute for toxicological test reports.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/xxgk/zhqyj/zhqyjhzhp/20250926104403173.html
Local Developments& Industry News
China-Korea Exchange Event on Cosmetics Regulatory Systems Held in Beijing
On September 23, 2025, a China-Korea exchange event on cosmetics regulatory systems was held in Beijing. During the event, representatives from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of the Republic of Korea, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in China, and the Korea Cosmetic Association gave presentations on key aspects of Korea’s cosmetics regulatory framework, including the definition and classification of cosmetics, management of ingredients and finished products, safety assessment systems, electronic labeling, and advertising monitoring.
Participants from both China and Korea engaged in in-depth discussions on the definition of functional cosmetics, the regulation of personalized and customized cosmetics, supervision of online cosmetics sales, progress in alternative methods to animal testing, and post-market surveillance.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/yaowen/ypjgyw/hyxx/hzhphyxx/20250923173148148.html
Provisional Measures for Drug Safety Credit Management in Xinjiang Officially Implemented from September 1, 2025
On August 26, 2025, the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Medical Products Administration announced that the Provisional Measures for Drug Safety Credit Management in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region would officially come into effect on September 1, 2025, with a validity period of two years.
Under these measures, all relevant enterprises holding valid licenses within the administrative region of Xinjiang—including cosmetics manufacturers—will be subject to credit management in accordance with the provisions. This initiative aims to strengthen corporate integrity, enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of credit-based drug supervision, promote risk-based and tiered regulatory oversight, and establish a new regulatory mechanism centered on credit.
https://mpa.xinjiang.gov.cn/xjyjj/gfxwj/202508/c18c75325d7347039e9bebaaa9097ccc.shtml
Guangzhou Introduces Special Support Measures to Promote High-Quality Development of the Cosmetics Industry
On September 10, 2025, the Guangzhou Municipal Administration for Market Regulation released the Special Support Measures for Promoting High-Quality Development of the Cosmetics Industry, which will be effective for five years starting from the date of issuance.
According to the measures:
- A one-time incentive of RMB 5 million will be granted to national demonstration zones for cosmetics quality and brand enhancement that are established in Guangzhou.
- Laboratories approved as National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratories will receive an award of RMB 10 million.
- For each new cosmetic ingredient that is registered for the first time and included in China’s Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients (IECIC), an incentive of RMB 1 million will be awarded, with a maximum annual cap of RMB 5 million per enterprise.
Applications will be accepted on an annual basis. After preliminary review at the district level and final evaluation at the municipal level, funding will be disbursed following a 30-day public notice period. Enterprises listed as dishonest entities or under major regulatory investigation will be suspended from receiving support.
https://scjgj.gz.gov.cn/gkmlpt/content/10/10444/post_10444063.html#759
Shanghai Releases Key Measures to Further Promote High-Quality Development of the Cosmetics Industry
On September 25, 2025, Shanghai officially issued the Key Measures on Further Promoting High-Quality Development of the Cosmetics Industry. The policy outlines a comprehensive strategy to foster innovation-driven growth and global competitiveness in the cosmetics sector.
The main initiatives include:
- Encouraging technological innovation to drive high-quality supply and stimulate emerging consumer demand;
- Upgrading the service system to unlock innovation potential and build new competitive advantages;
- Optimizing the development ecosystem through full-chain collaboration to empower the creation of new brands;
- Improving industrial layout by promoting integrated and coordinated development, thereby establishing new strategic hubs for industrial growth.
https://www.shanghai.gov.cn/hqcyfz2/20250928/56ce26ddc021451ab08f0c17d5147f28.html
Global
This section primarily covers global cosmetics-related developments for September, 2025.
North America
United States Notifies New Regulation Restricting Formaldehyde in Cosmetics, Effective September 28, 2025
On August 27, 2025, the United States notified the WTO of an addendum to the 173-339 Washington Administrative Code (WAC) COSMETIC PRODUCTS RESTRICTIONS (Formaldehyde in Cosmetics) (G/TBT/N/USA/2187/Add.2). This regulation restricts the manufacture, sale, and distribution of cosmetic products in the state of Washington that contain intentionally added formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers. The objective is to reduce consumer exposure to formaldehyde through the use of cosmetic products, due to its known health risks. The regulation will enter into force on September 28, 2025.
https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2025/TBT/USA/final_measure/25_05758_00_e.pdf
FDA Launches Real-Time Adverse Event Reporting Dashboard for Cosmetic Products
On September 12, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the launch of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) Public Dashboard for Cosmetic Products, an interactive tool designed to facilitate the public’s ability to query real-time adverse event data on cosmetic products. The user-friendly platform allows users to download report listings or data sets, with reports being updated daily to include the most recent submissions.
South America
Brazil Issues Ban on Animal Testing for Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
On July 30, 2025, Brazil enacted a landmark regulation prohibiting the use of animals for testing cosmetics, personal care products, perfumes, and their ingredients. The regulation amends two key pieces of legislation—Law No. 11,794 (2008) and Law No. 6,360 (1976)—to explicitly prohibit testing of products and their ingredients on vertebrate animals, including tests conducted for purposes of safety, efficacy, or hazard assessment. In addition, the amendment introduces stricter labeling requirements for products that underwent animal testing prior to the regulation’s effective date.
Asia
Amendments to Korea’s Enforcement Rule of the Cosmetics Act Concerning Labeling, Advertising, and Transitional Measures for Documentation Retention
On August 1, 2025, the Korean government promulgated Prime Ministerial Decree No. 2043, partially amending the Enforcement Rule of the Cosmetics Act. The amendments took effect upon the date of promulgation. Key revisions include the deletion of Sub-Appendices 2, 3, and 4 under Appendix 5 titled “Scope of Labeling and Advertising of Cosmetics and Compliance Requirements.” and transitional measures regarding the retention of certification-related documents.
Vietnam Releases Draft Decree on Cosmetics Management
On September 4, 2025, Vietnam submitted notification G/TBT/N/VNM/357 to the World Trade Organization (WTO), announcing the release of a draft Decree on Cosmetics Management. The public comment period is open until November 3, 2025.
The draft decree comprises 10 chapters and 60 articles, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for cosmetics management in Vietnam. Developed in alignment with ASEAN Guidelines and Vietnam’s Law on Advertising, the draft sets out detailed provisions on Import and export of cosmetics; Issuance of Certificates of Free Sale (CFS); Product Information Files (PIF); Labeling and advertising requirements.
The draft also introduces an online system for product notification and dossier management, aiming to streamline regulatory procedures. Furthermore, the decree specifies mechanisms for supervision and inspection of cosmetic safety and quality, and clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of relevant authorities, organizations, and individuals in implementation. The draft includes transitional provisions, an expected approval date of November 4, 2025, and a proposed effective date of July 1, 2026.
https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2025/TBT/VNM/25_05839_00_x.pdf
Indonesia’s New Requirements on Cosmetic Labeling, Promotion, and Advertising Now in Effect, Full Enforcement Begins November 2025
In November 2024, the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) introduced new provisions under Regulation No. 18/2024, governing the labeling, promotion, and advertising of all cosmetic products in Indonesia. The regulation came into effect on November 15, 2024.
A 12-month transitional period has been granted to holders of cosmetic distribution licenses that were obtained prior to the effective date, requiring full compliance with the new requirements by November 15, 2025. Relevant companies are advised to pay close attention to the transition timeline and ensure product compliance with the new regulation.
https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/Details/309969/peraturan-bpom-no-18-tahun-2024
BPOM Revokes Distribution Permits for 21 Cosmetic Products Due to Labeling Non-Compliance
Recently, the Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) has canceled the distribution permits for 21 cosmetic products. The decision was made due to discrepancies between the actual ingredients and the information declared on the product labels, indicating non-compliance with labeling regulations. CIRS reminds relevant enterprises to strictly adhere to Indonesia’s cosmetic labeling requirements, ensuring that all label information is truthful, accurate, and complete. In addition, companies need to ensure full compliance with local regulatory requirements regarding product formulations, notification data, and other relevant documentation.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/372413/bpom-revokes-permits-for-21-cosmetics-over-mislabeling
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