1. Certification Overview
In 2018, organizational restructuring was implemented in China based on the principles of the “Reform Plan for Party and State Institutions,” and the CFDA (China Food and Drug Administration), which previously supervised the licensing of cosmetics, was newly established as the NMPA (China National Medical Products Administration).
Cosmetics are classified into general cosmetics and special cosmetics; record management is implemented for general cosmetics, while registration management is implemented for special cosmetics
General Cosmetic: Cosmetics other than specialty cosmetics
Special Cosmetic: Cosmetics used for UV protection, perming, freckle removal and whitening, and hair loss prevention, and cosmetics with new efficacy
Cosmetics Classification Rules and Classification List
2. Regulatory Agencies & Basic Information
| Regulatory Agencies | NMPA (National Medical Products Administration) |
| Testing Agency | 1. SIT 2. JEPSI 3. GQT |
| Price | Varies by product |
| Lead time | General cosmetics: 4~6 months Specialty cosmetics: 10~12 months |
| Agent | A representative (responsible person in China) is required. |
Search for China CMA (China Metrology Accreditation) Accredited Testing Laboratories
3. Certification Process
- NMPA Registration of Precinct Manager
- Approval by the accepting body
- Product testing
- Review (technical review in the case of special cosmetics)
- Online Issuance of Permits/Registrations
- Export to China
4. Required Documents
| Cosmetics registration | • Name, address, and contact information of the applicant or registrant • Name, address, and contact information of the manufacturing company • Product name • Product formulation or full ingredients • Standards applied to the product • Product label sample • Product inspection report • Product safety assessment data |
| In the case of an application for registration of imported special cosmetics or an application for imported general cosmetics | • Documents proving that the product was launched in the country (region) of origin (If such documents cannot be submitted, information on relevant research and tests conducted on Chinese consumers must be submitted) • Documents proving that the overseas manufacturing company complies with cosmetic production quality control standards |
5. Validity Period
- General cosmetics: No fixed expiration date, but annual reporting is mandatory
- Specialty cosmetics: 5 years
- Submit registration renewal application 30 days before expiration
Source
Regulations on Cosmetic Hygiene Supervision
Cosmetics Supervision and Management Regulations
NMPA service information search site