China to Implement the Electronic Registration Certificate System for Cosmetics from October 1, 2022

On August 19, 2022, China NMPA issued an announcement stating that the electronic registration certificate system for cosmetics would be officially implemented from October 1, 2022.

The key points of the announcement are summarized as follows:

1. This reform applies to special cosmetics and new cosmetic ingredients approved for registration, as well as special cosmetics approved for registration certificate change and renewal;

2. The previously issued paper registration certificate will remain valid during its validity period. However, it should be noted that from October 1, cosmetic registrants or domestic responsible persons of the special cosmetics that have been approved to change the registration certificate shall, in accordance with the Administrative Measures on Cosmetics Registration and Notification, the Provisions for Management of Cosmetic Registration and Notification Dossiers, etc., return the paper registration certificate to the Administrative Licensing Matters Acceptance Service Department of NMPA after receiving the electronic registration certificate.

3. The electronic registration certificate will be pushed to the cosmetic registrants or domestic responsible persons on the Cosmetics Registration and Notification Information Service Platform after it is generated. Cosmetic registrants or domestic responsible persons can log in to receive it.

4. The electronic registration certificate can be received instantly, and has the functions of SMS reminder, certificate authorization, code scanning query, online verification, network sharing, etc.

The introduction of electronic registration certificates for special cosmetics and new cosmetic ingredients simplifies the administrative process, saves about 15 days to 1 month of certificate-making time, and improves the registration efficiency, which is an excellent benefit for cosmetic enterprises. Due to the impossibility of being damaged and lost, it also facilitates the subsequent access, use, transfer, etc. of the certificate by enterprises. In addition, this reform is a welcomed news from the perspective of environmental protection.