Import of Cosmetics through CBEC to Require a Registration or Filing Certificate from CFDA

AQSIQ recently issued Detailed Rules for Supervision and Administration on Food Imported through Bonded Online Shopping Mode of Cross-Border E-commerce (draft). At the end of this document it mentioned that the supervision of cosmetics will also generally refer to these rules.

These rules are only applicable to products imported through bonded zones and sold online. Products directly imported to China through international express delivery or mail will not be regulated by these rules.

The important points worthy of attention are listed as follows:

1. Products should obtain registration or filing certificate granted by CFDA and pass the safety assessment if necessary. Once these rules take into effect, the toxicological test for some cosmetics are unavoidable.
2. Cross-border e-commerce traders should submit information to the Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau for record-keeping through AQSIQs recordkeeping system. Traders registered abroad should entrust an agent in China to finish recordkeeping. Each operator will get a unique recordkeeping number.
3. Labels and instructions in Chinese are required. Operators should attach a printout of Chinese labels and instructions for products sold on CBEC platforms and provide an electronic version also. Consumers will have the right to choose either form when they place orders.
4. Operators should examine products by themselves and submit qualification certification to the inspection and quarantine authorities.