On 11 Oct 2013, CFDA issued a notice outlining new licensing measures to regulate cosmetics production. The move is a major step in consolidating cosmetic regulatory power solely into the hands of the CFDA. After a major institutional restructuring the CFDA now manages nationwide surveillance of cosmetics especially the registration and production of cosmetics.
Under the previous regulatory regime, cosmetic production was under the dual regulation of both CFDA and AQSIQ. Cosmetic manufacturers in China were required to obtain a Cosmetics Production License from AQSIQ and a Hygiene License for Production Enterprise of Cosmetics from provincial FDAs. The overlapping regulatory requirements in obtaining these two licenses were an unnecessary burden on cosmetic manufacturers which hampered regulatory efficency and innovation in the industry.
The AQSIQ will no longer be involved in cosmetics manufacturing supervision but concentrate on the import and export of cosmetics. The two approvals have been merged into one license, managed by the CFDA.
Manufacturers who produce cosmetics in China now only need to apply for the Hygiene License (or any modifications to this license) from provincial FDAs. According to the notice, toothpastes are newly categorized as cosmetic so related manufacturers should also get such a license.
Licenses obtained under the old regime are still valid until the deadline to be set by CFDA. In response to the power shift, CFDA is formulating measures especially for licensing of production enterprises of cosmetics in China.
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