Jiangxi Carry Out a Rectification Campaign to Regulate Cosmetics Used in Beauty Salons

Takehome：In response to SAMR’s scheme of strengthening supervision on cosmetics during the institutional reform transitional period (see CL news), Jiangxi SAMR launched a special rectification campaign to regulate cosmetics used in beauty salons throughout the province on June 8th.

The initiative stresses the supervision of large and medium-sized beauty salons where problems were frequently found in the previous on-site inspections and off-site supervisions. The key cosmetic varieties include:

• Special use cosmetics such as hair growth products, hair dyes, hair perming products, breast beauty products, slimming products, freckle-removing products (whitening products) and etc.
• Non-special use cosmetics that claim anti-acne, or scar-removing, or anti-wrinkle, or anti-aging, etc.
• Imported cosmetics.

Specific measures for rectification will focus on the following 4 aspects. Regulatory departments will:

1. strictly inspect the legality of the products. 1) To check whether the domestic special use cosmetics and imported cosmetics have obtained the national approval number or import approval letters; 2) to check whether domestic non-special use cosmetics have obtained approved filings and whether the filing information is consistent with the actual products.
2. strictly inspect labeling and claims. 1) To check whether the labeling and the product name are in accordance with provisions and whether there is a quality certification mark (Check production date, expiry date, or production batch number and stipulated effective life on the products. Check the name and address of manufacturers and production licensing number. Check the country (region) of origin, distributors, importers and the name and address of responsible agents); 2) To check whether there are possible illegal claims like "cosmeceuticals" and "medical skincare products", or illegal claims that convey therapeutic function or medical efficacy.
3. strictly inspect the implementation of relevant systems. 1) To supervise and inspect the implementation of “asking for certificate and invoice” system, checking whether the enterprise has obtained relevant legal documents of suppliers (including production enterprise’s or the supplier's business license, cosmetics production licensing, cosmetic inspection report or certificate documents acquired according to the product batches, imported cosmetics inspection report generated by the inspection and quarantine department; 2) to supervise and inspect the implementation of ledger management system, checking whether the records of purchase ledger and sales ledger are complete and consistent with requirements.
4. strictly inspect violations of laws and regulations. 1) To investigate and punish offences such as the illegal use and the embezzlement of approval number, production licensing number, import certificates and other vital documents; 2) to investigate and crack down on the unauthorized production of cosmetics; 3) to investigate the use of expired cosmetics.

According to the notice, the campaign will go through three phases. By the end of June this year, Jiangxi SAMR will have done the preparation work and determined the list of inspection targets. From July to October, strict inspection and severe punishment will be carried out. In November, regulatory authorities shall review job performance and summarize work experience.