First China International Import Expo: Shanghai Customs Details Exhibition Instructions for Imported Cosmetics

Takehome: Cosmetics proposed to be exhibited at the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) shall strictly comply with filing, customs declaration and supervision requirements specified by Shanghai Customs.

From Nov. 5 to Nov.10, 2018, the first-ever CIIE, sponsored by China Ministry of Commerce and Shanghai municipal government, will be held in Shanghai aiming to promote trade liberalization and economic globalization. Exhibitors or their local logistics services providers shall declare exhibits which include cosmetics, food and agricultural products, medical equipment and health care products, etc. to the Shanghai Customs upon entry. Only qualified products after customs inspection are welcome to participate in the exhibition.

In a move to facilitate overseas cosmetic stakeholders, Shanghai Customs issued exhibition instructions on Sep. 30 detailing filing, customs declaration and supervision requirements. The specifics are as follows:

For cosmetics used as trial products or giveaways, exhibitors shall:

1. Apply for import certification prior to the exhibition

A written application form shall be submitted to Shanghai Customs in advance together with a fact sheet issued by National Exhibition and Convention Center (the place for exhibition) and a qualified conformity certificate. Note that the conformity certificate can be an official certificate of the participating country, a third-party test report or a compliant self-test report of the exhibitor.

2. Prepare Chinese instructions to be shown next to exhibits

With the issuance of approval, cosmetic finished products can be exempted from Chinese labels, but the product name, expiration date, precautions, usage instructions and etc. shall be indicated in Chinese next to the exhibits.

3. Keep a record and ensure traceability

It is required to make a record of cosmetics used as free samples or giveaways in accordance with the standard form to ensure the products can be recalled immediately in case of emergency.

4. Implement risk monitoring

The cooperation between exhibitors and Shanghai Customs is specifically stressed with regard to risk monitoring on exhibits. Cosmetics which pose a risk spreading epidemic disease or pose quality and safety risks are subject to suspension of exhibition and follow-up disposal work as required by the customs department.

5. Make proper disposal of wastes

Closed collection box (has built-in sealed bags) with “Waste Collection Box” identifications shall be placed for the storage of wastes. All wastes are required to be destroyed uniformly by an entrusted professional agency.

For cosmetics intended for exhibition and sale, exhibitors shall:

• Obtain the approval of hygiene permit or filing certification of imported cosmetics issued by the competent cosmetic authority.
• Make sure their consignees have completed filing of domestic consignee for imported cosmetics in line with relevant customs regulations prior to import.
• Add compliant Chinese labeling.
• Handle import procedures in line with relevant customs regulations.