[Updated] CSAR Subsidiary Regulations: China Implements the First Regulation on the Supervision for Cosmetic Online Operation

The Measures clarifies the regulatory objects and authorities of cosmetics online operation, the management responsibilities of cosmetics e-commerce platforms and the obligations of cosmetic operators on the e-commerce platforms.

Editor's note: This article was originally published on April 10, 2023, and was updated on September 1, 2023, as per the latest developments. The updated section is highlighted in red.

Latest Updates

On September 1, 2023, Supervision and Administration Measures on Online Operation of Cosmetics came into effect.

Background

The Internet economy's rapid growth has made online shopping a primary sales channel for cosmetics. However, the convenience offered to consumers comes with frequent quality and safety issues. Compared to traditional sales channels, online cosmetics have a significantly higher rate in failing random inspections and having risk monitoring problems.

In order to standardize the online operation of cosmetics, both Cosmetic Supervision and Administration Regulation (CSAR) and Supervision and Administration Measures on Cosmetics Manufacture and Operation contain relevant provisions on the online operation of cosmetics. E-commerce Law and Supervision and Administration Measures on Online Transactions also make clear requirements for regulating the online transaction market.

Based on these laws and regulations, on April 4, 2023, China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) issued the finalized Supervision and Administration Measures on Online Operation of Cosmetics (Measures) and implemented it on September 1, 2023. ¹ This is China's first regulation specially established for cosmetic online operation, aiming to refine existing requirements and introduce new supervision approaches.

The Measures, consisting of 5 chapters and 35 articles, comprehensively and systematically outlines the management requirements for cosmetics e-commerce platforms, cosmetics operators on the platforms, and supervision and administration departments. Highlights of the Measures are as follows.

1. Clarifying the regulatory objects and authorities of cosmetics online operation

Regulatory Objects