China NIFDC Seeks Public Comments on: Free Formaldehyde (Draft for Comment)

Formaldehyde, with the INCI name FORMALDEHYDE and CAS No. 50-00-0, is stipulated by the STSC as a prohibited substance in cosmetics. Note (1) d of the List of Preservatives Permitted for Use in Cosmetics (Table 4) currently stipulates that all cosmetic products containing formaldehyde-releasing substances listed in this table shall, when the formaldehyde concentration in the finished product exceeds 0.05% (calculated as free formaldehyde), bear the words “contains formaldehyde” on the product label, and are prohibited in spray products. Relationship with international standards of the same type: Based on the potential risk of sensitization, Annex V (list of preservatives allowed in cosmetic products) of the EU Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 stipulates that all cosmetic products containing formaldehyde-releasing substances listed in this Annex shall, regardless of whether the finished product contains one or more formaldehyde-releasing substances, bear the words “releases formaldehyde” on the product label when the concentration of released formaldehyde in the finished product exceeds 0.001% (10 ppm). Relationship with existing Chinese standards: This revision proposes to amend Note (1) d of the List of Preservatives Permitted for Use in Cosmetics (Table 4) to read: “All cosmetic products containing formaldehyde-releasing substances listed in this table shall, when the formaldehyde concentration in the finished product exceeds 0.001% (calculated as free formaldehyde), bear the words ‘releases formaldehyde’ on the product label, and shall not be used in products that may present an inhalation risk.” After the adjustment, it will be basically consistent with the relevant EU regulations.