China Intensified Cosmetics Supervision Campaign Uncovers 84 Batches of Noncompliant Sunscreen

Recently China Food and Drug Administration conducted a national sampling inspection on all sunscreens circulating in the market. 84 batches of domestic sunscreens were tested to contain ingredients inconsistent with the license and approved labels.

This included some well-known domestic brands like KANS, Proya and the Frog Prince. All those sunscreens will face severe punishment or sales ban.

Different from other countries/regions like EU, ASEAN and Korea, China adopts a governmental responsibility system for cosmetics, which emphasizes pre-market approval over post market supervision. Under China’s system companies prioritize attaining a license and put less emphasis into maintaining product integrity after market entry. CFDA may need to switch the supervision model to company responsibility, establishing a comprehensive system of post-surveillance and consumer interaction.