In the Philippines, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (formerly the Bureau of Food and Drugs) created under the Department of Health, is responsible for regulating cosmetic products and ensuring the safety, purity, and quality of cosmetics in Philippines market. As one member state of ASEAN, Philippines have been implementing the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) since 2008.

All cosmetic companies shall obtain a License to Operate (LTO) prior to engaging in manufacturing, importation, distribution and sale of cosmetics. The License to Operate (LTO) is issued to ensure that establishments that import and distribute cosmetics are duly registered with the FDA. The LTO is also an essential requirement to be able to register cosmetic products. It is valid for one year from the date of issuance by FDA and subject to a 2 year maximum renewal.

Cosmetic companies are required to comply with the requirements under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive and obtain approval for products prior to marketing. Enterprises shall submit applications online using the FDA’s “ASEAN Cosmetic Notification template” (ACD form and Ingredients list form). The required information is as follows:

•       Brand Name

•       Product Name

•       Variants (if applicable)

•       List of Ingredients with percentage and function of each ingredient

•       Manufacturer’s name, Address and number

•       Company name, address, number and contact person

•       Company’s LTO number

•       Packaging size and type

If the FDA approves the notification, the ASEAN product notification approval will be sent with barcodes, notification numbers and also be signed and stamped by an authorized person. The notification is valid for a minimum of one year and a maximum of 3 years depending on the validity period applied for during the application.

For companies importing cosmetics, they shall also obtain a License to Import from the Bureau of Customs via an accredited broker. For every shipment the broker should present the company’s copy of the LTO and the approved ASEAN Notification to the Bureau of Customs.