White Paper: Regulatory Framework for Perfumes in China

China's perfume industry has rapidly evolved in recent years, shifting from a niche segment to one of the most dynamic areas of the beauty market. Local brands are gaining visibility, consumers are becoming more sophisticated, and international players are accelerating their entry — all signaling a strong momentum of growth and diversification.

Yet alongside these opportunities come complex compliance challenges. Perfume products are not governed solely by cosmetic regulations but are also subject to the management requirements for hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods. As a result, ensuring full compliance requires a comprehensive understanding of multiple regulatory frameworks and how they interconnect.

This white paper offers a structured, in-depth interpretation of the regulatory obligations applicable to perfumes throughout their lifecycle — from notification and labeling to hazardous chemical registration, licensing, and transport compliance. It also provides guidance on customs clearance requirements and other practical considerations for both importers and domestic manufacturers.

The white paper is organized into four main sections:

1. Perfume under China's Cosmetic Regulations – covering notification, labeling, and legal foundations.

2. Hazardous Chemical Management – outlining definitions, registration, and licensing requirements.

3. Transport as Dangerous Goods – summarizing road, sea, and air transport obligations.

4. Customs Clearance – detailing procedures and documentation for market entry.

A preview of the white paper is presented below through selected pages: 

The complete report is available here.