Inside Scoop: China to Optimize Cosmetic Safety Assessment Management

According to an unofficial draft document currently circulating in the industry, the proposed optimization measures for safety assessment encompass the following key points: 1) Introduction of a six-month transition period; 2) Enhancement of technical guidance; 3) Integration of ingredient data resources; 4) Implementation of a classified management system for assessment reports.

Background

As per the Technical Guidelines for Cosmetic Safety Assessment, until May 1, 2024, registrants and notifiers of cosmetics have the option to submit a simplified version of the product safety assessment report during product registration or notification process. However, starting from May 1, 2024, registrants and notifiers should submit the full version of safety assessment report. Due to difficulties such as the lack of toxicological data for various ingredients and the shortage of safety assessment personnel, the shift to the full version of the safety assessment report presents a challenge for the industry.

According to the official industry newspaper of National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) on March 15, 2024, NMPA is organizing research and formulating multiple measures to optimize the management of cosmetics safety assessment.

Recently, an unofficial draft document titled "Several Measures to Optimize Cosmetic Safety Assessment Management" is widely circulating and sparking extensive discussion in the industry. Key information of the document includes the proposal of a six-month transition period, as well as various optimization measures concerning the ingredient safety database and the submission system for safety assessment reports. It is crucial to note that this document is not the official version. The final document to be issued by NMPA will take precedence.

Inside Scoop: China to Optimize Cosmetic Safety Assessment Management

Background

1. Setting a Six-month Transition Period