Key Updates at a Glance
NMPA added 3 ingredient standards and 8 testing methods to the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics; GACC clarified import/export cosmetics inspection requirements (effective December 1, 2026); 40 imported cosmetics were refused entry due to labeling non-compliance; Shanghai launched an electronic labeling pilot for imported cosmetics in Pudong New Area.
In May 2026, China introduced several important updates to its cosmetic regulatory framework, covering China cosmetics regulations, the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics, import and export cosmetics inspection and quarantine requirements, and imported cosmetics labeling practices. Global cosmetic brands, exporters, manufacturers, and importers should review their formulas, labels, registration or filing information, testing plans, and customs declaration data to ensure consistency before placing products on the Chinese market.
Key China Cosmetics Regulatory Updates in May 2026
NMPA Adds Three Standards to the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics
On May 15, 2026, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) issued Announcement No. 48 of 2026, incorporating three standards into the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics.
The three standards cover:
o-Phenylphenol and its salts
Acid Violet 43 (CI 60730)
Mercury and its compounds
The implementation dates are as follows:
The standard for Mercury and its compounds will take effect on July 1, 2026.
The standards for o-Phenylphenol and its salts and Acid Violet 43 (CI 60730) will take effect on June 1, 2028.
For companies developing, registering, filing, importing, or distributing cosmetics in China, these updates may affect formula compliance review, ingredient risk assessment, testing arrangements, and technical documentation preparation.
NMPA Incorporates Eight Testing Methods into the Cosmetics Safety Framework
On May 29, 2026, NMPA issued Announcement No. 51 of 2026, incorporating eight testing methods into the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics. These methods include the Method for Determination of Trivalent Chromium and Hexavalent Chromium in Cosmetics and the Long-Term Human Trial Method.
The eight testing methods will take effect on March 1, 2027.
GACC Clarifies Implementation Requirements for Import and Export Cosmetics Inspection
On May 11, 2026, the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) issued Announcement No. 61 of 2026 concerning the implementation of the Measures of the Customs of the People's Republic of China for the Supervision and Administration of Inspection and Quarantine of Imported and Exported Cosmetics.
The announcement will take effect on December 1, 2026.
The announcement clarifies requirements relating to:
Import declaration of cosmetics;
Import record information;
Management of samples and exhibition products;
Supervision of exported cosmetics;
Declaration of special cosmetic registration certificate numbers;
Declaration of general cosmetic filing numbers.
For overseas cosmetic companies, the key compliance point is data consistency. Product registration or filing information, Chinese labels, import records, and customs declaration information should be checked before shipment and customs clearance.
China Cosmetic Labeling Requirements and Enforcement Trends
Labeling and formula consistency remained a major enforcement focus in May 2026.
NMPA reported multiple batches of non-compliant cosmetics. The reported issues included:
Ingredient comparison results inconsistent with regulatory requirements;
Sunscreen agents or hair dye ingredients stated on product labels or in registration documents not detected in the tested products;
Undeclared ingredients detected in products;
Total aerobic microbial count, molds and yeasts, or pH values failing to meet applicable requirements;
Product labels inconsistent with the technical requirements stated in registration documents.
In addition, GACC released information on products refused entry at Chinese ports in April 2026. Among the listed products, 40 cosmetic products were refused entry due to labeling non-compliance and were subject to return or destruction in accordance with applicable requirements.
These cases show that compliance risk does not end after registration or filing. Imported cosmetics may still face inspection, detention, return, destruction, administrative penalties, or reputational impact if the actual product, label, formula, or declaration information is inconsistent.
Shanghai Launches Imported Cosmetics Electronic Labeling Pilot
On May 9, 2026, Shanghai Customs and the Shanghai Medical Products Administration issued an announcement on the pilot program for electronic labeling of imported cosmetics in Shanghai. The pilot took effect on May 11, 2026.
The first phase of the pilot is implemented in Pudong New Area, Shanghai. Under the pilot arrangement:
Pilot enterprises should be registered in Pudong New Area;
Pilot products should be imported through ports located in Pudong New Area.
Impact and Actionable Advice for Global Cosmetic Companies
The May 2026 updates indicate that China is continuing to strengthen cosmetics compliance across the product lifecycle, from pre-market technical review to customs inspection and post-market supervision.
Global cosmetic brands, exporters, and manufacturers should consider the following actions:
Review formula compliance against updated technical standards. Companies should assess whether ingredients, restricted substances, colorants, preservatives, and heavy metal risks are affected by the newly incorporated standards.
Check China cosmetic registration and filing information before import. Special cosmetic registration numbers and general cosmetic filing numbers should be correctly reflected in relevant customs declaration materials.
Strengthen Chinese label review. Labeling remains a high-risk area for imported cosmetics. Companies should verify mandatory Chinese label elements, claims, ingredient names, product information, and consistency with registration or filing documents.
How REACH24H Can Help
REACH24H provides full-process regulatory support for cosmetic companies entering or operating in the China market. Our cosmetics compliance team can help global brands, manufacturers, exporters, and importers manage regulatory risks from product development to market entry and post-market compliance.
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For more information or assistance, please feel free to contact us at customer@reach24h.com.
