Monthly Recap: Global Cosmetic Regulatory Updates | April 2025

China Announces an Additional 84% Tariff on U.S. Imports

On April 9, 2025, China released the Announcement of the General Administration of Customs on the Implementation Details of the Tariff Measures on Imported Goods Originating from the United States, imposing an additional 84% tariff on U.S. imports. This new tariff is applied on top of existing rates and reflects ongoing trade tensions.

China Identifies Five Priority Risk Monitoring Items for Cosmetics

On April 9, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) issued the finalized Administrative Measures on Cosmetic Safety Risk Monitoring and Evaluation, which will take effect on August 1, 2025. The Measures applies to both cosmetics and toothpaste and comprise 33 articles across six chapters. It aims to replace the Working Rules for Cosmetic Risk Monitoring implemented in January 2018 and provide more detailed and systematic guidance on risk monitoring and evaluation.

Beijing Seeks Public Feedback on Draft Guidelines for Cosmetics Advertising

On April 9, 2025, the Beijing Municipal Administration for Market Regulation (AMR) and Beijing Municipal Medical Products Administration (MPA) jointly released the Guidelines for the Administration of Cosmetics Advertising in Beijing (Draft), now open for public comment. The draft aims to standardize cosmetics advertising practices, protect consumer rights, and support healthy industry development.

China Adds Safety Assessment Data for 999 Cosmetic Ingredients

On April 10, 2025, the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) released a document titled Information on the Use of Some Ingredients Included in the International Cosmetic Safety Assessment Data Index, accompanied by a related FAQ. It provides detailed safety data for 999 ingredients, covering 2,879 specific usage entries. The selected ingredients are part of the 3,651 substances listed in the International Cosmetic Safety Assessment Data Index that either lack safety conclusions or are subject to usage restrictions, yet are commonly used in cosmetic products registered or notified in China.

China General Administration of Customs (GACC): Two Batches of Cosmetics Rejected in March 2025

On April 18, 2025, GACC updated the list of rejected food and cosmetics in March 2025. Two batches of cosmetics were rejected—one for failing sensory inspection, and the other for exceeding the arsenic limit.

CAFFCI Publishes Bilingual Name List for Selected Fragrance Ingredients

On April 27, 2025, the China Association of Fragrance Flavour and Cosmetic Industries (CAFFCI) released the Bilingual Name List for Selected Fragrance Ingredients, aiming to standardize cosmetic labelling, and better protect consumers’ right to information and freedom of choice.

China Issues a New Cosmetic Supplementary Testing Method for Meprednisone

On April 29, 2025, the NMPA released a new cosmetics supplementary testing method, BJH 202501 Determination of Meprednisone in Cosmetics. This method applies to the qualitative and quantitative determination of methylprednisolone in creams/emulsions, liquid formulations (aqueous or oily), gels, mud-based products, and patch/mask-type cosmetics.

China NMPA Approves 16 NCIs

In April 2025, NMPA updated the notification status of 16 NCIs. Since the detailed technical requirements for newly notified NCIs have not been made public, the English translations below are merely literal translation based on these NCIs’ Chinese names, which may differ from the INCI names provided by the notifiers.

1. Acetyl Tripeptide-30 Citrulline, notified on April 1, 2025

2. Salidroside, notified on April 2, 2025

3. Epiphyllum Oxypetalum Callus Extract, notified on April 3, 2025

4. Ilex Kudingcha Leaf Extract, notified on April 7, 2025

5. Sodium Hyaluronate Salicylate, notified on April 16, 2025

6. N-Acetyl-seryl-prolyl-valyl-isoleucyl-valyl-prolinamide, notified on April 17, 2025

7. Cyclopeptide-113, notified on April 22, 2025

8. Tripeptide-29, notified on April 24, 2025

9. Acetyl Hexapeptide-97 Amide, notified on April 24, 2025

10. Chrysanthemum Lavandulifolium Extract, notified on April 24, 2025

11. Bakuchiol Ferulate, notified on April 24, 2025

12. Pyrus Ussuriensis Fruit Powder, notified on April 24, 2025

13. Fucosyllactose, notified on April 25, 2025

14. S-pyroglutamyl S-snail hexapeptide-1 (cyclopentyl S-snail hexapeptide-2) S-snail nonapeptide-1 amide, notified on April 29, 2025

15. Vitamin K2 (MK-7), notified on April 30, 2025

16. Acetyl Octapeptide-6, notified on April 30, 2025

Authorities Release Five Batches of FAQs

In April 2025, NIFDC, Guangzhou AMR, and Beijing MPA each issued new batches of FAQs, covering topics such as ingredient notification, annual reporting, safety assessment requirements, and testing methods, providing additional clarity for industry stakeholders.

China Issues Eight Cosmetics-related Standards in April

In April 2025, China issued eight cosmetics-related standards, and four of them are draft cosmetics standards for public comments. The essential information is as follows:

Market Condition

1. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the retail sales of cosmetic products from January to April 2025 was CNY 145.4 billion, with a year-on-year (YoY) increase of 4.0%. In April, the retail sales increased by 7.2% YoY to CNY 30.9 billion.

Notes: To mitigate the effects of non-fixed factors during the Spring Festival and improve data comparability, the National Bureau of Statistics only released combined data for January and February.

2. According to the GACC, the total import value of cosmetics and toiletries from January to April 2025 totaled CNY 40.2 billion, increase 1.2% YoY. In April, the import value increased by 9.3% YoY to CNY 12.2 billion.

Taiwan Drafts Amendments to the Restricted Ingredients List

On April 1, 2025, Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) issued a new draft of the List of Ingredients Restricted in Cosmetic Products. This draft proposes the addition of 34 ingredients, revision of 74, and removal of 1. It is open for public comments until June 2, 2025, and expected to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Taiwan Issues New Testing Method for Specific Fragrances and Flavorings

On April 10, 2025, TFDA released a recommended testing method for 25 fragrance and flavoring substances in cosmetics. This move follows TFDA’s draft regulation announced in January 2025, which proposed mandatory individual labelling for 24 specific fragrance and flavoring ingredients. Of these, 22 are covered by the recommended testing method, while evernia prunastri extract and evernia furfuracea extract are not included.

PMDA: 107 Batches Cosmetics Recalled in April

In April 2025, Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) issued recall notifications for 107 cosmetic batches, including facial creams, soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, and sunscreens. Reasons for the recalls include labeling deficiencies, product content separation, and ingredient non-compliance.

South Korea Releases Amendments to the Cosmetics Act

On April 1, 2025, the South Korean government announced amendments to the Cosmetics Act. The amended Act introduces three key changes: encouraging the inclusion of braille or voice/sign language conversion codes on labels, strengthening oversight of directly purchased overseas cosmetics, and designating Cosmetics Day in South Korea.

South Korea Revisesthe Guideline for Cosmetic Human Testing and Efficacy Tests

On April 22, 2025, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety released the revised Guideline for Cosmetic Human Testing and Efficacy Tests. The updated guideline adds sections on basic principles, investigator responsibilities, and clinical Trial Protocol content.

Vietnam Aims to Strengthen Cosmetics Management

On April 23, 2025, the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) sent a letter to the provincial and municipal Health Departments as well as cosmetic manufacturers, importers, and distributors, mandating stricter enforcement of cosmetic regulations in response to increasing concerns about non-compliant products in the Vietnamese market.

Thailand Notifies WTO of Two Draft Regulations on Fluoridated Toothpaste

On April 4, 2025, the Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) notified two draft regulations concerning fluoridated toothpaste to the World Trade Organization (WTO), inviting comments from trading partners until June 3, 2025. These drafts seek to revise existing warning statements for products containing certain fluoride compounds and to introduce new labeling requirements for fluoride-containing toothpaste.

Thailand Introduces New Rules for Cosmetics Containing Titanium Dioxide

On April 21, 2025, the Thai FDA announced new regulatory requirements for cosmetic products that contain Titanium Dioxide in powder form and pose an inhalation risk. High-risk inhalable cosmetics containing Titanium Dioxide, including powder/dust/flake-form products, as well as pressurized and non-pressurized spray products, must now be certified, with proof attached to the product notification application. 

Thailand Publishes Three TIS Standards for Essential Oils

On April 2, 2025, Thailand's Ministry of Industry announced in the Official Gazette the approval of three voluntary Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TIS) standards for essential oils: 

• TIS 3695-2567: Essential Oils - Principles of Nomenclature

• TIS 3884-2567: Essential Oils - Determination of Water Content - Karl Fischer Method

• TIS 3885-2567: Essential Oils and Aromatic Extracts - Determination of Residual Benzene Content

Thailand Reports Non-Compliant Cosmetics in April 2025

On April 28, 2025, the Thai FDA announced that three cosmetic products sold online failed regulatory inspections. Two batches of whitening cream contained prohibited substances (mercury compounds and betamethasone 17-valerate), and one toothpaste showed excessive microbial contamination—far above legal limits.

Indonesia Launches 1 Million Quota for Free Halal Certification for MSEs

On April 11, 2025, the Indonesian Halal Product Guarantee Agency (BPJPH) announced the opening of the Free Halal Certification quota for 2025. A total of 1 million free halal certificates will be available to support micro and small enterprises (MSEs) across Indonesia in obtaining halal certification. This initiative is part of the government’s effort to facilitate MSEs through a halal certification assistance program, using either a business actor statement scheme or a Self-Declare process.

BPOM Exposes Cosmetics Containing Hazardous or Prohibited Ingredients

In response to a growing number of violations in the cosmetics sector, Indonesia’s Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) has intensified market surveillance efforts. Following inspections conducted during the first quarter of 2025 (January–March), BPOM Head Dr. TarunaIkrar announced that 16 cosmetic products were found to contain hazardous and/or prohibited substances.

Indonesia Proposes Revisions to Cosmetic Safety, Quality, and Efficacy Assessment Application Dossiers

On April 29, 2025, the Directorate of Standardization of Traditional Medicine, Health Supplements, and Cosmetics in Indonesia released a draft amended Regulation concerning Service Standards for the Directorate. Stakeholders are invited to submit feedback by May 10, 2025.

BPOM Revokes Notifications of Cosmetic Products for Violating Moral Norms in Promotion

In response to increasing concerns over inappropriate cosmetic promotions, the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) has revoked the notifications of eight cosmetic products found to have promotional content that violates moral norms, particularly claims related to enhancing male stamina.

Indonesia Announces 2025 Legislative Plan Covering Cosmetic Notification, Labeling, Ingredients, and Production

On April 28, 2025, the Indonesian Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) released the 2025 legislative plan, which includes finalized and draft amendments as well as new regulations. Regulations related to cosmetics cover areas such as cosmetic notification, ingredient requirements, labeling, testing, production, and both online and offline distribution.

India Considers Mandatory BIS Certification for Cosmetics

India is preparing to impose stricter quality standards on cosmetics to curb the import of substandard products, according to The Economic Times. Discussions are currently underway to draft Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for the sector, officials involved in the matter have disclosed.

India Finalizes Rules for Compounding of Offences under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act

On April 24, 2025, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare officially released the finalized Drugs and Cosmetics (Compounding of Offences) Rules, 2025. Effective from April 26, 2025, the new compounding rules introduce a formal mechanism for compounding offenses—allowing companies and individuals to settle eligible violations by paying fines instead of facing prosecution.

Australia Consults on Draft Evaluation Statements of Industrial Chemicals

On April 2, 2025, the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) released a public consultation, inviting public comment on 18 draft evaluation statements that provide safety information about the use, import, or manufacture of several industrial chemicals. Stakeholders are invited to provide their feedback before May 29, 2025.

Australia Proposes Amendments to the IChEMS

On April 4, 2025, the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) issued a public consultation to seek feedback on the proposed standards to the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS). Among them, Aryl sulfonate hydrotropes are proposed for inclusion in Schedule 2 – Relevant industrial chemicals that are unlikely to cause harm to the environment.

Australia Proposes Amendments to the Poisons Standard

On April 17, 2025, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia launched a public consultation on proposed amendments to the Poisons Standard. Among the five proposed amendments, azelaic acid and methyl salicylate extracts are related to the cosmetic sector. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the consultation by May 21, 2025.

EU SCCS Issues Final Opinion on Benzophenone-1

On April 1, 2025, EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published its final opinion on the use of Benzophenone-1 (CAS No. 131-56-6) in cosmetics. In view of the available data and concerns related to genotoxicity and potential endocrine disrupting properties, SCCS concludes that Benzophenone-1 is not safe for use as a light stabilizer in cosmetics.

EU SCCS Updates Safety Conclusions on Hydroxyapatite (nano) in Oral Care Products

On April 3, 2025, SCCS issued a preliminary opinion on Hydroxyapatite (CAS No. 1306-06-17) in nano form, following the industry's fourth submission of a safety assessment dossier for the ingredient. In light of new evidence, SCCS updates the conclusions outlined in its March 2023 opinion, indicating that higher concentrations of Hydroxyapatite (nano) can be safely used in oral care products.

EU SCCS Releases Preliminary Opinion on Benzophenone-2 and Benzophenone-5

On April 22, 2025, SCCS published its preliminary opinion on the use of Benzophenone-2 (CAS No. 131-55-5) and Benzophenone-5 (CAS No. 6628-37-1) in cosmetics, with a focus on their potential endocrine disrupting properties. Input from industry stakeholders is invited by June 17, 2025.

New Mexico Set to Implement Comprehensive PFAS Ban

On April 8, 2025, New Mexico Governor signed the Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Protection Act (House Bill 212) into law, initiating a phased ban on consumer products containing intentionally added PFAS, including cosmetics. The ban on cosmetics takes effect January 1, 2028, with a full ban set for 2032. 

California Proposes Adding 12 Acids and Bases to Candidate Chemicals List

On April 24, 2025, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) launched a 15-day public consultation on a proposal to add 12 acids and bases to the state’s Candidate Chemicals List under the Safer Consumer Products (SCP) program. 

U.S. FDA Refuses Entry to 53 Batches of Imported Cosmetics in March 2025

In March 2025, the U.S. FDA denied entry to 53 batches of imported cosmetics for violations of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Products from 17 countries were affected, with Greece as the leading source of violations. The majority of rejected items were skincare preparations. The primary cause of rejection was misclassification of drug products as cosmetics.