Guidelines for 8 New Functional Cosmetics to Be Released

Take home:

In August, Korea MFDS announced that the regulated scope of functional cosmetics will include an extra 8 categories of products, such as hair dyes, depilatories; hair growth products, etc. (see CL news on 14 SEP 2016). The change is planned to enter into effect on May 30 2017.

The announcement is just a brief notice without any further enforcement rules, and fails to outline the registration, documentation, testing requirements and ingredient scope. Tiger Kim, President & CEO of Cosmetic Consulting., Ltd. spoke to ChemLinked, “Detailed guidelines will be released later, but we do not know when.” Considering the implementation date, it shouldn’t be too much longer. It has been affirmed that the 8 categories of products will follow the registration procedures for functional cosmetics (see functional cosmetics regulations). As to the requirements for registration dossiers, testing, ingredients, labeling, claims and advertisements, companies have to wait for the guidelines. The existing functional cosmetics regulations only serve as a reference.

Tiger Kim said that when the detailed guidelines are released he will host a webinar on ChemLinked Cosmetic Portal to interpret the requirements and impacts and give some practical advice for stakeholders. Interested persons can stay tuned at cosmetic.chemlinked.com for updates or notices.

Impact

For existing manufacturers/importers of those products, this change is undoubtedly good news as they will be subject to reduced regulatory requirements. Manufacture of quasi drugs requires that a pharmacist work in the manufacturing company. Functional cosmetics only need a person with a background in chemistry. These new measures will offer great opportunities for existing cosmetic companies to target the markets of the new 8 products.