News Details

 On 15 May 2026, China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) announced the inclusion of three revised cosmetic safety standards in the Cosmetics Safety Technical Specification (2015 Edition), thereby strengthening regulatory control over key cosmetic ingredients and impurities. 

The update covers revised standards for o-phenyl phenol and its salts, Acid Violet 43 (CI 60730), and mercury and its compounds. These revisions replace previous versions in the existing technical specification and introduce updated safety requirements, testing parameters, and compliance timelines for the cosmetics industry in China. 

Regulatory Update Published by the NMPA 

The NMPA, China’s central authority for drug and cosmetics regulation, issued Announcement No. 48 of 2026, confirming that the Cosmetics Standardization Technical Committee has formally reviewed and approved three technical standards . 

The updated standards will be incorporated into the Cosmetics Safety Technical Specification (2015 Edition), the core national framework for cosmetics safety control in China. 

Scope of the Newly Revised Standards 

The revision involves three key substances monitored in cosmetic formulations due to their safety relevance: 

• o-Phenylphenol and its salts  

• Acid Violet 43 (Color Index CI 60730)  

• Mercury and its compounds  

These revised standards replace the original provisions in the Cosmetics Safety Technical Specification (2015 Edition) and reflect updated scientific assessments and regulatory expectations. 

Implementation Timeline and Transition Period 

The NMPA has set different implementation dates depending on the substance category, allowing industry stakeholders time to adjust formulations and compliance systems. 

• Mercury (CAS No. 7439-97-6) and its compounds: effective from 1 July 2026  

• o-Phenylphenol and its salts: effective from 1 June 2028  

• Acid Violet 43 (CI 60730): effective from 1 June 2028  

During the transition period, cosmetics manufactured or imported before the implementation dates can be sold until their expiration date. Manufacturers, registrants, and filing entities are encouraged to adopt the revised standards ahead of schedule to ensure smoother regulatory compliance. 

Key Compliance Implications for Industry 

The announcement reinforces China’s ongoing tightening of cosmetic ingredient safety controls and highlights the importance of proactive regulatory alignment. 

• Existing products benefit from a grace period for market clearance  

• New formulations must comply with updated technical limits after enforcement dates  

• Early adoption is encouraged to reduce compliance risk and avoid reformulation pressure  

• Ingredient risk management systems will become increasingly important for market access in China  

Background: Cosmetics Safety Technical Specification (2015 Edition) 

The Cosmetics Safety Technical Specification (2015 Edition) is China’s foundational technical document governing cosmetic ingredient safety. It includes: 

• Restricted and prohibited substances  

• Permitted colorants and preservatives  

• Heavy metal limits and impurity controls  

• Testing and evaluation requirements  

The latest revision reflects the NMPA’s ongoing effort to align cosmetic safety governance with updated scientific data and international regulatory practices.