This article compiles and summarizes the latest developments in cosmetics regulations in China and globally as of October 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
This section is divided into two main modules: Regulatory Updates and Local Developments & Industry News. The first module primarily covers the latest regulatory developments issued by national authorities such as the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC). The second module compiles and summarizes cosmetics-related updates from local authorities as well as key industry news.
Regulatory Updates
Notice on Public Consultation of Six Cosmetic Standards Including the “90-Day Oral Toxicity Test Method (Draft for Comments)”
On October 14, 2025, the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) issued a public consultation notice regarding six cosmetic standards, including the 90-Day Oral Toxicity Test Method (Draft for Comments), in order to further improve the technical standards for cosmetics. The NIFDC has organized the drafting of the above-mentioned standards and their drafting instructions, which are now open for public comment.
Please submit your comments through the “Cosmetic Standards Development and Revision Management System” in accordance with the requirements. The deadline for feedback is November 7, 2025.
Cosmetic Standards Development and Revision Management System:
https://www.nifdc.org.cn/nifdc/bshff/hzhpbzh/hzhpbzhxt/index.html
https://www.nifdc.org.cn//nifdc/xxgk/ggtzh/tongzhi/202510141630371759629.html
Three Cosmetic Ingredients Including Lauroyl Alanine Added to the "Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China (IECIC)"
On October 20, 2025, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) announced the second dynamic update to the Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China (hereinafter referred to as the "IECIC").
Three cosmetic ingredients—Lauroyl Alanine, Polymethylsilsesquioxane/Trimethylsiloxy Silicate, and Bis-Cetyl/Stearyl Amodimethicone—have completed their three-year safety monitoring period as new cosmetic ingredients. After evaluation, they were found to comply with the Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulation and other relevant provisions, and have now been officially included in IECIC II. In addition, IECIC I has been updated to standardize the Chinese names and/or INCI/English names of certain ingredients.
To enhance transparency and public participation, a new "Revision Suggestions" feature has been added to the IECIC online query platform, allowing industry stakeholders and the public to submit feedback. The NMPA will carefully review and consider the collected suggestions to continuously improve and update the IECIC.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/hzhp/hzhpjgdt/20251020091655117.html
NMPA Notice on the Pilot Program for Electronic Labeling of Cosmetics
On October 20, 2025, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) issued a notice to launch a pilot program for electronic labeling of cosmetics (including toothpaste), aiming to further optimize label management.
Starting from February 1, 2026, the pilot program will be implemented in Beijing, Shanghai, Zhejiang Province, Shandong Province, Guangdong Province, and Chongqing, allowing the use of electronic labels to display Chinese labeling information for cosmetics. The pilot period will last for three years. The electronic labeling pilot for duty-free cosmetics sold on Hainan Island may also be carried out in accordance with the requirements of this notice.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/xxgk/fgwj/gzwj/gzwjhzhp/20251020173029108.html
Public Notice on the Selection Results of Innovative Cosmetic Raw Materials for Guidance by the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC)
On October 20, 2025, under the guidance of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), the NIFDC launched the first round of selection for innovative cosmetic raw materials for regulatory guidance. The initiative focused on four key directions: early market entry, Chinese characteristics, domestic substitution, and green and low-carbon development. The selection process was organized through provincial drug regulatory authorities.
Following preliminary screening, expert evaluation, and video presentations, 16 candidate raw materials were selected for potential inclusion in the innovation guidance program. The public comment period is from October 20 to October 24, 2025. During this time, any organization or individual with objections may submit written comments via email to: hzpxyl@nifdc.org.cn.
https://www.nifdc.org.cn//nifdc/bshff/hzhpjssp/hzpsptzgg/202510200833571766908.html
Local Developments& Industry News
China-Japan Exchange Event on Cosmetic Regulatory Systems Held in Beijing
On October 29, 2025, the China-Japan Exchange Event on Cosmetic Regulatory Systems was held in Beijing. During the meeting, the Japan Cosmetic Industry Association and the Cosmetic Liaison Committee of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce introduced topics such as the history and achievements of Japan’s cosmetic regulatory reform, the Japanese cosmetic regulatory model, the management system for quasi-drugs and cosmetics, pre-market safety assessment of raw materials and ingredient supervision, efficacy claims management, and post-market regulatory frameworks. Participants from both China and Japan engaged in discussions on the registration and approval system for quasi-drugs and the management of new cosmetic ingredients. This exchange deepened mutual understanding of the cosmetic regulatory systems of both countries and laid a solid foundation for further cooperation and communication.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/yaowen/ypjgyw/hyxx/hzhphyxx/20251029191532176.html
The Fourth Inter-Provincial Meeting on Cosmetic Regulatory Collaboration Held in Zhongshan, Guangdong
On October 16, 2025, the Fourth Inter-Provincial Meeting on Cosmetic Regulatory Collaboration was held in Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province. Heads of cosmetic regulatory departments and key personnel from the provincial drug regulatory authorities of Guangdong, Tianjin, Heilongjiang, Shandong, Hainan, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Xinjiang attended the meeting. Experts from the Center for Food and Drug Inspection of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) provided guidance at the meeting, and the Chongqing Municipal Drug Administration was invited to participate.
The meeting conducted in-depth discussions and exchanges on the Guiding Opinions on Several Issues Concerning the Implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices for Cosmetics within the collaborative regulatory regions. It addressed cognitive deviations by proposing corresponding solutions, responded to development needs by providing policy support for high-quality enterprise development, and offered implementation guidance on questions arising during the enforcement of the Standards. The meeting also involved exchanges and consultations on current challenges, hot topics, and potential risks in cosmetic regulation.
https://mpa.gd.gov.cn/ztzl/hzpaqpg/sjfb/content/post_4787955.html
Global
Europe
UK to Ban 4-MBC and 16 CMR Substances in Cosmetics, and Lower Labelling Threshold for Formaldehyde Releasing Substances
On 31 October 2025, the United Kingdom submitted notification G/TBT/N/GBR/107 to the World Trade Organization (WTO), announcing the draft of the Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2026 and proposing amendments to the Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. The main revisions include the prohibition of 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor in cosmetic products, the ban of 16 CMR substances, and the lowering of the labelling threshold for formaldehyde releasing substances. The deadline for comments on the draft is 30 December 2025.
https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2025/TBT/GBR/25_07356_00_e.pdf
EU Contemplates Banning Ethanol-Based Disinfectants, Sparking Major Controversy
In light of increasing concerns over carcinogenic risks, the European Union is considering banning the use of ethanol as an active ingredient in hand sanitizers and other disinfectant products, triggering significant controversy. On October 10, a working group under the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) issued an internal recommendation classifying ethanol as a hazardous substance that may increase the risk of cancer and suggested it should be replaced in cleaning and other disinfectant products.
At present, all eyes are on the upcoming ECHA committee meeting in late November. The debate over ethanol’s classification is not merely about the regulatory fate of a single disinfectant – it has far-reaching implications for the global healthcare sector’s infection control infrastructure. For the general public, this may appear to be just another piece of regulatory news. But for healthcare workers and patients who rely on ethanol-based disinfectants to safeguard their health every day, the outcome of this decision warrants close attention.
https://aise.eu/app/uploads/2025-02-25-Ethanol-Recommendations-on-Public-Consultation-BPR.pdf
North America
Canada Update the CNF for Cosmetic Product Notification
On October 6, 2025, Health Canada announced an update to the Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF) and a revision of the Cosmetic Notification Guide. Key changes to the CNF and the Cosmetic Notification Guide include the content in “Section 4: Manufacturer, Importer, Label, and Other Contacts” and “Section 5: Product Ingredients”.
California to Ban Certain Ingredients in Hair Straightening Products
On October 11, 2025, the Governor of California signed Senate Bill No. 236, also known as the Combating Unsafe Relaxers (C.U.R.L.) Act. Under this legislation, hair products intended for chemically straightening curly or tightly coiled hair will be prohibited from being manufactured, sold, or distributed in California if they contain any of nine intentionally added ingredients, including formaldehyde, isobutylparaben, lily aldehyde, etc.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB236
South America
Argentina Introduces Electronic Sworn Declaration System for Imported Cosmetics
On October 27, 2025, Argentina’s National Administration of Drugs, Food and Medical Technology (ANMAT) issued Resolution No. 7939/2025, announcing a reform of the import and production authorization framework by introducing an electronic sworn declaration system. The new mechanism aims to streamline the registration process for companies involved in importing cosmetics and household hygiene products. The resolution will take effect 60 working days after its publication in the Official Gazette of the Argentine Republic.
Key provisions of the resolution include:
- Natural or legal persons engaged in the importation, preparation, or packaging of cosmetics, personal hygiene and perfumery products, oral hygiene products, disposable sanitary products, and household hygiene products must submit a Declaración Jurada (Sworn Declaration) via an electronic platform. Upon submission, the system assigns an official file number. The facilities listed in the declaration are considered authorized to carry out the relevant activities, although ANMAT reserves the right to conduct subsequent inspections. The sworn declaration has no expiration date.
- The resolution formally approves the Good Manufacturing Practices (BPF) for sanitary products.
- Companies must comply with the applicable GMP standards for their activities and retain supporting documentation for ANMAT inspections. ANMAT will conduct regular on-site audits to verify compliance.
- Companies must notify ANMAT by submitting a new sworn declaration within 30 days of any changes to their corporate name, registered address, tax ID, business scope, or any expansion or modification of activities.
- Companies already authorized at the time the resolution takes effect must submit a sworn declaration within 180 working days to complete re-registration, after which a new file number will be assigned. A three-year transition period is granted for the use of packaging materials bearing the old number. Companies currently in the process of obtaining authorization or undergoing corrective actions following ANMAT inspections may not submit a new sworn declaration until all corrective measures have been completed.
https://www.boletinoficial.gob.ar/detalleAviso/primera/333450/20251027
Brazil Issues Ban on Two Ingredients in Cosmetics
On October 29, 2025, Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) issued a public notice prohibiting the use of two chemical substances in personal care products, cosmetics, and perfumes: Diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide and N,N-Dimethyl-p-toluidine. From the date of publication, the manufacture, importation, and granting of new registrations or notifications for products containing either of these substances are prohibited. A 90-day grace period is granted for the sale, trade, or use of products already on the market that contain the banned substances, after which such activities must cease entirely.
Asia
Indonesia's BPOM Issues New Regulation, Updating Cosmetic Ingredient Requirements
On October 3, 2025, the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) of Indonesia officially enacted the Technical Requirements for Cosmetic Ingredients (Regulation No. 25 of 2025), which comprehensively updates the usage standards for cosmetic ingredients. According to the regulatory provisions, the previously implemented Regulation No. 23 of 2019 and Regulation No. 17 of 2022 are simultaneously repealed.
This regulation comes into effect on the date of its enactment and includes a 12-month transition period. CIRS advises relevant companies to promptly conduct reviews of existing product formulations, labeling content, and other aspects to ensure continued compliant market placement of products.
Indonesia BPOM Revokes Distribution Permits for 34 Cosmetic Products Due to Harmful and Prohibited Ingredients
Recently, the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) issued an announcement revoking the distribution permits of 34 cosmetic products. The revocation was due to the presence of harmful and/or prohibited ingredients in these products, which may pose serious health risks to consumers. CIRS reminds relevant enterprises to closely monitor Indonesia’s regulatory requirements regarding restricted and prohibited substances in cosmetics.
Thailand Proposes Amendments to Cosmetic Ingredient List Regulations
On October 15, 2025, Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) issued a notification proposing amendments to the regulation governing the management of cosmetic ingredient lists. The public consultation period for the draft ends on October 29, 2025.
Key proposed changes include:
- Updates to the List of Prohibited Substances: Three new substances, including theobromine, are proposed to be added to the list of prohibited ingredients in cosmetics. In addition, 24 substances previously permitted for use, are proposed to be reclassified as prohibited and added to the banned list.
- Addition to the List of Permitted Substances: Piperine is proposed to be included in the list of substances allowed for use in cosmetics, with a maximum permitted concentration of 1%.
- Revised Implementation Date for Salicylic Acid Requirements: The implementation timeline for new requirements regarding the use of salicylic acid in cosmetics will be adjusted. A 90-day transition period will apply, starting from the date of publication in the Royal Thai Government Gazette.
https://law.go.th/listeningDetail?survey_id=NTk2OURHQV9MQVdfRlJPTlRFTkQ=
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