This article reviews and summarizes the latest international cosmetic regulatory developments in the first half of 2025, with a focus on the Asia market. It covers key updates from Taiwan, China, ASEAN member states and Korea. The aim is to help enterprises stay informed of regulatory changes, ensure compliant product launches, and enhance global market competitiveness.
Taiwan (ROC)
Draft Proposal on the Mandatory Labeling of Specific Fragrance or Flavor Ingredients in Cosmetics and the Amendment to Article 7 of the Labeling Regulations in Taiwan, China
On January 21, 2025, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) under the Ministry of Health and Welfare proposed two draft regulations: “Labeling Requirements for Outer Packaging, Containers, Labels, or Package Inserts of Cosmetics” and “Specific Fragrance or Flavor Ingredients Required to Be Labeled in Cosmetics.” These drafts have been released for a 60-day public consultation period to collect feedback from various stakeholders.
https://www.fda.gov.tw/tc/includes/GetFile.ashx?id=f638729861144442115
https://www.fda.gov.tw/TC/newsContent.aspx?cid=5072&id=30920
Taiwan Issues Draft Amendment to the "List of Prohibited and Restricted Ingredients in Cosmetic Products (Draft)"
On April 7, 2025, the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu issued notification G/TBT/N/TPKM/559, announcing the draft amendment to the "List of Prohibited and Restricted Ingredients in Cosmetic Products (Draft)." The comment period for this draft is 60 days from the date of notification, and the amendment is expected to take effect on July 1, 2026.
https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2025/TBT/TPKM/25_02663_00_e.pdf
https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2025/TBT/TPKM/25_02663_00_x.pdf
ASEAN
Indonesia's New Cosmetic Notification System -- Notifkos 3.0 Officially Launched
On July 12, 2024, the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) officially introduced the updated Notifkos cosmetic notification system. The Notifkos 3.0 system was fully opened to enterprises on January 2, 2025, and is now officially operational. The new 3.0 system features multiple updates and newly added functionalities.
Indonesia Issues New Regulations on Cosmetic Labeling, Promotion, and Advertising
On February 17, the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) issued the Regulation on Cosmetic Labeling, Promotion, and Advertising, which includes the following key provisions:
- Integration of Multiple Existing Regulations: The regulation consolidates several previous rules and clarifies that the labeling, promotion, and advertising of cosmetics and repackaged cosmetic products must be objective, comprehensive, and free from misleading claims.
- Mandatory Labeling and Advertising Requirements: Labels must include 12 key pieces of information, such as product name, ingredient list, and expiration date. Advertisements are prohibited from using medical terminology and images of healthcare professionals.
- Enhanced Regulatory Oversight: The regulation strengthens enforcement through monthly inspections and random spot checks. Non-compliant companies may face administrative penalties, including sales suspension, product recalls, product destruction, and public disclosure of violations.
Philippines Amends ASEAN Cosmetic Directive
On March 18, 2025, the FDA Philippines issued FDA Circular No. 2025-002, amending the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD). This circular will officially take effect 15 days after its publication. The main content of updates and amendments to the ACD include N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide/Diethyltoluamide (DEET) has been added to Annex II; Amendment to Annex III of the ACD and ASEAN standards for the use of CMR category 1A and 1B substances.
https://www.fda.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/FDA-Circular-No.2025-002-Annex.pdf
Vietnam Notifies Draft Decree on the Management of Cosmetics
On June 17, 2025, the Ministry of Health of Vietnam submitted notification G/TBT/N/VNM/349 to the WTO, announcing the proposed Draft Decree on the Management of Cosmetics. The draft decree is expected to be approved in September 2025 and come into effect on July 1, 2026. The deadline for comments is 60 days from the date of notification.
https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2025/TBT/VNM/25_03963_00_x.pdf
Korea
South Korea Proposes Revisions to the Review Regulations for the Designation and Modification of Cosmetic Ingredient Usage Standards
On February 21, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of South Korea issued Announcement No. 92 of 2025, proposing amendments to the review regulations for the designation and modification of cosmetic ingredient usage standards. The revision aims to clarify the scope and requirements for submitting materials when applying for the cancellation or modification of prohibited ingredients, ensuring the rationality and standardization of the review process for the designation or modification of cosmetic ingredient usage standards.
Korea Amends the Enforcement Rule of the Cosmetics Act
On March 26, 2025, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of Korea issued Announcement No. 2025-111, promulgating the draft amendment to the Enforcement Rule of the Cosmetics Act. The amended provisions are scheduled to take effect on August 1, 2025.
South Korea Proposes Amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Cosmetics Act
On June 19, 2025, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of South Korea issued Announcement No. 2025-258, proposing an amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Cosmetics Act and opened it for public consultation.
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