Malaysia’s NPRA updates list of restricted substances used in cosmetics

On June 18, 2024, Malaysia’s National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) updated the list of restricted substances for cosmetics under the country’s Guidelines for Control of Cosmetic Products in Malaysia. In a Pekeliling Bill 2/2024 circular, the NPRA detailed the changes to four substances, their associated concentration limits in ready-for-use preparations, and the effective dates of the revisions as follows:

The NPRA stated in its notice that companies that manufacture, sell, provide, import or own cosmetics must comply with all of the criteria. Cosmetic Notification Holders are reminded to follow all instructions and restrictions set out in Regulation 18A of the 1984 Drug and Cosmetic Control restrictions, as well as the Malaysian Cosmetic Product Control Guidelines.
The updates reflect decisions made during the 39th ASEAN Cosmetic Committee (ACC), which convened virtually on May 20 and 21, 2024. At the ACC it was agreed to amend several substances in Annex III of the ASEAN Cosmetics Directive (ACD).