China demands filing for host of first-import cosmetics products

The new import rules will come into effect from 1st March 2017 and will currently last until 21st December 2018.

From March this year, non-special use cosmetics — defined as hair care, skin care, make up, nail care products and perfumes  — will soon be subject to a specific filing management process that replaces registration.

These rules will apply to any non-special use cosmetic product that is imported for the first time and is delivered through the Shanghai Pudong New Area port when the agent responsible is located within the new area.

Registration no more, filing replacement​

As a result, all first-time imports must obtain a filing certificate. The hair, skin, make up, fragrance or nail product will only be permitted for importation and distribution once it appears on the accompanying online filing system and a certificate has been obtained.

The State Council of China first announced its plans to overhaul the previous registration system and replace it with a filing management process in May 2016.

Following the decision to implement the notice, China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA), the body responsible for governing regulations in the cosmetics industry, gave further specific guidance on 17th January 2017, outlining requirements.

These new stipulations require companies wanting to import non-special use cosmetic products to China for the first time to complete the appropriate and necessary filing management information before importing.

Companies that attempt to send such products through alternative ports will have their filings cancelled by the relevant manufacturer or domestic agent, and the company will have to register according to these new rules.

While the FDA will be accountable for filing and the changeover process from registration, China Inspection and Quarantine (CIQ), which manages imports and exports, will ensure filing certification checks have been carried out and are accurate.

Beneficial for business growth?​

Reach 24h, which provides compliance solutions to manufacturers and importers, outlines the positive step that this change will have on exports to China; importers and international cosmetic enterprises will experience lower approval times and associated costs as importers can enter China through Shanghai Pudong.

Additionally, as domestic non-special use cosmetics companies also must complete the filing, these importers may be exempt from animal testing if the associated safety assessments can show that their methods comply with requirements.

At present, the cosmetics sector is still unclear whether this exemption rule will apply to importers looking to send first import non-special use cosmetics through Shanghai Pudong New Area and currently, await further clarification.