China Regulatory News

On June 24, 2025, China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) released Announcement No. 61 of 2025 to improve the management of cosmetic ingredients and encourage innovation in the cosme...

On June 24, 2025, China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) released Announcement No. 61 of 2025 to improve the management of cosmetic ingredients and encourage innovation in the cosmetics industry. The notice introduces updates to the Catalogue of Used Cosmetic Ingredients in China (called the “Catalogue”). 

New Ingredients Added After 3-Year Monitoring 
According to the Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulation, cosmetic ingredients that have been registered, filed, and completed a 3-year safety monitoring period without any safety concerns can be added to the Catalogue. The Catalogue is now divided into two parts: 

• List I: Based on the 2021 version with updates. 
• List II: For newly added ingredients after safety monitoring. 

Updates to List I: Improved Clarity and Standardization

The NMPA has made the following changes to List I: 

• The “maximum historical use level” is no longer shown. 
• Ingredient names (in Chinese or INCI/English) have been standardized. 
• Notes for some ingredients have been updated based on the Cosmetic Safety Technical Standards.

New Additions to List II

Two new ingredients have been added to List II after completing the required safety monitoring: 

• N-Acetylneuraminic Acid (CAS no. 131-48-6) 
• Beta-Alanyl-Hydroxyprolyl-Diaminobutyryl Benzylamide (CAS no. 823202-99-9)

Dynamic Updates from Now On

The Catalogue will be updated regularly based on scientific research, industry needs, and regulatory experience. Updates will no longer be announced by official notices. Instead, the latest version of the Catalogue and explanations for changes will be published on the NMPA website. 

For more details, companies can visit the official notice here   or contact their local environmental authority 

On June 24, 2025, China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) announced the dynamic adjustment of the Catalogue of Used Cosmetic Ingredients. This catalogue will now be updated regularly...

On June 24, 2025, China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) announced the dynamic adjustment of the Catalogue of Used Cosmetic Ingredients. This catalogue will now be updated regularly and is divided into two parts: List I and List II. 

Two New Ingredients Added to List II 

Two cosmetic ingredients have recently been added to List II: 

• N-Acetylneuraminic Acid (CAS no 131-48-6), registered by Wuhan Zhongke Guanggu Green Biotechnology Co., Ltd. 

• Beta-Alanyl-Hydroxyprolyl-Diaminobutyryl Benzylamide (CAS no 823202-99-9), registered by Shenzhen Vicky Pharmaceutical R&D Co., Ltd. 

Both ingredients have completed a three-year safety monitoring period and were found to meet the requirements of the Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulation and related policies. As a result, they are now officially included in the list of used cosmetic ingredients. 

Updates to List I: Standardization and Clarifications 

In addition, List I has been updated as follows: 

1. The item “Maximum Historical Use Level” has been removed. 

2. The Chinese or INCI/English names of certain ingredients,  (such as No. 01371 and 01372,) have been standardized. 

3. The remarks for certain ingredients (e.g., No. 04696 and 08970) have been updated in accordance with the Cosmetic Safety Technical Standards. 

For more details, companies can refer to the official notice here or contact their local environmental authority 

On May 6, 2025, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) published an official notice announcing updates to the Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances in China (IECSC).    New a...

On May 6, 2025, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) published an official notice announcing updates to the Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances in China (IECSC). 

New and Registered Substances Added to IECSC 

• 44 new substances were added to the IECSC. These are chemicals that are now officially recognized as existing substances in China. This update is listed as the 2025 First Batch (Total Batch 13). 

• 37 substances, which were previously registered as new chemical substances, have now been officially added to the IECSC. This means they are no longer considered “new” and can be managed under existing substance rules. This is the 2025 First Batch (Total Batch 15). 

Revised Use Conditions for Two Substances 

• The allowed uses for 2 existing substances have been changed. This is important for companies who use or import these chemicals, as they must follow the new use conditions. This update is listed as the 2025 First Batch for Use Changes (Total Batch 1). 

These updates where made under China’s chemical management rules under MEE Order No. 12. Companies should check the updated listingss and ensure compliance with any changes. 

For more details, companies can visit the MEE website or contact their local environmental authority.  

Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment has announced stricter controls on several high- risk chemicals, including PFOS, PFOA, nonylphenol (NP), nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEO), and cycloterpenes. Starting...

Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment has announced stricter controls on several high- risk chemicals, including PFOS, PFOA, nonylphenol (NP), nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEO), and cycloterpenes. Starting June 1, 2025, these substances will be listed as toxic or of concern，with new concentration limits and use restrictions. 

PFAS Under Tighter Control 

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are, part of the broader group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) , They are known for their persistence in the environment and their ability to accumulate in living organisms., This poses risks to ecosystems and human health. Following international conventions likeIn line with the Stockholm Convention, Taiwan is now regulating over 350 related PFAS compounds. 

Stricter Limits on NP and NPEO 

NP and NPEO, which are classified as endocrine disruptors, have been banned in household cleaning products in Taiwan since 2007. Now, stricter rules will cap their use at 0.1% in cleaning products and high-risk applications, and ban the import of such products. 

Cycloterpenes Ban in Specific Applications 

Due to their toxicity and risk of bioaccumulation, cycloterpenes,  will be banned in antifouling paints, systems, and biocides.

Grace Period and Industry Guidance 

To help businesses transition, the ministry will offer a grace period of one and a half to two years. Officials also encourage industries to find safer alternatives to protect health and the environment. More details are available on the Ministry of Environment’s website or in the Executive Yuan Gazette. 

China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has introduced new rules the ‘Administrative Measures for Monitoring and Evaluation of Cosmetic Safety Risks‘, which are set to take effe...

China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has introduced new rules the ‘Administrative Measures for Monitoring and Evaluation of Cosmetic Safety Risks‘, which are set to take effect on 1 August 2025. The purpose of the new measures  is to to strengthen supervision of cosmetics and standardize safety risk monitoring and assessment.

Key Points: 

Start Date: The rules will take effect on 1 August , 2025. 

What’s Covered:

• Checks on ingredients, finished products, and how they are made and sold.
• Monitoring for any side effects or safety issues when people use them. 

Who’s Responsible:

• Cosmetic companies (brands, manufacturers, and sellers) must track and report safety risks.

What Will Happen

• Safety Checks: The government will collect data from tests, customer complaints, and inspections. 
• Risk Levels: Products with high risks levels may be recalled or banned.
• Public Updates: Safety reports will be shared to help consumers make informed choices. 

What Companies Must Do 

• Follow quality control rules and report any safety problems. 
• For new ingredients or special claims (such as "anti-aging"), extra safety tests are needed. 
• If companies don’t comply, they could face warnings, fines, or other penalties. 

Why This Matters 
These rules aim to prevent problems before they happen, making cosmetics safer for everyone. Companies should prepare now to comply with the new system. 
The official announcement can be accessed on the NMPA website here. 

China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) is seeking public feedback on draft indicative lists of long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), their salts, and related compounds. These subs...

China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) is seeking public feedback on draft indicative lists of long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), their salts, and related compounds. These substances are widely used in industrial applications, such as the production of non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foams. They are known for their environmental persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and suspected adverse health effects.

The proposed lists were developed in cooperation with the Stockholm Convention Secretariat and are part of China’s efforts to implement control measures for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Convention.

Draft Chemical Lists Linked to the Stockholm Convention

The MEE has prepared a draft list of these long-chain PFCAs and related substances. The list is part of the MEE’s work under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, to which China has been a party since 2004. This international agreement aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of harmful chemicals. The government is encouraging businesses and experts to provide feedback on the draft list before 19 May 2025.

Potential Impact on Industry

If these chemicals are added to China’s control list, manufacturers may need to adapt their processes. This could affect how companies source materials or produce goods that rely on these chemicals.

What Companies Should Do

• Check whether their products use these chemicals, especially C9–C21 PFCAs.

• Review how the proposed rules might affect them.

• Send written feedback to the Environmental Convention Implementation Centre.

• Visit the official MEE website here for full details.

The Lists in the Consultation Include:

1. An indicative list of long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), their salts and related compounds.

2. A updated list of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) its salts and related compounds.

3. A updated list of perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), its salts and related compounds.

Next Steps for Companies

Stakeholders are encouraged to provide input early on. Early participation may help shape the final rules, request exceptions, or suggest a longer transition periods. Companies should also monitor updates from the upcoming global meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention, scheduled for late April to early May 2025.

The Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) has reviewed the draft Hazardous Chemicals Safety Law of the People's Republic of China. To encourage public participation in the le...

The Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) has reviewed the draft Hazardous Chemicals Safety Law of the People's Republic of China. To encourage public participation in the legislative process, a public consultation on the draft law was launched on December 26, 2024.

The Draft Hazardous Chemicals Safety Law establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework covering the planning and design of hazardous chemicals, as well as safety in production, storage, use, business operations, and transportation. It also outlines registration requirements for hazardous chemicals, emergency response measures, and legal responsibilities.

Key Provisions of the Draft Law

• Mandatory Training: Employees in hazardous chemical units must undergo education and training and pass an assessment before starting work.

• Lifecycle Management: Hazardous chemicals must be electronically tracked and monitored electronically throughout their lifecycle using identification and information management systems.

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) & Labeling: Manufacturers and importers of hazardous chemicals are required to provide SDS and labels for their products, with penalties for non-compliance.

• Exemptions for R&D and Small-Scale Use: Hazardous chemicals in small low quantities, minimal release, and limited exposure during research, trial production, and market trials are exempt from registration.

• Prohibited Activities: No entity or individual may carry out activities involving chemicals whose hazardous properties have not been determined.

Public Consultation and Feedback

The draft law is available for public review on the NPC official website and the National Database of Laws and Regulations. The public can submit feedback online or by mail to the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee at No. 1 Qianmen West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100805. Submissions should be clearly marked as relating to the “Draft Hazardous Chemicals Safety Law Consultation.”

The consultation period will last 30 days, offering stakeholders across industries, regulatory bodies, and the general public an opportunity to shape the future of hazardous chemical safety regulation in China.

For official details and to submit feedback, please visit the NPC official website.