Monthly Recap: Global Cosmetic Regulatory Updates | March 2025

Chinese Mainland

Guangdong Releases Guidelines on Enforcing NMPA's Administrative Penalty Rules

On March 3, 2025, Guangdong Medical Products Administration (MPA) published the Implementation Rules of the Guangdong Medical Products Administration for the Application Rules for Administrative Penalties in Medical Products Administration (the Implementation Rules). The Implementation Rules provides detailed guidance on the Application Rules for Administrative Penalties in Medical Products Administration, issued by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in February 2024, reflecting actual enforcement practices. It has been in effect since March 1, 2025, and will remain valid for five years.

China NIFDC Organizes Conference on Fermentation-derived Cosmetic Ingredients

On March 14, 2025, China National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) held a meeting to discuss fermentation-derived cosmetic ingredients, covering topics such as ingredient notification, naming principles, and risk control. Industry representatives shared their experiences in ingredient innovation, and proposed ways to optimize technical management. In response to the feedback, NIFDC will enhance its technical support to meet both industry and regulatory needs, contributing to the cosmetics industry's long-term growth.

Shandong MPA Issues Guidance on Full-version Cosmetics Safety Assessment Report

On March 19, 2025, Shandong MPA published the Guidelines for Compiling the Full-version Safety Assessment Report for General Cosmetics in Shandong (Trial) (the Guidelines), aiming to standardize the compilation of safety assessment reports (full version), and support cosmetic notifiers in enhancing their safety assessment frameworks. Key aspects covered in the Guidelines include the responsibilities of notifiers, qualifications of safety assessors, report structure and formatting requirements, and essential compilation points.

Shanghai Releases 2025 Administrative Inspection Plan for Cosmetics Quality and Safety

On March 20, 2025, the Shanghai Medical Products Administration (MPA) released the 2025 Shanghai Administrative Inspection Plan for Cosmetics Quality and Safety, aiming to strengthen regulatory oversight of cosmetics production and operation entities within the city to ensure product quality and safety.

China General Administration of Customs (GACC): Three Batches of Cosmetics Rejected in February

On March 21, 2025, GACC updated the list of rejected food and cosmetics in February 2025. Among these, three batches were cosmetics: two due to the mismatch between the declared goods and the actual shipment, and one for failing to provide the required qualified documentation.

NIFDC Consults on the Draft Guidelines of Updating Notification Information of NCIs

On March 27, 2025, NIFDC released the Technical Guidelines for Updating Notification Information of New Cosmetic Ingredients (Draft for Comments) for public consultation. This draft guideline aims to implement the Several Provisions on Supporting Innovation in Cosmetic Ingredients published by NMPA, and guide notifiers to standardize the process of updating notification information for new cosmetic ingredients (NCIs). Stakeholders are invited to provide their feedback by April 15, 2025.

NIFDC and Beijing Municipal MPA Publish Two Batches of FAQs

In March 2025, NIFDC and Beijing Municipal MPA published two batches of FAQs, addressing topics such as the safety assessment of cosmetic ingredients, methods for testing skin sensitization, as well as the annual report and risk control report for NCIs.

China NMPA Approves 11 NCIs

In March 2025, NMPA updated the notification status of 11 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) Dendrobium Officinale Culture, notified on March 3, 2025

2) HDI / Di-C12-14 Alkyl Tartrate / Hydrogenated Dilinoleyl Alcohol Copolymer, notified on March 4, 2025

3) sh-Pentapeptide-12 SP, notified on March 6, 2025

4) Salidroside, notified on March 10, 2025

5) Camellia Chrysantha Flower Extract, notified on March 11, 2025

6) Camellia Chrysantha Leaf Extract, notified on March 11, 2025

7) Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Disodium Salt, notified on March 14, 2025

8) Anoectochilus Roxburghii Extract, notified on March 18, 2025

9) Polyaspartic Acid Chelated Zinc, notified on March 20, 2025

10) Lunaria Annua Seed Oil, notified on March 25, 2025

11) Schizophyllum Commune Ferment Filtrate, notified on March 26, 2025

China Issues Nine Cosmetics-related Standards in March

In March 2025, China issued nine cosmetics-related standards. 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 March 2025 was CNY 114.9 billion, with a year-on-year (YoY) increase of 3.2%. In March, the retail sales increased by 1.1% YoY to CNY 42.8 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 March 2025 totaled CNY 28 billion, declining 2% YoY. In March, the import value decreased by 9.4% YoY to CNY 10.7 billion.

Hongkong SAR, China

Hong Kong Customs Cracks Down on Counterfeit Perfumes, Cosmetics, and Skincare Products

Hong Kong Customs carried out special enforcement operations in Sheung Shui and Yuen Long on March 11 and 13 to combat the sale of counterfeit goods. Approximately 9,000 suspected counterfeit perfumes, cosmetics, and skincare products, with an estimated market value of 2 million HKD, were seized. Five individuals were arrested during the operation.

Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, selling or possessing counterfeit goods for sale is a criminal offense. Upon conviction, offenders may face a maximum penalty of 500,000 HKD in fines and up to five years' imprisonment.

Hong Kong Consumer Council Conducts Random Inspections on Makeup Primers

The Hong Kong Consumer Council recently conducted random inspections on 37 makeup primers available on the market. The results revealed that over 40% (17 products) contained sunscreen agents that may interfere with the human endocrine system. Additionally, some of the products tested had issues such as the presence of fragrance allergens, alcohol, and missing label information.

Macao SAR, China

Macao Bans Import of Persistent Organic Pollutants and Related Products

On March 18, 2025, the Macao Special Administrative Region of China submitted notification G/TBT/N/MAC/31 to the WTO, announcing Chief Executive's Decision No. 168/2024 on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). The Decision prohibits the import, export, and transshipment of chemicals listed in Annex I and goods listed in Annex II of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants within Macao.

Taiwan, China

Taiwan Announces Draft Revisions to Cosmetics Administrative Fees

On March 6, 2025, Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) initiated a public consultation on the new draft of the Standards of Administrative Fees for Cosmetics, which will remain open for comments until May 5, 2025.

The new draft introduces the following key revisions compared to the current version:

• Introducing new fees for revising an application for animal testing approval on cosmetics or cosmetic ingredients, as well as for applying to use human cell-derived exosomes in cosmetics;

• Modifying fees for cosmetics notification, product category checks, and cosmetics-related certification applications and updates;

• Removing fees for specific-purpose cosmetics applications and updates. 

Japan

Japan Revises Rules on Special Labeling of Specific Ingredients in Cosmetics

On March 10, 2025, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) revised cosmetic labeling rules for specific ingredients, mandating clear disclosure of ingredient names and intended purposes, along with scientific evidence to support such claims—even when presented in visuals.

Japan Revises Quasi-drug Ingredient Standards and Licensing Requirements

On March 21, the MHLW announced amendments to the Japanese Standards of Quasi-drug Ingredients 2021 (JSQI 2021), updating 15 testing methods and specifications for 222 ingredients. Licensing requirements were also adjusted accordingly. The changes came into effect immediately upon publication, but a transition period will be in place until September 30, 2026, allowing companies to continue applying the previous standards during this time.

Japan Introduces OECD-Recoginzed Non-Animal Testing Methods for Skin Sensitization in Cosmetics and Quasi-Drugs

On March 28, 2025, the MHLW introduced guidance promoting the use of alternative methods for skin sensitization testing, including DPRA, KeratinoSens™, and h-CLAT, aligning with OECD-defined approaches to improve safety evaluations for cosmetics and quasi-drugs.

South Korea

South Korea Expands Cosmetic e-Label Pilot Program

On March 5, 2025, the South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced the expansion of the cosmetic e-Label pilot program, following positive consumer feedback from the first phase. The second phase of the pilot program, which will run from March 2025 to February 2026, includes 76 product items from 13 companies.

South Korea Finalizes New Guidelines for Lifting Bans on Prohibited Ingredients

The amended Cosmetics Act of February 6, 2024, permits cosmetic companies to apply for the lifting or modification of bans on prohibited ingredients. To facilitate the implementation of this change, MFDS officially released and implemented the Regulations on the Lifting or Modification of Bans on Cosmetic Ingredients and the Designation or Change of Cosmetic Ingredient Standards on March 26, 2025, providing guidance to support companies in submitting such applications.

South Korea to Cancel Certification for Natural and Organic Cosmetics

The Cosmetics Act, announced on January 31, 2025, mandates the abolition of the natural and organic cosmetics certification system, which will take effect on August 1, 2025. To facilitate this transition, South Korea's MFDS issued three public consultation notices on March 26, 2025, proposing the removal of provisions and regulations related to the certification of natural and organic cosmetics.

The Philippines

Philippines Unveils Second Draft for Health Product Recall Guidelines

On March 31, 2025, the Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a draft of Guidelines on the Recall of Authorized Health Products Regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Built on the earlier draft from December 2023, this new version introduces two key updates: enhanced clarity and transparency in recall procedures, as well as refined report and communication requirements for the marketing authorization holder (MAH). 

Vietnam

Vietnam Launches Pilot Online Public Service System for Cosmetic Import Procedures

On March 17, 2025, the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) launched an online public service system (https://dichvucong.dav.gov.vn/) to streamline the import process for cosmetics used in research and testing. The DAV notified related organizations to use the TT-106 system for their import procedures and provides feedback for improvements.

Vietnam Releases Draft Decree on Customs Management of E-Commerce Goods

On March 26, 2025, the Vietnam Ministry of Finance released a Draft Decree on Customs Management of Import and Export Goods Traded via E-Commerce, aiming to provide a comprehensive and transparent legal framework to regulate Customs procedures of E-commerce sector. This draft is designed to streamline administrative procedures and support the sector's ongoing development.

Thailand

Thailand Updates Five Public Guides on Cosmetic Notification

On March 28, 2025, the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released updated versions of five Public Guides related to cosmetic product notification. Each guide addresses a specific area, including the Cosmetic Notification Process, Label Submission Requirements, Handling of Non-Compliance Cases, Notification Renewal, and Modification of Notification Details.

Indonesia

Indonesia Releases Q&A Collection on Cosmetic Notification System

To help companies quickly adapt to the new system, in March 2025, the Indonesian Directorate of Traditional Medicine, Health Supplements, and Cosmetics (OTSKK) Registration released a Q&A collection addressing common inquiries related to the cosmetic notification process.

BPOM's Inspection Uncovers Illegal Cosmetics Production in South Tangerang

On March 19, 2025, BPOM conducted a surprise inspection of a cosmetics factory in South Tangerang following public reports of suspected illegal cosmetics production. The inspection revealed that the factory lacked a business registration number (NIB) and GMP certificate and used illegal drug ingredients.

Indonesia Updates Halal Certification System and User Guide

On March 23, 2025, Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) announced updates to its Halal certification system, SIHALAL, along with two user guides for businesses applying for Halal certification.

Singapore

HSA Alerts 11 Batches of Non-compliant Cosmetics Containing Potent Ingredients Found Overseas

On March 13, 2025, Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA) released a list of products found overseas in February 2025 that contain potent ingredients, including 11 batches of cosmetics. The potent ingredients detected in these cosmetics include Clobetasol, Hydroquinone, Betamethasone, Mercury, and Tretinoin.

India

India's CDSCO Cancels 10 Cosmetic Products and Accepts Import Registration Surrender

On March 12, 2025, India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) canceled the registration of 10 eye makeup products under Registration Certificate No. RC/COS-002272, following a voluntary request by M/s. Fsn Brands Marketing Private Limited. Subsequently, on March 27, 2025, CDSCO accepted the surrender of two import registration certificates held by M/s. NKG Advisory Business and Consulting Services Private Limited.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Updates Borderline Product Regulations and Application Requirements

On March 5, 2025, Sri Lanka's National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) announced new regulatory requirements for borderline products, covering registration, customs clearance, ingredient guidelines, and labeling. Subsequently,on March 25, 2025, the NMRA issued an additional announcement detailing application procedures for borderline products, including classification requests, Sample Import Licenses (for imported products), Formulation Approvals (for locally manufactured products), and registration dossier submissions.

Australia

Australia Consults on Interim Decisions to Amend the Poisons Standard

On March 14, 2025, Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) initiated a consultation on interim decisions regarding proposed amendments to the Poisons Standard. The proposed interim decisions focus on five substances, two of which are relevant to cosmetic use.

The European Union

EU Proposes Updates to the Glossary of Common Ingredient Names

On March 13, 2025, EU notified WTO of a draft Commission Decision to update the Glossary of Common Ingredient Names (the Glossary), aiming to standardize labelling and improve the identification of cosmetic ingredients. The update will expand the Glossary's total entries from 30,070 to 30,418. The draft is open for public comments until May 12, 2025, with adoption expected in the second quarter of 2025. 

The United Kingdom

UK Sets Restrictions on Methyl Salicylate in Cosmetics

In January 2025, UK submitted a draft regulation to the WTO proposing restrictions on Methyl Salicylate (CAS No. 119-36-8) in cosmetics. The final version of the regulation, The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2025, was issued on March 31, 2025, and will be enforced from September 30, 2025.

The United States

U.S. FDA Announces Voluntary Recall of Acne Products Due to Benzene Contamination

On March 11, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the results of its independent testing of 95 benzoyl peroxide-containing acne products for potential benzene contamination. Over 90% of the tested products contained either no detectable benzene or only trace amounts. However, six products were found to contain elevated levels of benzene. In response, the manufacturers have voluntarily recalled these products based on FDA findings.

U.S. FDA Unveils Latest Data on Facility Registration and Product Listing under MoCRA

On March 15, 2025, the U.S. FDA published its first statistical report on cosmetic facility registrations and product listings under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulations Act of 2022 (MoCRA). As of January 1, 2025, 9,528 cosmetic manufacturing facilities have registered with the FDA, and a total of 589,762 cosmetic products have been listed in the agency's database.

U.S. FDA Refuses Entry to 101 Batches of Imported Cosmetics in February 2025

According to the U.S. FDA's monthly import refusal report, 101 batches of imported cosmetics were denied entry into the United States in February 2025 due to violations of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). Products from 16 countries were affected, with South Korea topping the list of non-compliant sources. The majority of rejected items were skincare preparations. Key reasons for refusal included misclassification of drugs as cosmetics, use of unauthorized color additives, and labeling violations.

Canada

Canada Updates Cosmetic Notification Form

According to a notice from Health Canada, the Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF) was updated in March 2025. Health Canada specifically highlighted changes in Section 4, introducing a validation feature that requires a Canadian address for the manufacturer or importer. Additional key updates to the CNF can be found in the ChemLinked article. To assist stakeholders, the Guide for Cosmetic Notifications and its Appendix 2 have been revised accordingly.

Canada Plans to Ban PFAS in Cosmetics

In March 2025, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Health Canada jointly released the State of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Report and the PFAS Risk Management Approach.

Under the Approach, Canada plans to classify most PFAS as toxic substances and implement phased restrictions across multiple industries. Companies and individuals are encouraged to provide information to support scientific decision-making.