News Details

On May 29, 2026, China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) announced the adoption of eight new and revised testing methods under the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition). These include new analytical procedures for chromium testing, cosmetic ingredient identification, human long-term use testing. Several toxicological test methods have also been revised. 

The new requirements will officially enter into force on March 1, 2027. Before the implementation date, cosmetic registrants and filers are encouraged to apply the updated methods voluntarily during product testing and compliance activities. 

This announcement reflects China’s continued efforts to strengthen cosmetic safety assessment, improve analytical accuracy, and align technical standards with evolving regulatory and scientific requirements. 

Eight Methods Officially Incorporated into China’s Cosmetic Safety Standards 

According to the NMPA, the newly issued methods have been reviewed and approved by the Cosmetic Standardization Technical Committee. The eight methods will be incorporated into the corresponding chapters of the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition). 

Newly Added Testing Methods 

The following four methods have been introduced: 

• Testing Method for Trivalent Chromium and Hexavalent Chromium in Cosmetics 

• Testing Method for Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate Hydrochloride in Cosmetics 

• Testing Method for 11 Ingredients Including 1-Hydroxyethyl-4,5-Diaminopyrazole Sulfate in Cosmetics 

• Human Long-Term Use Testing Method 

Revised Testing Methods 

The following four methods have been revised and will replace the existing versions currently included in the standards: 

• Bacterial Reverse Mutation Test Method 

• In Vitro Mammalian Chromosomal Aberration Test Method 

• 90-Day Oral Toxicity Test Method 

• 90-Day Dermal Toxicity Test Method 

Impact on Cosmetic Registration and Compliance 

The updated testing methods are expected to affect cosmetic manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, testing laboratories, and regulatory service providers involved in Chinese cosmetic compliance. 

Key compliance considerations include: 

• Review existing testing protocols against the updated standards 

• Assess whether current laboratory methods remain compliant 

• Prepare for the transition to the revised toxicological testing procedures 

• Evaluate ingredient testing requirements for chromium compounds and newly listed substances 

• Update internal regulatory documentation before the enforcement date in March 2027 

The inclusion of both analytical and toxicological methods also signals increased regulatory attention toward product safety evaluation and scientific validation in the Chinese cosmetics sector. 

Implementation Timeline 

• Announcement Date: May 29, 2026 

• Issuing Authority: National Medical Products Administration 

• Effective Date: March 1, 2027 

• Current Recommendation: Early voluntary adoption is encouraged prior to mandatory implementation. 

Industry stakeholders are advised to monitor further guidance and implementation details relating to the updated cosmetic testing requirements in China.