This article compiles and summarizes the latest developments in cosmetics regulations in China and globally as of August 2025, covering industry news, newly issued regulations, relevant policy adjustments, and regulatory requirements. It aims to assist enterprises in ensuring compliance and keeping up with global cosmetics regulatory trends.
China
This section is divided into two main modules: Regulatory Updates and Local Developments & Industry News. The first module primarily covers the latest regulatory developments issued by national authorities such as the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC). The second module compiles and summarizes cosmetics-related updates from local authorities as well as key industry news.
Regulatory Updates
Notice of the General Office of the NMPA on Issuing the 2025 Work Plan for Cosmetic Standards Development
On August 21, 2025, the NMPA issued that in order to implement the Regulations on the Supervision and Administration of Cosmetics, fulfill the relevant requirements of the 14th Five-Year Plan for National Drug Safety and High-Quality Development, and in accordance with the NMPA’s arrangements for cosmetic standardization work, the 2025 Work Plan for Cosmetic Standards Development is hereby issued.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/hzhp/hzhpjgdt/20250821155419144.html
Notice of the NMPA on Incorporating Five Methods Including the Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability Test Method into the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition) (No. 32 of 2025)
On August 29, 2025, the NMPA issued the following notice: The five methods, namely the Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability Test Method, In Vitro Skin Sensitization: Direct Peptide Reactivity Assay Based on Kinetic Measurements, In Vitro Skin Absorption Test Method, Immunotoxicity Test Method, and Oral Mucosal Irritation Test Method, drafted under the organization of the NMPA, have been reviewed and approved by the Chairmen’s Meeting of the Cosmetics Standardization Technical Committee of the NMPA. These methods are hereby promulgated and incorporated into the relevant chapters of the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition).
All five methods are newly added methods and will be implemented starting from March 1, 2026. Prior to the implementation date, the use of these methods in cosmetic registration and notification-related testing is encouraged.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/xxgk/ggtg/hzhpggtg/jmhzhptg/20250829162436189.html
Notice of the NIFDC on Soliciting Drafting Organizations for the 2025 Cosmetic Standards Development and Revision Projects
On August 29, 2025, the NIFDC issued a notice to facilitate the development and revision of cosmetic standards. The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has released the 2025 Project Plan for Cosmetic Standards Development.
Organizations are now publicly invited to apply as drafting units for the 2025 standards development and revision projects. Interested parties are requested to submit the relevant materials through the Cosmetic Standards Development and Revision Management System (website:
https://www.nifdc.org.cn/nifdc/bshff/hzhpbzh/hzhpbzhxt/index.html).
The deadline for submission is September 21, 2025.
https://www.nifdc.org.cn//nifdc/bshff/hzhpbzh/hzhpbzhtzgg/202508291027521701870.html
Local Developments & Industry News
SAMR | Draft of the "Measures for the Handling of Complaints and Reports in Market Supervision" Open for Public Comment
On August 6, 2025, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) issued a notice stating that, in order to adapt to the new circumstances and requirements of market supervision, improve the quality and efficiency of handling complaints and reports, and contribute to optimizing the consumer and business environment, SAMR has recently organized the revision of the regulation titled Interim Measures for the Handling of Complaints and Reports in Market Supervision.
As a result, the Measures for the Handling of Complaints and Reports in Market Supervision (Draft for Public Comment) has been formulated and is now open for public consultation. The draft contains a total of 43 articles. In this revision, eight new articles have been added, four articles have been deleted, and 13 articles have been amended, focusing mainly on five key areas.
https://www.samr.gov.cn/xw/zj/art/2025/art_d05708e70443426ab4b6d4d7860a51e5.html
SAMR | Proposed Repeal of the "Rules for Metrological Inspection of Food and Cosmetic Packaging" – Open for Public Comment
On August 28, 2025, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) issued an announcement stating that, in accordance with the implementation plan jointly issued by SAMR and the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for strengthening the governance system of excessive product packaging, SAMR proposes to repeal the national metrological technical specification JJF 1244—2010 Rules for Metrological Inspection of Food and Cosmetic Packaging.
In accordance with the relevant provisions of the Administrative Measures for National Metrological Technical Specifications, the draft repeal is now open for public comment. The full text of the specification can be accessed via the “National Metrological Technical Specifications Public Access System” (website: https://jjg.spc.org.cn). The deadline for submitting feedback is September 27, 2025.
https://www.samr.gov.cn/hd/zjdc/art/2025/art_3978088789a84632913acb6125985fce.html?sessionid=
Jiangxi Center for Drug Certification and Evaluation | Compilation of One-Stop Guide for Cosmetic Product Registration and Notification
On August 11, 2025, the Jiangxi Medical Products Administration announced that the Jiangxi Center for Drug Certification and Evaluation had convened a kick-off meeting for the compilation of the One-Stop Guide for Cosmetic Product Registration and Notification.
The meeting clarified the background, objectives, and phased milestones of the guide, discussed the framework design on-site, and solicited expert opinions. Next, the center will refine the plan and complete the compilation on schedule, providing practical guidance for cosmetic product notification and registration across the province.
https://mpa.jiangxi.gov.cn/jxsypjdglj/col/col5279/content/content_1954818245512740864.html
Huainan City Market Supervision Bureau | Credit-Based Tiered Regulation of Cosmetics in Maternal and Infant Stores
On August 22, 2025, the Huainan City Market Supervision Bureau announced significant progress in implementing credit-based tiered regulation for cosmetic products sold in maternal and infant stores, following the rollout of the Administrative Measures for Credit Evaluation of Cosmetics Operations (Maternal and Infant Stores) (Trial).
Focusing on the principles of "tiered classification and targeted supervision," the bureau has completed the data collection and credit evaluation of 86 maternal and infant stores, achieving phased results. The system classifies stores into four credit levels – A, B, C, and D – based on their credit scores, enabling differentiated regulatory approaches. This tiered supervision model allows regulatory resources to be more precisely allocated: easing the burden on low-risk businesses while strengthening oversight of higher-risk entities, thereby improving both regulatory efficiency and effectiveness.
https://mpa.ah.gov.cn/zwgz/sxdt/123041771.html
Global
This section primarily covers global cosmetics-related developments for August 2025.
Europe
EU Proposes Optimization of the Cosmetics Regulation to Enhance Regulatory Efficiency
On July 16, 2025, the European Union (EU) submitted notification G/TBT/N/EU/1148 to the World Trade Organization (WTO), aiming at simplification of the certain provisions and procedures of the Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and Regulation (EU) 2019/1009.
Key Proposed Amendments to the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 include:
- A procedure will be established for the inclusion of colorants, preservatives, and UV filters in Annexes IV, V, and VI;
- Optimisation of the Regulation and Derogation Process for Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Reprotoxic (CMR) Substances;
- Standardization of Nomenclature;
- Simplification of Notification Procedures;
- Introduction of the ICSMS System to Accelerate Information Sharing.
Https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=Q:/G/TBTN25/EU1148.pdf&Open=True
EU Notifies WTO of Proposed Amendments to Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009
On July 16, 2025, the European Commission submitted notification G/TBT/N/EU/1146 to the World Trade Organization (WTO), proposing amendments to the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. The draft revision concerns several substances, including benzyl salicylate, silver zinc zeolite, aluminum, and water-soluble zinc salts. The deadline for public comments is September 14, 2025. According to the proposal, the regulation will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, with implementation expected in the first quarter of 2026.
https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2025/TBT/EEC/25_04620_00_e.pdf
https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2025/TBT/EEC/25_04620_01_e.pdf
Latest Update on Titanium Dioxide Classification: EU Court Upholds Annulment of "Carcinogenic" Label
On August 1, 2025, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) issued a final ruling, rejecting the appeals filed by France and the European Commission. The decision upholds the November 2022 judgment of the General Court, officially annulling the classification of certain powdered forms of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) as a carcinogenic substance. This ruling marks the conclusion of a years-long legal and regulatory dispute over the alleged carcinogenicity of titanium dioxide, bringing clarity and regulatory stability for industries using the substance, including the cosmetics, paints, and food sectors.
https://curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/2025-08/cp250099en.pdf
South America
Brazil Issues Ban on Animal Testing for Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
On July 30, 2025, Brazil enacted a landmark regulation prohibiting the use of animals for testing cosmetics, personal care products, perfumes, and their ingredients. The regulation amends two key pieces of legislation – Law No. 11,794 (2008) and Law No. 6,360 (1976) – to explicitly prohibit testing of products and their ingredients on vertebrate animals, including tests conducted for purposes of safety, efficacy, or hazard assessment. In addition, the amendment introduces stricter labeling requirements for products that underwent animal testing prior to the regulation’s effective date.
Asia
Amendments to South Korea’s Enforcement Rule of the Cosmetics Act Concerning Labeling, Advertising, and Transitional Measures for Documentation Retention
On August 1, 2025, the South Korean government promulgated Prime Ministerial Decree No. 2043, partially amending the Enforcement Rule of the Cosmetics Act. The amendments took effect upon the date of promulgation.
South Korea Abolishes Regulations on the Designation and Certification of Institutions for Natural and Organic Cosmetics
On August 1, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of South Korea issued Announcement No. 2025-48, repealing the regulations related to natural and organic cosmetics. The repeal came into effect on the same day.
https://www.mfds.go.kr/brd/m_207/view.do?seq=15083
Indonesia Issues Recall of 34 Cosmetic Products Containing Banned and Harmful Ingredients
On August 1, 2025, Indonesia’s National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) issued an announcement recalling 34 cosmetic products containing harmful and/or prohibited ingredients, urging consumers to remain vigilant. During routine monitoring conducted in the second quarter of 2025 (April to June), 34 cosmetic products were found to contain banned substances such as mercury, tretinoin, hydroquinone, lead, metanil yellow, and corticosteroids. Among them, 28 were contract-manufactured products, two were locally produced, and four were imported.
These ingredients pose serious health risks, including skin pigmentation disorders, fetal abnormalities, liver and kidney damage, nervous system impairment, and cancer. BPOM has revoked the marketing authorizations of the affected products, suspended their production, distribution, and importation activities, and launched enforcement actions across the supply chain through its 76 technical implementation units nationwide.
If evidence of criminal activity is found, cases will be handed over to judicial authorities. Offending companies may face up to 12 years of imprisonment or fines of up to IDR 5 billion.
Indonesia’s New Requirements on Cosmetic Labeling, Promotion, and Advertising Now in Effect, Full Enforcement Begins November 2025
In November 2024, the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) introduced new provisions under Regulation No. 18/2024, governing the labeling, promotion, and advertising of all cosmetic products in Indonesia. The regulation came into effect on November 15, 2024.
A 12-month transitional period has been granted to holders of cosmetic distribution licenses that were obtained prior to the effective date, requiring full compliance with the new requirements by November 15, 2025. Relevant companies are advised to pay close attention to the transition timeline and ensure product compliance with the new regulation.
https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/Details/309969/peraturan-bpom-no-18-tahun-2024?sessionid=
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