News Details

On May 6, 2026, the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China introduced a new regulatory framework for the inspection, quarantine, and supervision of imported and exported cosmetics with the publication of Order No. 284. These measures will enter into force on December 1, 2026. 

The new regulations establish a risk-based customs supervision system covering cosmetics entering or leaving China, strengthening compliance requirements for importers, exporters, and manufacturers. It integrates digital verification, sampling inspection, laboratory testing, and traceability obligations, marking a significant modernization of China’s cosmetics border control system. 

Overview of the New Cosmetics Customs Regulation 

The new rules aim to enhance consumer safety, streamline inspection procedures, and improve regulatory efficiency by using digital and science-based supervision methods. The framework aligns customs enforcement with existing cosmetic safety laws and international trade obligations. 

Key objectives include: 

• Strengthening safety control over cross-border cosmetics trade.  

• Standardizing inspection and quarantine procedures 

• Enhancing traceability and compliance accountability 

• Introducing risk-based supervision mechanisms 

• Improving digital and intelligent customs enforcement systems.  

Key Regulatory Changes Under Order No. 284 

The regulation introduces a structured compliance system for both import and export cosmetics, emphasizing the accuracy of documentation, product safety, and regulatory transparency. 

Import and Export Scope Coverage 

• Applies to cosmetics listed in China’s mandatory inspection catalogue 

• Includes products subject to international treaties or legal inspection requirements 

• Covers both commercial imports/exports and specific non-commercial exemptions  

Digital Compliance and Verification 

• Customs authorities will use electronic data systems for automatic verification  

• Imported cosmetics must complete product registration or filing before entry  

• Label compliance will be subject to customs verification rules issued separately  

Inspection and Testing Framework 

• Risk-based inspections are applied across all cosmetics categories  

• On-site inspection and laboratory sampling may be required  

• Accredited testing institutions must issue inspection reports in a timely manner  

Import Cosmetics Inspection Requirements 

Imported cosmetics are subject to strict entry controls under the new system, including declaration, sampling, and compliance verification. 

Key Import Requirements 

• Importers or agents must submit declarations  and supporting documents to customs 

• Products must complete cosmetic registration or filing before customs clearance  

• Customs will verify compliance through electronic database matching  

• Goods must be inspected at designated destinations unless otherwise approved  

Inspection Outcomes 

• Compliant products receive official inspection clearance certificates  

• Non-compliant products may face:  

• Destruction or return if safety or environmental risks exist  

• Corrective technical treatment under customs supervision  

• Re-inspection before market release after correction  

Traceability Obligations 

• Importers must maintain full traceability records  

• Records must be retained for at least one year after product expiry, or at least two years if the shelf life is less than one year  

Export Cosmetics Inspection Requirements 

Export cosmetics must comply with the requirements of the destination country and China’s export inspection system. 

Export Compliance Standards 

• Products must meet the standards of the importing country or contractual requirements.  

• If no foreign standard exists, China Customs may designate applicable standards.  

• Manufacturers must maintain a functioning quality management system.  

Export Inspection Process 

• Inspection is primarily conducted at the production sites.  

• Sampling, laboratory testing, or on-site checks may be required.  

• Export approval is issued only after compliance verification.  

Non-Compliance Handling 

• Non-compliant products may be:  

• Technically corrected under supervision and re-tested.  

• Prohibited from export if correction fails.  

Risk-Based Supervision and Customs Control Measures 

The General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China is introducing a dynamic risk management system to monitor cosmetics safety. 

Risk Monitoring System 

• Continuous monitoring of cosmetic safety risks  

• National risk surveillance planning and implementation  

• Cross-border safety information sharing and assessment  

Regulatory Actions Based on Risk Level 

• Increased inspection frequency or expanded testing items  

• Public risk alerts and inter-agency notifications  

• Suspension of imports for high-risk products  

• Emergency interventions for severe health risks  

Credit-Based Management 

• Importers, exporters, and manufacturers will be classified under a credit system  

• Different compliance levels determine inspection intensity  

Legal Liability and Enforcement Measures 

The regulation strengthens enforcement responsibility for non-compliance across the cosmetics supply chain. 

Penalties and Legal Consequences 

• Failure to carry out mandatory destruction or return obligations may result in:  

• Official warnings  

• Fines up to RMB 10,000 (approximately subject to exchange rate fluctuations)  

• Serious violations may lead to penalties under related laws and criminal liability  

Dispute and Re-Inspection Rights 

• Stakeholders may apply for re-inspection under prescribed conditions  

• Re-inspection is not accepted in cases involving:  

• Microbiological contamination exceedances  

• Expired products  

• Situations where re-testing is technically impossible  

Transitional and Special Provisions 

• The regulation will supersede the previous 2011 cosmetics inspection framework on December 1, 2026  

• Cross-border e-commerce cosmetics follow separate regulatory rules  

• Soap products are generally excluded unless claiming cosmetic functions  

• Toothpaste and cosmetic semi-finished goods are partially included under adapted supervision rules