Singapore’s cosmetic market requires compliance with stringent regulatory standards governed by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). This article outlines the notification process, documentation requirements, and essential steps for companies aiming to ensure their products meet the safety and quality standards for successful market entry in Singapore.
Understanding ASEAN Cosmetic Regulations
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) established the ASEAN Harmonised Cosmetic Regulatory Scheme (AHCRS) to promote consistent safety and quality standards for cosmetics across its 11 member states: Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, and Timor-Leste. In 2008, the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) was fully implemented, allowing cosmetic products manufactured or sold in one ASEAN country to be marketed across other member states as long as they comply with local notification requirements. However, each country requires separate product notifications to be completed.
Regulatory Documents on Cosmetic Product Notification in Singapore
| Document Title | Implementation Date |
| ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) | January 1, 2008 |
| Health Products (Cosmetic Products — ASEAN Cosmetic Directive) Regulations 2007 | January 1, 2008 |
| Health Products Act | December 31, 2008 |
| Guidelines on the Control of Cosmetic Products | April 1, 2019 |
| Cosmetic Product Classification Guide | January 7, 2020 |
Competent Authority in Singapore
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA), a statutory board of the Singapore Ministry of Health, has the authority to regulate and license cosmetic products intended for human use in Singapore. The Cosmetics Control Unit (CCU), a unit in HSA, was set up to administer the regulatory control of cosmetic products.
Responsible Person of Singapore Cosmetics Notification
Notification of cosmetic products should be conducted by a Responsible Person (RP), a locally registered company in Singapore responsible for placing the cosmetic product in the market. It can be an importer, producer, distributor, or retailer of cosmetic products.
Steps to Notify Cosmetic Products in Singapore
Singapore requires companies to complete a notification process before marketing cosmetic products. The notification is managed by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
Step 1: Prepare Product Information
Ensure the product formula and packaging comply with HSA requirements.
Step 2: Apply for CRIS Account
Before accessing the HAS system, the CRIS (Client Registration and Identification Service) company account should be applied.
Step 3: Submit Online Notification and Pay
Log into the HSA online notification portal PRISM (Pharmaceutical Regulatory Information System) to submit detailed product information. The notification should be filled in English. After confirming all the submitted information, you need to pay the administration fee.
Step 4: Receive Notification Acknowledgement
Once the notification is submitted successfully, you will receive an Acknowledgement showing the company name, product name, and notification number. With this Acknowledgement, you can market your product in Singapore. Please note that HSA doesn’t review your product information in the notification stage. So you need to make sure your products meet the local regulations. To know your ingredient regulatory status, try our COSMETIC INGREDIENT SEARCH TOOL for a comprehensive search.
Essential Documents for Cosmetic Compliance in Singapore
After receiving notification approval, companies must compile a Product Information File (PIF) to maintain compliance during inspections. The PIF includes:
1.Administrative and Product Details
Notification number issued by HSA
Business license of the local representative
Full ingredient list
Product photos and labels
Evidence of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
2.Ingredient Quality Specification Data
Specifications and analytical methods for cosmetic ingredients
Safety data for cosmetic ingredients from reliable sources (g., CIR, SCCP, ACSB, or the manufacturer)
3.Finished Product Quality Specification Data
Quantitative product formulation
Production process
Product quality specifications and testing methods
Product stability test reports
4.Safety and Efficacy data
Safety assessment of the cosmetic product
Adverse reaction data
Efficacy report supporting product claims
How REACH24H Can Help
Review of banned/restricted ingredients for cosmetics in Singapore
Formula and labeling compliance review
Singapore cosmetics notification processes
Singapore Responsible Person (RP) services
Expert consultation on Singapore cosmetics regulatory compliance
Regular updates and alerts on Singapore cosmetics regulations
Why Trust REACH24H’s Expertise
At REACH24H, we have helped over 1,000 cosmetic companies worldwide achieve compliance. Our innovative regulatory solutions set us apart in the industry. For any questions, contact us at customer@reach24h.com. Read more:
