Chinese Mainland
China Adds 15 Toothpaste Testing Methods to Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (STSC)
On March 21, 2024, China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) released an announcement that incorporates 15 new toothpaste testing methods into the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (STSC 2015). Effective from December 1, 2024, these testing methods apply to toothpaste registration, notification, and sampling tests.
NMPA Reports Detection of Prohibited Ingredients in 25 Cosmetic Batches
On December 3, 2024, the NMPA announced the discovery of prohibited ingredients in 15 batches of non-compliant cosmetics. A total of 11 banned substances specified in the STSC 2015 were found, including Isopropylparaben, Acrylamide, Progesterone, Dichloromethane, Bimatoprost, Desonide, Benzene, etc.
Following this, on December 13, 2024, the NMPA released another announcement detailing the detection of prohibited ingredients in 10 additional batches of cosmetics. Eight banned substances were identified, including Acrylamide, Betamethasone, Betamethasone Acetate, Dichloromethane, Terbinafine, etc.
China Optimizes the Cosmetic Safety Assessment Material Submission Module
On December 6, 2024, the China National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) announced the optimization of the product safety assessment material submission module within the Cosmetics Intelligent Application and Review system. It also released the Guidelines for Filling in the Full Version of Cosmetic Safety Assessment Materials to assist enterprises in completing their submission process.
China General Administration of Customs (GACC) Introduces 16 New Standards for the Cosmetic Industry
On December 16, 2024, the GACC announced the release of 71 new industry standards, of which 16 specifically address the testing of imported and exported cosmetics. Key areas covered include microbial risk assessment, determination of plastic microbeads, and the determination of fluorescent whitening agents. These standards are set to take effect on June 1, 2025.
On December 16 and 17, 2024, the Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration published 18 templates for safety assessment reports (full version) and basic conclusions in the cosmetics safety assessment section. These templates cover a variety of products, including toothpaste, face cream, sunscreen spray, hair conditioner, essence, facial mask, lipstick, shower gel, perfume, eyeliner, shampoo, hair dye, etc.
On December 17, 2024, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), and the General Administration of Customs (GACC) jointly announced to optimize the regulation of products containing low-concentration Triethanolamine (TEA, CAS No. 102-71-6), including cosmetics, effective January 1, 2025. The products listed in Attachments 1 and 2 are not subjected to an Approval Certificate for the Import and Export of Controlled Chemicals or the Import License for Dual-use Items and Technologies.
NMPA Reports 29 Batches of Non-Compliant Cosmetics
On December 25, 2024, the NMPA announced that 29 batches of cosmetics were found to be non-compliant during the 2024 national sampling inspections. The non-compliance was attributed to three primary issues:
Permitted ingredients not meeting usage conditions.
Detected ingredients inconsistent with product labels and registration documents.
Microorganism levels exceeding established standards.
Guangzhou and Beijing Authorities Publish Four Batches of FAQs
In December 2024, Guangzhou Administration for Market Regulation (AMR) and Beijing Municipal MPA released four batches of FAQs. They cover various topics related to general cosmetics notification, especially the requirements for children’s cosmetics, product executive standard, ingredient usage, safety assessment, ingredients’ toxicological tests, efficacy claims, etc.
Release Date | Regulatory Authority | Batch |
December 16, 2024 | Guangzhou AMR | |
December 16, 2024 | Guangzhou AMR | |
December 16, 2024 | Guangzhou AMR | |
December 19, 2024 | Beijing Municipal MPA |
China NMPA Approves Six NCIs
In December 2024, NMPA updated the notification status of 11 NCIs. With these recent notifications, a total of 90 NCIs has been notified year to date. 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.
sr-Mussel polypeptide-3, notified on December 2, 2024
Anoectochilus Roxburghii Extract, notified on December 4, 2024
Dihydroquercetin, notified on December 4, 2024
Tripeptide-29, notified on December 10, 2024
cis-15-tetracosenoic acid, notified on December 11, 2024
Yeast/Aspergillus/Rice/Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Ferment Filtrate, notified on December 11, 2024
Inula Helianthus-Aquactica Extract, notified on December 17, 2024
PEG-2 Phenyl Ether, notified on December 20, 2024
sr-Thermus thermophilus polypeptide-1, notified on December 23, 2024
Camellia Chrysantha Flower Extract, notified on December 26, 2024
HA-Glu, notified on December 27, 2024
China Issues 13 Cosmetics-related Group Standards in December
In December 2024, China issued 13 cosmetics-related group standards. The essential information is as follows:
No. | Release Date | Initiator | Standard Name | Type | Effective Date |
1 | December 27, 2024 | China Association of Fragrance Flavour and Cosmetic Industries | On Approval of the Release of “Fragrant perilla alcohol” and Other Two Group Standards Notice | Group standard | December 27, 2024 |
2 | December 3, 2024 | Qinghai Cordyceps Association | T/QCSA 7—2024 Cosmetic Raw Material Cordyceps Sinensis Mycelium Powder | Group standard | December 15, 2024 |
3 | December 3, 2024 | Qinghai Cordyceps Association | T/QCSA 8—2024 Cosmetic Raw Material Cordyceps Sinensis Mycelium Liquid | Group standard | December 15, 2024 |
4 | December 5, 2024 | Shanghai Daily Chemistry Trade Association | T/SDCIA 1017—2024 Cosmetic Raw Material Tetrahydromethylpyrimidinecarboxylic acid (ectoin) | Group standard | December 31, 2024 |
5 | December 5, 2024 | Shanghai Daily Chemistry Trade Association | Group standard | December 31, 2024 | |
6 | December 5, 2024 | Guangdong Society of Pharmaceutical Regulatory Science | T/GDMPAS 002—2024 Recommended Dosage Calculation Method for Cosmetic Raw Material Glabridin-90 | Group standard | December 5, 2024 |
7 | December 12, 2024 | Jiangsu Health Food and Cosmetics Safety Association | T/SHFCA 003—2024 Test Method for Evaluating the Anti-Wrinkle Claims for Cosmetics | Group standard | December 12, 2024 |
8 | December 12, 2024 | Jiangsu Health Food and Cosmetics Safety Association | T/SHFCA 005—2024 Test Method for Ultraviolet Resistance of Cosmetic Ingredients (Zebrafish Method) | Group standard | December 12, 2024 |
9 | December 18, 2024 | Hangzhou Cosmetic Industry Association | Group standard | December 19, 2024 | |
10 | December 25, 2024 | Baotou Baiyun Obo Mining Area Rare Earth Industry Standardization Association | Group standard | December 25, 2024 | |
11 | December 25, 2024 | Baotou Baiyun Obo Mining Area Rare Earth Industry Standardization Association | Group standard | December 25, 2024 | |
12 | December 4, 2024 | Guangzhou Market Supervision Administration | Group standard | / | |
13 | December 20, 2024 | Shanghai Cosmetic Industry Trade Association | Group standard | January 15, 2025 |
Market Condition
1. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the retail sales of cosmetic products from January to November 2024 was CNY 401.5 billion, with a year-on-year (YoY) decrease of 1.3%. In November, the retail sales decreased by 26.4% YoY to CNY 43.4 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 November 2024 totaled CNY 106.9 billion, declining 9.0% YoY. In November, the import value decreased by 9.0% YoY to CNY 8.7 billion.
Hongkong SAR, China
Hong Kong Prohibits the Supply of Mercury-containing Cosmetics
Hong Kong's Mercury Control Ordinance took effect on December 1, 2021. This Ordinance prohibits the import, export, and manufacture of specific mercury-added products from that date, with a further extension of the prohibition on supplying these products starting December 1, 2024. Regulated products include cosmetics, batteries, switches and relays, compact fluorescent lamps, biocides, and topical antimicrobial agents that contain mercury above the legal limit.
Taiwan, China
Taiwan Releases Four Test Methods for Cosmetics
In December 2024, Taiwan introduced four recommended test methods for cosmetics. The basic information is as follows:
No. | Release Date | Test Method |
1 | December 24, 2024 | Method of Test for the Identification of Forbidden Ingredients in Hair Dye Products |
2 | ||
3 | ||
4 | December 25, 2024 |
South Korea
South Korea Updates the Two Guidelines for Functional Cosmetic Tests
On December 9, 2024, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) published two notices to modify theGuidelines for Human Testing on Cosmetics for Lightening Red Stretch Marks and the Guidelines for Human Testing on Itchy Skin-Relieving Cosmetics. The revisions were made to add the section on "conducting single-blind tests" to the general information sections of both guidelines, respectively.
These guidelines provide the official explanation of human application testing for functional cosmetics. Although the guidelines do not have legal effect externally, they present standardized methods for human application tests, which are helpful in assisting cosmetic companies in understanding and conducting human application tests for the relevant functional cosmetics.
South Korea Cracks Down on False Advertising
On December 24, 2024, MFDS revealed the inspection results of 200 online postings for cosmetics claiming to help in losing weight. In total, 124 postings were identified as false and exaggerated advertising in violation of the Cosmetics Act. In detail, 123 advertisements falsely implied medical effects, including "fat dissolution" and "reduction of body fat," which could lead to consumer misconceptions. One advertisement was found to be illegal for using claims of "no steroid ingredients" and "non-irritating." In South Korea, "anti-androgens of steroidal structure" are classified as prohibited ingredients. These claims could mislead consumers into thinking that products containing steroid ingredients are safe to use.
The postings with illegal advertisements will be blocked from access and 13 cosmetic enterprises directly conduct the false advertising will be faced with on-site inspections and administrative actions by local authorities.
South Korea Publishes the FAQs for Cosmetics 2024
On December 12, 2024, MFDS released a FAQ collection regarding cosmetic sector. The authority explained 330 inquiries about cosmetic compliance, presenting the official positions for cosmetic compliance in an easy-to-understand way. Specifically, it covers topics such as the cosmetic definition and classification, the manufacturing and distribution of cosmetics, the obligations of sellers, cosmetic ingredient standards, cosmetic labeling and advertising standards, and the prohibited sales activities.
South Korea Revises the Guidelines for CGMP
As revealed by MFDS on December 30, 2024, the Guidelines for Good Manufacturing and Quality Control Standards for Cosmetics (CGMP) was revised to help cosmetic manufacturers better understand the CGMP.
The main revisions include: (1) incorporation of amendments reflecting the updated GCMP in August, to harmonize with the international standard for cosmetic ISO 22716; (2) addition of heat exchangers to the examples of ventilation facilities; (3) detailed explanations of the methods for hygiene management in workplaces; and (4) interpretations of examples and methods to prevent cross-contamination during raw material weighing. Additionally, the frequently asked questions and a supplementary casebook on CGMP implementation evaluations have also been added as appendices.
Japan
PMDA: 121 Batches Cosmetics and Quasi-drugs Recalled in December
In December 2024, the Japan Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) successively announced and recalled 121 batches of unqualified cosmetics and quasi-drugs. According to statistics, the most commonly disclosed issue was the registration of packaging manufacturers. Seventy-two batches of cosmetics were found to be packaged by non-registered manufacturers, accounting for 59.5% of the non-compliant products. Labeling mistakes were the second most common reason for product recalls, totaling 30 batches.
ASEAN
ASEAN Updates the Cosmetic Directive (ACD)’s Ingredient Annexes: 27 Additions and 5 Revisions
During the 40th ACC meeting held from November 18 to 22, 2024, amendments were made regarding the ingredient annexes II, III, and VII. The key amendments are as follows:
Annex II - List of substances prohibited ingredients: 26 added and 2 revised
Annex III - List of Restricted Ingredients: 1 added and 1 revised
Annex VII - List of permitted UV filters: 2 revised
Singapore
HSA Alerts 20 Batches of Non-compliant Cosmetics Containing Potent Ingredients
On December 5, 2024, Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA) released a list of products found overseas in November 2024 that contain potent ingredients, including 19 batches of cosmetics. The potent ingredients detected in these cosmetics include Hydroquinone, Methanol, Formaldehyde, Clobetasol, Rhodamine B, and Tretinoin. These ingredients are prohibited for general use in cosmetics following the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD).
Soon later, on December 12, 2024, the authority additionally published a notice to recall an eyelash product due to Bimatoprost detected.
Indonesia
Indonesia Reveals Non-Compliant Products Identified During Supervision and Inspection
1) On December 3, 2024, BPOM announced 55 cosmetic items containing prohibited or hazardous ingredients during inspections conducted from November 2023 to October 2024. The findings included 35 products made under production contracts, 6 products produced and distributed by Indonesian cosmetic manufacturers, and 14 imported items.
2) On December 30, 2024, BPOM announced the results of intensified supervision and enforcement actions conducted from October to November 2024 targeting illegally imported cosmetics and cosmetics containing hazardous substances. This operation uncovered 235 types (a total of 205,400 units) of illegal or hazardous cosmetics, with a total value exceeding IDR 8.91 billion. The largest category involved cosmetics containing hazardous substances, valued at over IDR 4.59 billion, followed by illegally distributed cosmetics, valued at over IDR 4.32 billion.
Indonesia Proposes Amendments to Cosmetic Notification Requirements
On December 9, 2024, Indonesia released a draft amended Regulation concerning the Procedure for Submission of Cosmetics Notification. The amendments include:
Refining scope of products requiring cosmetic notification;
Modifying the documentary requirements for cosmetic notification applicants;
Adding a situation where requires data updates for the recommendation as a notification applicant;
Revising requirements for notification validity period.
On December 11, 2024, Indonesia released the draft amended Guidelines for Follow-up on Supervision Results of Natural Drugs, Quasi Drugs, Health Supplements, and Cosmetics for public consultation. This Guidelines primarily outlines BPOM's supervision requirements for cosmetics, natural drugs, quasi drugs, and health supplements in circulation, including:
Supervision items;
Supervision results;
Supervision methods;
Corresponding handling measures.
Indonesia Releases Second Draft of Technical Requirements for Cosmetic GMP Certification
On November 5, 2024, BPOM published the first draft of the Technical Requirements for Cosmetic Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Certification for public consultation. On December 11, 2024, Indonesia released the second draft, which includes minimal changes from the first draft. Key updates include:
Clarification of BPOM’s review timeframe for applications related to the GMP fulfillment certificate, as well as for renewals and modifications for GMP-related certification documents, which must be completed within 7 working days;
Addition of two penalty measures: temporary closure of access to submit applications for the GMP Certificate or Certificate of GMP Fulfillment, and freezing of these certificates.
On December 31, 2024, Indonesia issued and implemented BPJPH Regulation No. 80 of 2024 concerning the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Halal Certification Services for Micro and Small Enterprises and its Implementation Guidelines. This regulation aims to provide clear and standardized guidance for halal certification specifically tailored to micro and small enterprises. It outlines four methods for applying for halal certification via the online SIHALAL system, with the primary distinction being the source of funding for the certification costs.
Malaysia
Malaysia Amends Cosmetic Ingredient Use Requirements: 27 Added and 3 Ingredients Revised
On December 30, 2024, Malaysia National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) released Circular No. 3/2024 Information on the Updated Status of Ingredients in the Annex of the Guidelines for Control of Cosmetic Products in Malaysia. According to the Circular, the amendments are:
Annex II List of Prohibited Ingredients: 26 added and 2 revised
Annex III List of Restricted Ingredients: 1 added
Annex VII List of Permitted UV Filters: 1 revised
Thailand
Thailand Revises Notification Guidelines for Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizer Products
On December 26, 2024, the Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) released the Guidelines for Consideration of Notification of Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Products (Revised Edition, November 2024). The revised Guidelines provides manufacturers and importers with clearer instructions on product formulation, naming, labeling, and notification dossiers.
Vietnam
Vietnam Announces the Implementation of Health Inspection in 2025
On December 20, 2024, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health issued Official Letter No. 1274/TTRB-P1 to Units Under and Affiliated with the Ministry of Health, Provincial and Municipal Health Departments Regarding Implementing Health Inspection and Supervision Activities in 2025. This letter formally launched the 2025 Health Inspection Plan, which aims to strengthen regulatory enforcement and enhance consumer safety within the health sector.
Vietnam Updates the Ingredient Annexes Approved During the 40th ACSB Meeting
On December 24, 2024, the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) issued Official Letter No. 4086/QLD-MP on Updating Regulations on Ingredients Used in Cosmetic to announce the adoption of the updated ingredient annexes approved during the 40th ASEAN Cosmetic Scientific Body (ACSB) meeting. The Key amendments include:
Annex II - List of Prohibited Ingredients: 26 added and 2 revised
Annex III - List of Restricted Ingredients: 1 added
Annex VII - List of Permitted UV Filters: 1 revised
Philippines
Philippines FDA Publishes Revised Ingredient Lists of ASEAN Cosmetic Directive
In December 2024, the Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued updated ingredient annexes to the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD), reflecting the amendments adopted during the 40th ASEAN Cosmetic Scientific Body (ACSB) meeting. These amendments primarily include:
Australia
Australia Adds One Ingredient to the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals (AIIC)
On December 4, 2024, the Australia Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) announced the addition of one industrial chemical (2-Octenenitrile, 3,5,7-trimethyl-, CAS No. 947237-95-8) to the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals (AIIC) under Section 83 of the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019.
The European Union
EU SCCS Consults on Opinion About HC Red No. 18 (Submission II)
On December 10, 2024, EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) released the preliminary opinion on HC Red No. 18 (CAS No. 1444596-49-9). This opinion was prepared in response to the industry's second submission of a safety assessment dossier for the ingredient. Based on the data provided, SCCS reiterates the conclusion from its previous opinion, SCCS/1569/15, confirming the safety of HC Red No. 18 at a concentration of 1.5% in oxidative hair dyes. Moreover, SCCS supplements in the new opinion that, the ingredient is also safe for use at concentrations of up to 0.5% in non-oxidative hair dye formulations.
Cosmetics Producers to Bear Urban Wastewater Treatment Costs Under New EU Directive
On December 12, 2024, EU announced the Directive (EU) 2024/3019 on Urban Wastewater Treatment in its Official Journal, establishing rules on urban wastewater management. Article 9 of the Directive outlines detailed obligations for cosmetics producers. Member states, as mandated by the Directive, shall enact laws, regulations, and administrative measures necessary to comply with these obligations by July 31, 2027, and ensure that designated producers assume their extended producer responsibility by December 31, 2028.
The United Kingdom
UK Amends the Lists of Prohibited and Restricted Ingredients
On December 17, 2024, UK published the Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) (No. 2) Regulations 2024, introducing amendments to the ingredient lists in UK Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 (Cosmetics Regulation). The amendments, which include the addition of 64 prohibited ingredients and one restricted ingredient, will come into force on January 31, 2025, with specific transitional provisions outlined.
The United States
California Updates Proposition 65 Short-Form Warning Regulations
On December 6, 2024, California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) unveiled revisions to California Proposition 65. Key revisions include providing additional signal words choices, requiring chemical identification on short-form warnings, lifting font restrictions for short-form warnings, etc. The amendments took effect on January 1, 2025. Businesses have three-year transition period (until January 1, 2028) to fully adopt the revised short-form warning standards.
U.S. FDA Updates the Guidance on Cosmetic Facility Registration and Product Listing
On December 11, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released an updated Guidance on the Registration and Listing of Cosmetic Product Facilities and Products. This latest update finalizes the content of the 19 FAQs that were drafted in the last version issued on December 18, 2023, and introduces three new FAQs (Q20-22), which are open for public comment until January 13, 2025.
On December 13, 2024, the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) published the Fall 2024 Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions, further revising and delaying the rulemaking actions for the following four proposed cosmetic rules, the first three of which are MoCRA-mandated rules.
Testing methods for detecting and identifying asbestos in talc-containing cosmetics
Disclosure of fragrance allergens in cosmetic labeling
Good manufacturing practice for cosmetic product facilities
Use of formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals as an ingredient in hair smoothing products or hair straightening products
California Advances Towards Listing Vinyl Acetate as a Carcinogen Under Proposition 65 List
On October 4, 2024, the OEHHA initiated a 45-day public consultation on the hazard identification document "Evidence on the Carcinogenicity of Vinyl Acetate," proposing to list vinyl acetate as a carcinogen under Proposition 65.
Following the consultation, OEHHA convened a meeting of its Carcinogen Identification Committee (CIC) on December 19, 2024, to assess the potential listing. After a thorough evaluation, the committee unanimously voted 11-0 in favor of classifying vinyl acetate as a known carcinogen based on scientifically valid testing methods.
Once the OEHHA officially adds vinyl acetate to the list, companies will have one year to adhere to Proposition 65's labeling requirements. This will mandate clear and reasonable warnings on affected cosmetic products. Failure to comply within the designated timeframe may result in legal repercussions for companies.
U.S. FDA Proposes Mandatory Asbestos Testing for Talc-Containing Cosmetics
On December 26, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a proposed rule mandating the testing of talc-containing cosmetic products for asbestos contamination. This initiative aligns with the requirements of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) and is open for public consultation until March 27, 2025.
Brazil
Brazil Updates Product Classification Rules with Resolution RDC No. 949/2024
On December 16, 2024, Brazil published the Resolution RDC No. 949/2024 in its Official Gazette, amending Resolution RDC No. 907/2024 with primary updates to the classification of personal hygiene products, cosmetics, and perfumes. These changes will come into force on March 3, 2025.
Brazil to Adopt New System for Cosmetics Notification from March 2025
On December 17, 2024, Brazil issued the Resolution No. 951/2024, introducing the new notification system for personal hygiene products, cosmetics, perfumes, and disposables. The Resolution will take effect on March 3, 2025, with transitional policies in place for product notification and labelling.
Brazil Introduces Updates to Prohibited and Restricted Ingredient Lists
On December 31, 2024, Brazil launched two separate public consultations to review draft amendments to cosmetic ingredient use requirements. The draft for the prohibited ingredients list includes 13 additions, 2 revisions, and 5 deletions. The draft for the restricted ingredients list introduces 115 new ingredients, removes 7, and makes comprehensive revisions to existing entries by adding INCI names and CAS numbers, and updating use conditions to reflect the latest scientific research.