On October 23, 2026, the China National Institutes for Drug Control (NIDC) released the Working Mechanism for Innovation Guidance on New Cosmetic Ingredients (Trial). Depending on the specific matter, new ingredient registrants and filers may choose the corresponding innovation guidance approach.
This working mechanism is formulated to encourage and support cosmetic ingredient research and innovation, strengthen innovation guidance for and application of new cosmetic ingredients, and promote the coordinated efforts between the National Medical Products Administration's (NMPA) cosmetic technical review institution and provincial-level medical products administrations.
Depending on the guidance matters, the organizer, and the working procedures, innovation guidance for new cosmetic ingredients is divided into the following three categories:
- Category 1: Innovation guidance for key varieties. NIDC is responsible for organizing the collection and selection of new ingredients that meet the conditions and have high innovation value into the key varieties list, and implements early involvement and full-process guidance to accelerate their market application.
- Category 2: Communication on important technical issues. For new ingredient varieties not included in Category 1, where important technical issues are identified before registration or filing or during technical review, the new ingredient registrant or filer, or NIDC, may propose communication, which will be organized by NIDC.
- Category 3: Pre-submission follow-up guidance for locally administered varieties. Provincial-level medical products administrations with the required capabilities may provide pre-submission consultation and follow-up guidance to new ingredient registrants and filers within their respective jurisdictions, with necessary technical support from NIDC.
For other general questions concerning the acceptance and review of new cosmetic ingredients, new ingredient registrants and filers may also make inquiries on-site, by email, or by telephone in accordance with NIDC's notice on matters concerning acceptance and review consultation services.
CIRS Reminder
This mechanism provides three innovation guidance pathways, and enterprises may choose the appropriate channel based on the progress of their new ingredient projects and the technical difficulties involved. It is advisable to complete the necessary preliminary research and prepare the required supporting materials before applying for technical communication. Note that opinions formed during the guidance process are for review reference only and do not represent review conclusions.
If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via service@cirs-group.com.
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