China Regulatory News

Update: As per scheduled information, mandatory standard GB 30000.1-2024 becomes effective on 1 August 2025. Now from 1 August 2025 onwards, classification and labelling of chemicals must be applicab...

Update: As per scheduled information, mandatory standard GB 30000.1-2024 becomes effective on 1 August 2025. Now from 1 August 2025 onwards, classification and labelling of chemicals must be applicable as per GB 30000.1-2024 (GHS Rev.8) only. More information can be found here.

Original Text:

On 24 July 2024, GB 30000.1-2024 "Specification for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals—Part 1: General Rules" was officially published on the National Public Service Platform for Standards Information. This updated standard, which aligns with the eighth revised edition of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS 8), will come into force on 1 August 2025 and will replace the existing GB 13690-2009 "General Rules for the Classification and Hazard Communication of Chemicals."

Draft Release and Public Consultation

On 12 March 2024, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released a draft of the revised standard GB 30000.1. This update aims to align China's chemical classification and labelling standards with the UN's GHS 8. Public comments on this draft were invited until 12 April 2024.

Key updates to GB 30000.1

The revised GB 30000.1 introduces significant updates and new categories:

• Terminology and Definitions: Consistency with GHS 8 ensures clear, internationally recognized terminology.
• Hazard Classification: Adds a new category for desensitized explosives, bringing the total number of hazard classes in China to 29.
• Labeling Requirements: Special provisions are made for labeling, particularly for metals and alloys in non-dispersible forms. GHS labels must be used in workplaces, with alternative methods like area-specific labels allowed.
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Updated SDS requirements include detailed hazard communication guidelines and cut-off values for different hazard categories.

Exemptions

Certain products, such as pharmaceuticals, food additives, cosmetics, and pesticide residues in food intended for ingestion, are exempt from these labeling requirements unless workers are likely to be exposed during transport.

Implementation and Compliance

The revised GB 30000.1 will replace the existing GB 13690-2009 standard. Once adopted, it will better align China's chemical safety standards with international practices, improve hazard communication and ensure safer handling and transportation of chemicals within China and in international trade.

The adoption of GB 30000.1 is a significant step in enhancing chemical safety and regulatory compliance in China. By aligning with the UN GHS 8, China is demonstrating its commitment to global safety standards, facilitating smoother international trade and improving overall chemical safety management.

On 30 June 2025, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) published the final standard of Desensitized Explosives on the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) port...

On 30 June 2025, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) published the final standard of Desensitized Explosives on the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) portal. MIIT designated new standard GB 30000.30-2025 as Desensitized Explosives. Standard GB 30000.30-2025 refers to the tenth revised edition of the GHS. 

Earlier Update in March 2025 

MIIT previously on 4 March 2025 opened the public consultation for the updated version of Desensitized Explosives. Consultation ended on 11 March 2025. More information can be found here. 

Key Insights from the GB 30000.30-2025 

MIIT has included the revised information in the standard of: 

• Hazard and Precautionary Statements; 

• Signal word; 

• Hazard Pictogram; 

• Classification criteria; 

• Other provisions 

Obligations for Stakeholders 

From 1 July 2026 onwards, all manufacturers and importers of chemicals which classified as desensitized explosives are mandatory to reflect revised information in the labels and safety data sheets (SDS). 

Transition Period and Enforcement Dates 

MIIT has started 1 year transition period for stakeholders to adapt to this standard. GB 30000.30-2025 will come into force on 1 July 2026. 

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.