China Further Clarifies Transitional Measures on the Previous Special Use Cosmetics and Cosmetics Containing Newly Prohibited Ingredients

The previous five special use cosmetics—hair growth products, depilating products, breast beauty products, slimming products, and deodorants—can continue to be produced, imported, and sold until Dec. 31, 2025, even if their administrative licenses expire during the grace period; It is not mandatory to cancel the registration/notification of cosmetics containing newly prohibited ingredients. The original registration or notification number can be retained after changing the formula, and replacing or deleting the prohibited ingredients; Registrant intending to extend the validity of special cosmetics registration certificate shall conduct a product self-inspection six months before the certificate expires.

On Dec. 17, 2021, China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) released an announcement to clarify the transitional measures for the previous five types of special use cosmetics and cosmetics containing newly prohibited ingredients, as well as the management measures for the renewal of special cosmetics registration certificate. ¹

1. The Previous Five Special Use Cosmetics: Four-year Grace Period Remaining

Starting from Jan. 1, 2021, the five types of the previous special use cosmetics, namely, hair growth products, depilating products, breast beauty products, slimming products, and deodorants, were no longer managed as special cosmetics. Those products that obtained the administrative licenses before Jan. 1, 2021, can continue to be produced, imported, and sold until Dec. 31, 2025, even if their licenses expire during the grace period.

New Classification of the Previous Five Special Use Cosmetics

During the grace period, the registrant can apply for the cancellation of the administrative license and re-apply for special cosmetics registration or general cosmetics notification according to the product's new classification. After being registered/notified under the new classification, the product is no longer subject to transitional measures.

Except for cancellation applications, NMPA no longer accepts applications for change, re-issuance, or renewal of relevant cosmetics administrative licenses. For any product information change that does not involve safety or efficacy claims, the registrant can promptly notify NMPA.

For the processing measures on the existing applications for the administrative licenses of these five cosmetics, please refer to ChemLinked News.

China Further Clarifies Transitional Measures on the Previous Special Use Cosmetics and Cosmetics Containing Newly Prohibited Ingredients

1. The Previous Five Special Use Cosmetics: Four-year Grace Period Remaining

2. Cosmetics Containing Newly Prohibited Ingredients Can Retain the Original Registration/Notification Number