Breaking! China Introduces Two-Tier IECIC System and Implements Dynamic Management Mechanism

On June 24, 2025, China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) released a significant announcement introducing major adjustments to the Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China (IECIC). The changes include the introduction of a two-tier inventory system and a dynamic adjustment mechanism, marking a new phase in China’s cosmetic ingredient supervision.

Key Highlights

1. Two-Tier IECIC: IECIC I & IECIC II

NMPA has officially divided the IECIC into two distinct lists to enhance clarity and oversight:

• IECIC I: An optimized version of the 2021 edition, formed by partially modifying and improving the existing inventory.

• IECIC II: A newly established list that includes new cosmetic ingredients (NCIs) which have completed the three-year safety monitoring period and passed safety evaluations.

This restructuring aligns with Article 14 of the Cosmetic Supervision and Administration Regulation (CSAR), which stipulates that NCIs may be included in the IECIC after successfully completing the safety monitoring period with no reported safety concerns. The two-tier approach clearly distinguishes ingredients that have been historically used from those scientifically evaluated and safety-monitored, providing more targeted and traceable ingredient management.

2. Optimization of IECIC I

Based on the 2021 edition, IECIC I has undergone the following refinements:

• Removal of the item "Highest Historical Use Concentration"

• Standardization of Chinese names or INCI/English names for 7 ingredients

• Updates to the notes of 53 ingredients to align with the latest Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (STSC).

3. First Batch of IECIC II Ingredients Announced

Two NCIs that have successfully passed the mandatory three-year safety monitoring period without any safety concerns have now been formally added to IECIC II. This marks the first time that registered or notified NCIs have been formally incorporated into the national inventory, setting a precedent for future inclusions.

4. Establishment of a Dynamic Adjustment Mechanism

The NMPA will implement a dynamic adjustment mechanism for the IECIC, enabling continuous updates to both IECIC I and II. Moving forward, the inventory will be supplemented with new ingredients, refined with updated information, and corrected as needed in response to advancements in scientific research, industry developments, and evolving regulatory requirements.

5. Changes in Release Method

Instead of issuing separate announcements, the NMPA will regularly update the full versions of IECIC I and II, along with related adjustment explanations, on its official website. Stakeholders can access the latest IECIC through the following link:

• IECIC Query Portal: https://hzpsys.nifdc.org.cn/hzpGS/ysyhzpylml#

ChemLinked Comments

The NMPA's latest move marks a systematic upgrade to China’s cosmetic ingredient regulatory framework. By introducing hierarchical management, establishing a dynamic update mechanism, and allowing the first batch of innovative ingredients to be “regularized” into the IECIC, China is reinforcing refined supervision while encouraging industry innovation. Cosmetic stakeholders are advised to stay updated on policy developments and align internal compliance systems with the latest changes.