In April 2026, China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and related authorities introduced a wave of regulatory updates that significantly impact the cosmetics industry. Key developments include the successful registration of 22 new cosmetic ingredients, the fourth dynamic adjustment to the Catalogue of Cosmetic Ingredients Already in Use, and the publication of five new industry standards for biotech and plant-sourced ingredients. For global cosmetics enterprises, these updates signal a tightening of ingredient governance and testing requirements, necessitating immediate action to ensure continued market access.
Surges in New Cosmetic Ingredient Filings and Catalogue Updates
April saw robust activity in ingredient registration, with 22 new cosmetic ingredients completing their filing with the NMPA. This highlights the ongoing innovation and expansion within the Chinese cosmetics market.
Simultaneously, the NMPA announced the fourth dynamic adjustment to the Catalogue of Cosmetic Ingredients Already in Use on 13 April 2026. This update transitions one new ingredient (Saussurea Involucrata Callus Powder) into Category II after successfully completing its three-year safety monitoring period. Furthermore, the adjustment standardized the Chinese, INCI, or English names of 49 existing ingredients in Category I. Companies must cross-reference their formulations against these updated naming conventions to ensure label compliance.
A notable case involved the cancellation and subsequent re-filing of the ingredient β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) by the same company. This underscores a critical compliance nuance: cancelling a filing does not automatically preserve market access, and products utilizing such ingredients may face regulatory scrutiny or supply chain disruptions during the transition period.
New Industry Standards for Biotech and Plant-Sourced Ingredients
On 7 April 2026, the NMPA published five new cosmetics industry standards, including general technical requirements for biotech-sourced and plant-sourced ingredients, alongside specific standards for Centella Asiatica Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, and Copper Tripeptide-1.
These standards, while classified as recommended, set a new benchmark for ingredient quality and safety. They will officially take effect on 1 May 2027. Manufacturers and ingredient suppliers must begin auditing their current documentation and production processes to align with these impending technical requirements.
Strengthened Testing and Quality Management Requirements
The regulatory landscape is also shifting towards more rigorous testing and quality management.
New Efficacy Test Methods: The National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) released two draft efficacy test methods for whitening/spot-removal and anti-hair-loss cosmetics, open for public comment until 5 June 2026.
Updated Facial Cleanser Standard: A new national standard, GB/T 29680-2026 for facial cleansers, has been published by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). This standard replaces the 2013 version and becomes effective on 1 September 2026.
Provincial Enforcement: Market surveillance remains strict. In April, the NMPA flagged 40 batches of non-compliant cosmetics and 22 batches containing prohibited ingredients. Furthermore, the Shanghai NMPA introduced a comprehensive three-year action plan (2026–2028) to elevate the production quality management systems of cosmetics enterprises.
Impact on Global Businesses and Compliance Advice
The April 2026 regulatory updates from China present immediate compliance challenges for overseas cosmetics exporters, OEM manufacturers, and ingredient suppliers. The continuous updates to ingredient catalogues and the introduction of stringent technical standards mean that maintaining the status quo is no longer viable.
Actionable Steps for Enterprises:
Formulation and Label Audit: Immediately review your product formulations against the 4th adjustment of the Catalogue of Cosmetic Ingredients Already in Use. Ensure all ingredient names on your product labels match the newly standardized nomenclature.
Prepare for 2027 Standards: For companies utilizing biotech or plant-sourced ingredients (especially Centella Asiatica Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, and Copper Tripeptide-1), initiate a gap analysis against the new NMPA industry standards. Update your ingredient safety dossiers well before the 1 May 2027 deadline.
Monitor NMN and Novel Ingredients: Exercise caution when utilizing ingredients that have undergone filing cancellations or re-submissions. Ensure continuous compliance to avoid supply chain interruptions.
Update Product Specifications: If you manufacture or import facial cleansers, revise your product specifications and testing protocols to comply with GB/T 29680-2026 before 1 September 2026.
Strengthen Post-Market Surveillance: Given the recent crackdowns on non-compliant batches, ensure your quality management systems are robust enough to detect and prevent the use of prohibited ingredients or deviations from registered technical requirements.
How REACH24H Can Help
REACH24H offers comprehensive compliance solutions, including new cosmetic ingredient registration, formula and label reviews, and strategic regulatory consulting. Our team of experts can help you decipher complex technical standards and ensure your products maintain uninterrupted access to the Chinese market.
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For more information or assistance, please feel free to contact us at customer@reach24h.com.
