CRAC Special Report: Taiwan Cosmetic Regulations— Aligning with International Standards

Taiwan has many natural logistical advantages due to its geographical importance as a key trade hub in Asia which has helped to contribute to the development of its cosmetic industry over the last several decades. Over the last several years Taiwan has made considerable progress in aligning its cosmetic regulatory framework with international standards.

In a speech at this year’s CRAC Cosmetic on 19 November on Taiwan’s current cosmetic administrative regime, Lin Ruilin—chairwoman of cosmetic and cleaning products commission of importers and exporters association of Taipei, revealed Taiwan’s current progress in aligning with international standards.

The regulatory framework in Taiwan for administrating its cosmetic industry is similar to that of Chinese Mainland exemplified in the similarities between the two areas overarching cosmetic regulations and a number of key support documents. As in China mainland, companies seeking to enter Taiwan’s cosmetic market must also acquire a pre-market permit issued by the governing body—FDA.

The real difference between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan can be seen in the post-market monitoring system which is treated with greater importance in Taiwan. Consumer complaints are often treated with greater attention in Taiwan and punishment of violations are subject to a much larger fine or even imprisonment. The difference is the result of Taiwan’s long term strategy to closely follow the regulatory developments of the EU and US as suggested by Lin while introducing the government’s online monitoring system. The monitoring system allows doctors directly involved in treating patients suffering from the ill effects of cosmetic products to deliver timely reports regarding diagnosis etc. Currently a voluntary obligation, the system will be gradually be revised and become compulsory.

From a technical perspective, Taiwan’s alignment with international best practice is even more obvious. A good example is seen in Taiwan’s guidance on ingredient application—best showcased in three important lists: positive list of colorants, preservative and bad ingredients, all these inventories are dynamically curated based on regulatory developments, R&D outcomes and results from risk assessment in the EU, US or Japan. The further push in recent years for wider application of GMP standards—known in Taiwan as CNS 22716 which is in line with ISO 22716 is another key example.