China’s Provincial Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau Blueprint Their Future Administrative Protocols

According to Regulations concerning the Supervision and Administration over Cosmetics, the officials in charge of imported cosmetics administration in China are CFDA and AQSIQ. CFDA is responsible for hygienic review of imported cosmetics and AQSIQ is responsible for inspection of approved imported cosmetics.

In the following paragraphs Xiong Yan, an official from Shandong Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau (Shandong CIQ), gives practical advice on meeting the administration requirements for imported cosmetics.

• CIQ focuses on on-site inspection and sampling inspection. During these sessions, the first step of CIQ’s work is determining the correct categorization of imported cosmetics and finding corresponding inspection standards. According to Measures for the Administration of Imported and Exported Cosmetics Inspection and Quarantine Supervision, CIQ must work in accordance with the mandatory requirements of national technical standards and inspection and quarantine requirements stipulated in protocols of China and other export countries or regions. If there is no mandatory requirements in national technical standards, CIQ could refer to international standards for inspection.
• Currently, the on-site inspection and quarantine judgment result of imported cosmetics differs between provinces and individual officials due to different interpretations of standards. Sometimes the inspection result of the labels on the same type of cosmetics could be different just because they were imported through different ports. In order to make correct judgments, CIQ should define the object for inspection and quarantine and make clear all the applicable standards.
• Certificate of Inspection and Quarantine for Entry Goods is necessary for imported cosmetics to enter Chinese market. Therefore, CIQ should standardize the format of Certificate of Inspection and Quarantine for Entry Goods to improve its public image and credibility. Besides, CIQ must give notification and solutions to importers who import unqualified imported cosmetics.
• CIQ should communicate and work better with other administrations especially CFDA to solve post market problems associated with imported cosmetics.

Xiong Yan’s advice reflects Chinese official’s determination to strengthen administration for imported cosmetics. It will help to assure safety and quality of imported cosmetics and protect Chinese consumers’ health.