On August 28, 2023, China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) announced significant amendments to the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition) (STSC). The key updates include the addition of a new prohibited ingredient, the clarification of benzene limit in cosmetics, the revision of 5 testing methods, and the introduction of 14 additional testing methods. Notably, except that the revised methods are scheduled to come into force on March 1, 2024, all other new contents will take immediate effect upon release. 

The revised testing method “Determination of Free Formaldehyde in Cosmetics” specifies the determination of free formaldehyde content in cosmetics using post-column derivatization and high-performance liquid chromatography. This method is applicable for the determination of free formaldehyde content in various types of cosmetics, including liquid water-based, cream-emulsion, gel, liquid oil-based, wax-based, and powder cosmetics.