As previously reported, the former supervisory system placed cosmetics production under the dual regulation of both CFDA and AQSIQ. A cosmetics manufacturer in China was required to not only obtain a Hygiene License for Production Enterprises of Cosmetics from provincial FDA but also a Cosmetics Production License from provincial quality and technology supervision administration under AQSIQ. The model of “two departments, two similar licenses” decreases the efficiency of cosmetics supervision and also overburdens the cosmetic industry. To reduce regulatory overlap and enhance working efficiency, the former SFDA was reorganized as CFDA in March 2013, becoming the sole competent authority of cosmetics production. At that time, CFDA announced the integration of the two licenses in order to streamline the cosmetic production licensing system in China.
According to an announcement regarding the adjustment of supervision on cosmetics safety released on 30 Dec 2013 by Shanghai FDA, Shanghai will become the first city to put the policy shift into effect.
Under the Announcement, from 1 Jan 2014, newly established cosmetics manufacturers in Shanghai should apply for the Hygiene License for Production Enterprises of Cosmetics to Shanghai FDA. Licenses obtained under the old system are still valid until the expiration date.
Shanghai FDA requires applicants to submit the following information:
- An application form;
- Site-plan;
- Product catalog;
- Brief description and diagram of production process;
- Production facilities and testing instruments;
- Testing reports of air in workshops and water used for production
- Management measures for hygiene, quality and testing;
- Credentials of hygiene management staff, quality management staff and product inspection staff;
- Detailed info of production personnel;
- Business license;
- Product registration or filing proofs; etc
After the above information is delivered, it takes 5 working days for Shanghai FDA to conduct a format check and several days for officials to carry out on-site examination.
With shanghai being the pilot city, Guangzhou, Zhejiang and Jiangsu where the majority of cosmetics factories are located are expected to follow suit in the near future.
We provide full-scale global cosmetic market entry services (including cosmetic registering & filing, regulatory consultation, customized training, market research, branding strategy). Please contact us to discuss how we can help you by 
