Background
Since January 2021, a safety assessment report has been required for the registration or notification of new cosmetics products and ingredients in China. A full safety assessment requirement was scheduled to take effect on 1st May 2024. However, by mid-March 2024, no technical guidelines had been released to clarify the data requirements.
When draft guidelines were published in late March and April, only a one-week feedback period was provided, and some of the required data was not obtainable—making it impossible for businesses to comply on time.
Result
Since 2023, the European Chamber’s Cosmetics Working Group has actively engaged with both European and Chinese stakeholders to advocate for a gradual and practical implementation of the safety assessment requirements.
On 22nd April 2024, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) announced a one-year extension to the implementation deadline for the full safety assessment.
Impact
- Prevented sudden disruption to market access for cosmetics products;
- Allowed more time for companies to prepare and align with technical requirements;
- Promoted regulatory clarity and feasibility through ongoing stakeholder dialogue.
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