China Mainland
Hebei MPA Starts the Pilot of Electronic Cosmetics Production License
Starting from October 1, 2020, Hebei Medical Products Administration (MPA) has started the pilot of the electronic cosmetic production license. Companies can log in the MPA official website (http://yjj.hebei.gov.cn/) to print the license. During the pilot period, paper licenses and electronic licenses are both acceptable. If the items on the electronic license are inconsistent with that on the paper license, the paper license shall prevail. (Reference Link)
Zhejiang Health Products Cosmetics Industry Association Releases Two Group Standards
On October 9, 2020, Zhejiang Health Products Cosmetics Industry Association officially released two group standards, namely, method of skin sensitization test in vitro for hair dye cosmetics --Human Cell Line Activation Test and method of skin sensitization test in vitro for freckle-removing and whitening cosmetic products --Human Cell Line Activation Test. They are scheduled to be implemented on January 9, 2021. (Reference Link)
China Consults on the General Safety Technical Requirements for Oral Care and Cleansing Products
On October 12, 2020, China Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released the General Safety Technical Requirements for Oral Care and Cleansing Products for public consultation. Advice or suggestions can be sent to MIIT by email at KJBZ@miit.gov.cn before November 11, 2020. (Reference Link)
35 Batches of Cosmetics Failed Inspections in October
On October 13, 2020, China NMPA issued an announcement detailing non-compliant cosmetics information in October. A total of 35 batches of cosmetics were found unqualified. Hair dyes accounted for the majority of inspection failures. (Reference Link)
China Consults on the Administrative Measures on Supervision of Network Transaction
On October 20, 2020, China State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) released the Administrative Measures on Supervision of Network Transaction for public consultation. The Measures stipulates the obligations for operators related to network transaction, requirements for supervision and legal liabilities of stakeholders. Advice or suggestions can be sent to SAMR by email at wjsgfc@samr.gov.cn before November 2, 2020. (Reference Link)
15 Batches of Cosmetics were Rejected in September
On October 21, China General Administration of Customs (GAC) gave an update on rejected food and cosmetics. A total of 15 batches of cosmetics imported from 3 countries (Japan, France and Australia) failed customs inspection in September. Reasons for rejections were unqualified labels, expired products, and incomplete certificates. (Reference Link)
China Association of Fragrance Flavor and Cosmetic Industries (CAFFCI) Consults on One Group Standard
On October 23, 2020, CAFFCI released the draft group standard “Detection of Microorganisms in Cosmetics-Amplified ATP Bioluminescence Method” for public consultation. Advice or suggestions can be sent to CAFFCI by email at zhangpeng@caffci.org or liuy@caffci.org before November 23, 2020. (Reference Link)
China Ramps Up Online Market Supervision Campaign
On October 24, 2020, China State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) along with other 13 ministries jointly issued a notice to launch the 2020 online market supervision campaign. The campaign will run from October until December of 2020.
The 7 key tasks of the campaign are as follows:
Supervise the implementation of e-commerce platforms’ responsibilities
Severely crack down on unfair competition behaviors
Severely crack down on the sales of counterfeit online
Severely cracking down on illegal trading of wild flora and fauna and their products
Strengthen the supervision of internet advertising
Rectify socially trending problems
Investigate and punish other illegal online transactions to protect consumer rights
China NIFDC Consults on Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients (IECIC) 2015
On Oct. 26, 2020, China National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) released an announcement consulting on the Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China (IECIC) 2015. Local Medical Products Administration departments, testing institutions, cosmetic industry associations, cosmetic manufacturers, and research institutions can submit revision suggestions to the NIFDC until Oct. 30, 2020. (ChemLinked News)
Shenzhen to Release the Group Standard for Foundations
On October 27, 2020, the meeting about the review of the group standard “Foundations” was held in Shenzhen. After a detailed discussion, the expert panel approved the standard unanimously. The standard is expected to be released soon. (Reference Link)
South Korea
South Korea Publishes Three Guidelines of Alternative Animal Testing Methods
On October 5, 2020, MFDS released three guidelines of animal testing alternatives:
These guidelines are applicable for ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) assay for photo-reactivity, skin sensitization, and eye irritation test of the alternative animal testing methods for cosmetics respectively. (Reference Link)
South Korea to Exempt More Functional Cosmetics from Evaluation Dossier Submission
On October 7, 2020, South Korea MFDS unveiled the draft of Regulation on the Examination of Functional Cosmetics to solicit public opinions. The draft proposed new functional cosmetics subject to dossiers exemption and approved the general testing institutions to handle the human testing of alleviating skin itching cosmetics. (ChemLinked News)
South Korea Enacts the Requirements for Custom Cosmetics Sales Business
On October 29, 2020, South Korea disclosed the Requirements for Custom Cosmetics Sales Business. This regulation specifies the requirements to which the custom cosmetics sales businesses must adhere to, designates the prohibited products for custom cosmetics and clarifies the operational requirements for custom cosmetics retail business. (ChemLinked News)
Indonesia
Indonesia BPOM Introduces Gradual Fulfillment Certificates for GMP
In October, 2020, Indonesian released the draft amendments to Guideline for Cosmetic Good Manufacturing Practice, introducing the new concept of “Gradual Fulfillment Certificate for GMP” and including the contents of Operational Instructions into the GMP guideline. Enterprises that do not receive a production contract can have a GMP certificate or a Gradual Fulfillment Certificate for GMP to prove their GMP compliance status. (ChemLinked News)
Thailand
Thailand Confirms the Safety of Four Cosmetic Ingredients
In response to the public concerns over the safety of sodium lauryl sulfate, triclosan, methylisothiazolinone and paraben, Thailand FDA issued a notice on October 16 clarifying that these four ingredients are permitted for use in cosmetics provided where the use conditions and quantities are appropriate. (Reference Link)
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