After almost a year grace period, Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (STSC) officially enters into force from Dec 1 2016. From Dec 1st 2016, manufacture and import of new cosmetics not complying with STSC 2015 is prohibited. The following product information must strictly comply with STSC 2015 as well:
- Warning, application conditions and ingredient list on labels and packaging
- Formula
- Quality control specification and product technical specification
- Testing reports
The online platform for companies to submit formula modification also closes on December 1st meaning that companies wishing to notify any changes in product formulation after this date must comply with new requirements which will essentially mean complying with new product registration requirements.
An important point for industry to recognize is that a new requirement in the STSC is that the concentration of cadmium in products shall be less than 5 mg/kg (cadmium threshold has not been mandatory in the past). Although presently there is no need to add the item to quality control specifications and product technical specification, given the new maximum threshold it is certain that testing will be mandatory sooner or later. Companies are recommended to test cadmium now in order to avoid subsequent testing and requirements to amend product registration dossiers with new information. Cosmetics manufactured/imported already are permitted to be sold until expiration date.
Reference Link
CFDA Finally Releases Cosmetic Safety Technical Standard 2015
Interpretation of Transitional Measures regarding Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics
Expert Article: Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics 2015
Translation: Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics 2015