Guangdong Launches Joint Inspection and Rectification Campaign Targeting High Risk Producers

Takehome: Cosmetic production inspection and cosmetic risk prevention and control will be the focus of Guangdong FDA’ next campaign.

According to Guangdong Cosmetic Quality Management Association, Guangdong FDA convened a meeting on Aug 16 laying out administration plan on joint inspection and rectification of high-risk cosmetic manufacturers to ensure cosmetic safety. The specifics of the plan are as follows:

Key Contents of Rectification Plan

1. Carry out unannounced inspection in accordance with Key Points for Inspection of Cosmetics Production Licensing;
2. Test for use of illegal ingredients (including prohibited substances such as hormones, antibiotics, heavy metals and etc.); 
3. Reinspect recalled or rectified products;
4. Increase stringency of inspections targeting products suspected to be adulterated/counterfeit;
5. Conduct random inspections on popular products (high sales volume) and high-risk cosmetics such as freckle-removing products, anti-acne products and masks.

Measures for Implementation

1. Identify rectification subjects. Compile high-risk manufacturers list (manufacturers with track record of quality control issues and non-compliant enterprise) using data from 2017 national inspection campaign
2. Strengthen routine inspections, prevent and control potential risks, and crack down on recidivist cosmetic enterprise
3. Increase the frequency of unannounced inspection and stiffen penalties for violations—1) order to suspend production when serious defect items are more than 5 or the sum of all defects has reached 20 or more; 2) and order to revoke production licenses in instances that:

• Special use cosmetics are manufactured without approval numbers, especially for hair dyes;
• Detected components of special use cosmetics are different from approved formula;
• Prohibited ingredients are applied to cosmetics;
• Unapproved new ingredients are applied to cosmetics;
• The cosmetic products are frequently tested unqualified and in breach of manufacturing requirements;
• Enterprises manufacture and sell counterfeit brand-name cosmetics.

4. Trace the improvement measures.
5. Organize compliance training on enterprises and encourage joint inspection with cosmetic industry associations and relevant departments.

Advice for Stakeholders

1. Check for violations with reference to related regulations and the above rectification plan;
2. Fulfill enterprises’ main responsibility and standardize production;
3. Pay attention to cosmetic quality management and potential risks.