This article compiles and summarizes the latest developments in cosmetics regulations as of January 2026, including domestic China industry news, newly issued regulations, updates to relevant standards and policies, and regulatory requirements, as well as global regulatory trends in the cosmetics sector. It aims to assist enterprises in ensuring compliance and keeping up with global cosmetics regulatory trends.
China’s Cosmetics Regulatory and Standards Updates & Industry News
This section is divided into two main modules: Regulatory & Standards Updates and 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 latest developments related to cosmetic standards will also be presented in this section. The second module compiles and summarizes cosmetics-related key industry news.
Regulatory Updates
Dynamic Adjustment of the “Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China (IECIC)”
On January 4, 2026, NMPA announced the third dynamic adjustment to the Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China (IECIC). The updates to Part I of the IECIC are as follows:
- Three ingredients-Black Ginseng Extract, Zinc Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, and Galactomannan-previously exempted from new cosmetic ingredient notification due to being managed as existing ingredients, have now been officially included in Part I of the IECIC. This inclusion is clarified in the remarks section for each respective ingredient.
- The Chinese names, INCI names, and/or English names of certain ingredients have been standardized or revised, and relevant remarks have been updated accordingly.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/hzhp/hzhpjgdt/20260104142237112.html
NMPA Announcement on the Issuance of the Supplementary Testing Method for Determination of Four Sudan Dyes Including Sudan I (CI 12055) in Cosmetics
On January 12, 2026, NMPA officially approved and issued the supplementary testing method titled "Determination of Four Components Including Sudan I (CI 12055) in Cosmetics." This method specifies the procedures for the determination of Sudan I (CI 12055), Sudan II (CI 12140), Sudan III (CI 26100), and Sudan IV (CI 26105) in cosmetic products. It is applicable to the quantitative analysis of these four Sudan dyes in various types of cosmetics, including liquid-based (water or oil), cream and lotion-based, powder-based, solid-based, and wax-based formulations.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/hzhp/hzhpjmtg/20260112142738101.html
NMPA Announcement on Incorporating Five Testing Methods Including the Determination of Six Ingredients such as Cannabidiol in Cosmetics into the Technical Guidelines for Cosmetic Safety (2015 Edition)
On January 12, 2026, NMPA announced the official release of five testing methods, including the "Testing Method for Six Ingredients Including Cannabidiol in Cosmetics." These methods were drafted under the organization of the NMPA and reviewed and approved by the Chairmen’s Meeting of the NMPA Cosmetic Standards Technical Committee. They are now incorporated into the relevant sections of the Technical Guidelines for Cosmetic Safety (2015 Edition).
The General Rules for Physicochemical Testing Methods will come into effect on July 1, 2026.The following four testing methods will take effect on January 1, 2027: Testing Method for Six Ingredients Including Cannabidiol in Cosmetics; Testing Method for Diethylene Glycol in Cosmetics; Testing Method for 23 Ingredients Including Procainamide in Cosmetics; Testing Method for 124 Ingredients Including 6α-Methylprednisolone in Cosmetics. Before the official implementation dates, the use of these methods in cosmetic product registration and filing-related testing is encouraged.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/hzhp/hzhpjmtg/20260112143314133.html
NMPA Announcement on Incorporating Four Methods Including “Skin Sensitization: Local Lymph Node Assay-BrdU-FCM” into the Technical Guidelines for Cosmetic Safety (2015 Edition)
On January 12, 2026, NMPA officially released four testing methods, including “Skin Sensitization: Local Lymph Node Assay-BrdU-FCM.” These methods were organized and drafted by the NMPA and reviewed and approved by the Chairmen’s Meeting of the NMPA Cosmetic Standards Technical Committee. They are now incorporated into the relevant sections of the Technical Guidelines for Cosmetic Safety (2015 Edition).
The above four methods will come into effect on July 1, 2026. Prior to their official implementation, the use of these methods is encouraged for cosmetic product registration and filing-related testing.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/hzhp/hzhpjmtg/20260112144409184.html
NMPA Announcement on Incorporating Four Methods Including “Skin Sensitization: Local Lymph Node Assay-BrdU-FCM” into the Technical Guidelines for Cosmetic Safety (2015 Edition)
On January 12, 2026, NMPA announced the official release of four testing methods, including “Skin Sensitization: Local Lymph Node Assay-BrdU-FCM.” These methods were drafted under the organization of the NMPA and reviewed and approved by the Chairmen’s Meeting of the NMPA Cosmetic Standards Technical Committee. They are now incorporated into the relevant chapters of the Technical Guidelines for Cosmetic Safety (2015 Edition).
These four testing methods will come into effect on July 1, 2026. Prior to their official implementation, the use of these methods is encouraged for cosmetic product registration and filing-related testing.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/hzhp/hzhpjmtg/20260112145634170.html
Notice from NIFDC on Soliciting Public Comments on Three Draft Cosmetic Standards Including the “Testing Methods for Trivalent and Hexavalent Chromium in Cosmetics (Draft for Comments)”
On January 15, 2026, the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) released three draft standards for cosmetics, including the “Testing Methods for Trivalent and Hexavalent Chromium in Cosmetics (Draft for Comments),” as part of its ongoing efforts to improve the technical standards for cosmetics. These drafts have been developed and are now open for public consultation. The deadline for submitting comments is February 24, 2026.
https://www.nifdc.org.cn//nifdc/xxgk/ggtzh/tongzhi/202601151521401883157.html
Standards Updates
National Standard:
- GB/T 45893-2025 Phosphosilicate for Oral Cleaning and Care Products: to be implemented starting January 1, 2026
Local Standards:
- DB11/T 1151-2025 Energy Consumption Limits per Unit Product for Synthetic Detergents: to be implemented starting January 1, 2026
- DB35/T 2282-2025 General Rules for Quality Management in Cosmetic Product Circulation: to be implemented starting January 24, 2026
Industry News
Notice from Shandong Medical Products Administration on the 2026 Annual Reporting Requirements for General Cosmetics (Including Toothpaste)
On January 6, 2026, the Shandong Medical Products Administration issued a notice regarding the submission of annual reports for general cosmetics (including toothpaste). According to the notice, from January 1 to March 31, 2026, all general cosmetics and toothpaste products (including imported general cosmetics) that were filed before January 1, 2025 (i.e., have completed one full year of filing) are required to submit an annual report in accordance with relevant regulatory requirements.
http://mpa.shandong.gov.cn/col/col116205/art/2026/art_f53142fc41af427ab1471708a2d9e091.html
Joint Notice from Chongqing and Sichuan Medical Products Administrations on the Issuance of the Discretionary Benchmarks for Administrative Penalties in the Chengdu-Chongqing Region
On January 22, 2026, the Chongqing Medical Products Administration and the Sichuan Medical Products Administration jointly issued the following updated regulatory documents (2025 versions), which have come into effect as of February 1, 2026:
- Discretionary Benchmark for Administrative Penalties for Drugs in the Chengdu-Chongqing Region
- Discretionary Benchmark for Administrative Penalties for Medical Devices in the Chengdu-Chongqing Region
- Discretionary Benchmark for Administrative Penalties for Cosmetics in the Chengdu-Chongqing Region
At the same time, the previously issued document-”Notice on the Issuance of the Rules for the Application of Discretionary Powers and Discretionary Benchmarks for Administrative Penalties in the Chengdu-Chongqing Region for Drugs, Medical Devices, and Cosmetics” (Document No. [2023] 48, jointly issued on September 21, 2023)-has been officially repealed as of February 1, 2026.
https://yjj.sc.gov.cn/scyjj/gztz/2026/1/22/0f2e43b241cf44349457442e8fa7c035.shtml
NMPA Information Center Releases the "User Guide for Electronic Label Information Submission on the Cosmetics Registration and Notification Information Service Platform”
On January 29, 2026, the Information Center of the NMPA released the “User Guide for Electronic Label Information Submission on the Cosmetics Registration and Notification Information Service Platform.”This guide was developed to support the implementation of the “Notice on Launching the Pilot Program for Electronic Labels of Cosmetics” issued by the NMPA, and aims to:
- Assist pilot enterprises in standardizing the submission of electronic label information and related documentation;
- Clarify submission requirements and technical specifications;
- Ensure compliant and efficient participation in the pilot program.
The electronic label functionality on the Cosmetics Registration and Notification Information Service Platform was officially launched on February 1, 2026.
https://www.nmpaic.org.cn/yjzxyw/202601/t20260129_429372.html?sessionid=
Shanghai Medical Products Administration Issues Notice on the First Batch of Pilot Enterprises for Electronic Labels of Cosmetics
On January 23, 2026, the Shanghai Medical Products Administration issued a notice announcing the first batch of pilot enterprises participating in the city's electronic labeling initiative for cosmetics (including toothpaste).
This initiative aims to:
- Further optimize the labeling management of cosmetics (including toothpaste);
- Safeguard consumers' right to know and meet the needs of the aging population;
- Facilitate business operations for enterprises;
- Support the high-quality development of the cosmetics industry.
In accordance with the “Notice on Launching the Pilot Program for Electronic Labels of Cosmetics” (Document No. [2025] 16) issued by the National Medical Products Administration, and the “Notice by the Shanghai Medical Products Administration on Carrying Out the Pilot Program for Electronic Labels of Cosmetics” (Shanghai MPA Notice [2025] No. 33), the list of pilot enterprises was determined through:
- Voluntary application by enterprises;
- Recommendations from district-level market supervision administrations;
- Evaluation and approval by the Shanghai Medical Products Administration.
A total of 40 enterprises have been selected for the first round of the pilot program, and the official list is hereby released.
https://yjj.sh.gov.cn/zx-hzp/20260123/2fb1ad41227c48b4af0711af30b0999d.html
Guangdong Medical Products Administration Issues Notice on the First Batch of Pilot Enterprises for Electronic Labels of Cosmetics
On January 29, 2026, the Guangdong Medical Products Administration issued a notice announcing the selection of 33 enterprises, including Guangzhou Procter & Gamble Co., Ltd., as the first batch of pilot enterprises for the use of electronic labels on cosmetics in Guangdong Province. These enterprises are authorized to participate in the pilot program to apply electronic labels as a means of presenting the Chinese labeling information for cosmetics products. The pilot period will run from February 1, 2026, to January 31, 2029.
https://mpa.gd.gov.cn/xwdt/tzgg/content/post_4850052.html
Zhejiang Medical Products Administration Issues Notice on the First Batch of Pilot Enterprises for Electronic Labels of Cosmetics
On January 30, 2026, the Zhejiang Medical Products Administration issued a notice announcing the first batch of pilot enterprises selected to participate in the province’s electronic labeling program for cosmetics. Following voluntary applications by enterprises, recommendations from municipal market supervision administrations, and comprehensive evaluation by the provincial authority, a total of 12 enterprises have been confirmed as pilot participants. The official list of participating enterprises is hereby released.
https://mpa.zj.gov.cn/art/2026/1/30/art_1228989285_58943421.html
Shandong Medical Products Administration Issues Notice on the First Batch of Pilot Enterprises for Electronic Labels of Cosmetics
On January 30, 2026, the Shandong Medical Products Administration issued a notice announcing the first batch of pilot enterprises for electronic labeling of cosmetics in the province. The selection was based on voluntary applications by enterprises, recommendations from local inspection branches, and a comprehensive evaluation organized by the provincial authority. Enterprises were encouraged to submit pilot applications for selected products. A total of 18 enterprises have been confirmed as participants in this initial pilot program, and the official list is hereby released.
http://mpa.shandong.gov.cn/col/col101747/art/2026/art_16f67815aa544f20aea5aa3f60effc1a.html
International Cosmetics Regulatory Updates
This section primarily covers global cosmetics-related developments for November, 2025.
EUROPE
EU Updates Cosmetic Regulation: Further Strengthening of CMR Substance Controls
On January 13, 2026, the European Commission published Regulation (EU) 2026/78, introducing amendments and updates to the requirements for the use of carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic (CMR) substances in cosmetics. The regulation modifies Annexes II, III, IV, and V of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. This regulation shall enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and will apply in all EU Member States starting from May 1, 2026.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202600078
NORTH AMERICA
New Jersey to Ban PFAS in Cosmetics Starting 2028
January 12, 2026, the New Jersey Senate has passed Bill S1221, officially titled the Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act, which introduces a ban on the sale of cosmetic products containing intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), effective in 2028.
https://legiscan.com/NJ/text/S1221/id/3312944?sessionid=
US FDA Finds Insufficient Data to Determine Safety of PFAS in Cosmetic Products
On December 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a congressionally mandated report under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) evaluating the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetic products. While the report reviews available scientific evidence on potential safety concerns, the FDA’s evaluation did not reach definitive safety determinations and underscores significant uncertainty due to gaps in existing data on PFAS exposure through cosmetics.
SOUTH AMERICA
Brazil Launches Public Consultation on Cosmetics and Perfume Packaging
On January 20, 2026, the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) officially launched Public Consultations No. 1380 and No. 1381. These consultations focus on the repackaging and reuse of packaging for personal care products, cosmetics, and perfumes. The proposals outline the applicable technical requirements and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for repackaging operations and packaging reuse, while also specifying the categories of products eligible for such practices. The public may submit comments on both consultations until March 21, 2026.
Chile Proposes National Technical Standard for Cosmetic Surveillance
On January 28, 2026, the Ministry of Health of Chile (Ministerio de Salud, MINSAL) submitted notification G/TBT/N/CHL/781 to the World Trade Organization (WTO), proposing the issuance of a National Technical Standard for Cosmetic Surveillance. The deadline for submitting comments is March 29, 2026.
https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=S:/G/TBTN26/CHL781.pdf&Open=True
NEW ZEALAND
New Cosmetic Regulations in New Zealand Effective from 1 January 2026
On January 21, 2026, the New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) announced that the updated rules for importing and manufacturing cosmetic products had come into effect on 1 January 2026.
ASIA
Malaysia NPRA Updates the Ingredient Lists in the Guidelines for Control of Cosmetic Products
On January 26, 2026, Malaysia’s National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) issued Circular 1/2026, announcing amendments to the ingredient annexes of the Guideline for Control of Cosmetic Products in Malaysia. These updates align with recent revisions to the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD), and the NPRA has accordingly revised the relevant sections of the guideline.
South Korea Proposes to Revise Cosmetic Safety Standards, Involving Regulation of Hair Dye Ingredient List
On January 12, 2026, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of South Korea announced a draft amendment to the Regulations on Safety Standards etc. for Cosmetic . Key revisions include the regulation of the hair dye ingredient list, the addition of a new UV filter, and the update of multiple safety test methods. The public consultation period for this draft amendment will remain open until February 6, 2026.
Japan Proposes Revision to Standards for Biological Raw Materials, Impacting Quasi-drugs and Cosmetics
On 23 January 2026, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) of Japan submitted notification G/TBT/N/JPN/898 to the World Trade Organization (WTO), proposing revisions to The Standards for Ruminant-Derived Raw Materials within the Standards for Biological Raw Materials. The proposed amendments apply to drugs, quasi-drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, and regenerative medical products.The proposed date of adoption and entry into force is March 2026.
https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=Q:/G/TBTN26/JPN898.pdf&Open=True
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