CIRS Group has compiled and summarized the latest global cosmetic regulatory developments of September 2026, covering industry news, new regulation releases, policy adjustments and regulatory trends, to help enterprises maintain compliance and gain a comprehensive view of global cosmetic regulatory trends.
(I) China Cosmetic Regulations, Standards Updates and Industry News
Regulatory and Policy Updates
Notice on Openly Soliciting Proposals for 2027 Cosmetic Standard Projects
On September 23, 2026, the China National Institutes for Drug Control (NIDC) released a notice announcing that the Secretariat of the Cosmetics Standardization Technical Committee of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) is now openly soliciting proposals for 2027 cosmetic standard projects (including toothpaste, the same below) from the public, focusing on the following directions: first, prohibited substances, restricted ingredients and permitted ingredients; second, ingredient standards; third, international standards; fourth, test methods; and fifth, general requirements. Organizations and individuals are invited to put forward project proposals in line with the above priority directions based on their actual work, and to submit them via the "Cosmetic Standard Development and Revision Management System" on the NIDC website by November 22, 2026.
913 Ingredients Involved: China NIDC Seeks Public Comments on Updated Information of 913 Existing Cosmetic Ingredients
On September 24, 2026, NIDC supplemented and refined the CAS numbers, structural formulas, molecular formulas, molecular weights and other relevant information of 913 existing cosmetic ingredients, and is openly soliciting comments. The deadline for comments is November 25, 2026. Cosmetic-related enterprises are advised to evaluate the updated information on these ingredients already in use in light of their actual application; those with comments may submit feedback via the "Information Platform for Cosmetic Ingredients Already in Use" before the deadline of November 25, 2026.
Standards Updates
New National Standard for Facial Cleansers Takes Effect on September 1, 2026
Effective September 1, 2026, GB/T 29680-2026 Facial Cleansers (Cream, Liquid, Mousse, Gel, Powder), the national recommended standard jointly issued by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the Standardization Administration of China (SAC) (hereinafter referred to as the "new national standard for facial cleansers"), officially came into force, replacing GB/T 29680-2013 Facial Cleanser and Facial Cleansing Cream, which had been in use for more than a decade. The old standard covered only two product categories, facial cleansers and facial cleansing creams, while the new version brings all six mainstream dosage forms on the market—facial cleansing milk, facial cleansing cream, facial cleansing liquid, facial cleansing mousse, facial cleansing gel and facial cleansing powder—into the standard system.
Comments Sought on 10 Industry Standards for Approval, Including Liquid Soap
On September 18, 2026, the Science and Technology Department of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released the "Public Notice on Seeking Comments on the Approval of 10 Industry Standards, Including the Specification for Evaluation of Scientific and Technological Achievements in the Non-ferrous Metals Industry," which includes the industry standard Liquid Soap. The standard specifies the quality requirements for liquid soaps and applies to liquid soap products mainly composed of potassium fatty acid or magnesium fatty acid, with cleansing, mite-removing or antibacterial efficacy. The standard is currently at the comment-seeking stage, with a deadline of October 18, 2026.
Industry News and Local Updates
Zhejiang Medical Products Administration Releases the Second Batch of Cosmetic E-label Pilot Enterprises
On September 1, 2026, the Zhejiang Provincial Medical Products Administration released the list of the second batch of pilot enterprises for cosmetic electronic labels. Based on voluntary enterprise applications, recommendations from municipal market regulation administrations and comprehensive evaluation by the provincial medical products administration, 14 enterprises were designated as the second batch of cosmetic e-label pilot enterprises.
Hainan Extends the Pilot Period for Electronic Labels on Offshore Duty-free Cosmetics to January 31, 2029
On September 1, 2026, the Hainan Provincial Medical Products Administration announced that, with the consent of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), the pilot period for electronic labels on offshore duty-free cosmetics in Hainan has been extended to January 31, 2029, consistent with the pilot period under the NMPA's Notice on Carrying out the Pilot Program of Cosmetic Electronic Labels (Guoyaojian Zhuang [2025] No. 16).
Shandong Medical Products Administration Cancels Notified Ordinary Cosmetics (Including Toothpaste) Without Submitted Annual Reports
On September 2, 2026, the Shandong Provincial Medical Products Administration issued a notice on canceling notified ordinary cosmetics (including toothpaste) whose annual reports were not submitted. In accordance with the Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulation, the Measures for the Administration of Cosmetic Registration and Notification, NMPA Announcement No. 35 of 2021 and the Regulatory Q&As (IV), the Shandong Provincial Medical Products Administration has canceled the notifications of ordinary cosmetics (including toothpaste) for which annual reports were not submitted on time on the cosmetic registration and notification platform by June 30, 2026.
Hubei Medical Products Administration Issues the On-site Evaluation Guide and Inspection Points for Pilot Enterprises and Stores of Personalized Cosmetic Services
On September 9, 2026, the Hubei Provincial Medical Products Administration issued the "Hubei On-site Evaluation Guide and Inspection Points for Pilot Enterprises and Pilot Stores of Personalized Cosmetic Services." Developed under the Cosmetic Good Manufacturing Practice (Cosmetic GMP) and other regulations, the guide consists of five parts and 26 articles, covering organization and personnel, facilities and equipment, quality assurance and control, materials and products management, and service process management.
Shanghai Medical Products Administration Approves an Enterprise to Carry Out Personalized Cosmetic Services
On September 20, 2026, the Shanghai Municipal Medical Products Administration issued the "Announcement on Approving the Carrying Out of Personalized Cosmetic Services." In accordance with the NMPA's notices on the second phase of the personalized cosmetic service pilot and Shanghai's local pilot work plan, and after comprehensive evaluation, the Shanghai Municipal Medical Products Administration approved Butu Daily Chemical (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. as a pilot enterprise to carry out personalized services for perfume cosmetics.
(II) International Cosmetic Regulatory Updates
Europe
UK SAG-CS Publishes Seven Safety Assessment Opinions on Cosmetic Ingredients
In August 2026, the UK Scientific Advisory Group on Chemicals in Consumer Products (SAG-CS) published seven assessment opinions on cosmetic ingredients, covering triclocarban, triclosan, o-phenylphenol, sodium o-phenylphenate, resorcinol, daidzein and silver.
Countdown Is On: The EU Green Claims Ban Applies from September 27, Tightening Cosmetic Claims Across the Board
Directive (EU) 2024/825 on empowering consumers for the green transition (ECGT) has officially applied since September 27, 2026. Generic environmental claims widely used in the cosmetics industry, such as "natural" and "sustainable," as well as labels such as "carbon neutral" based on carbon offsetting, are all prohibited unless adequately substantiated. Notably, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are not exempt, and Chinese enterprises selling cosmetics into the EU through cross-border e-commerce platforms or independent websites are equally within the scope of application.
Americas
Washington State Extends the Validity of the Interim Policy on Lead Content in Cosmetics
Recently, the Washington State Department of Ecology announced that it has substantially revised the Interim Policy on Lead Content in Cosmetics issued under the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA). The new version, signed on August 31, removes the expiration date originally set for December 31, 2026. At the same time, Ecology clarified the consequences for manufacturers adopting compliance alternative Option 2 that fail to submit data as required.
U.S. FDA Moves PABA and TEA-Salicylate Out of the OTC Sunscreen Monograph, Effective September 11, 2027
On September 11, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued Final Administrative Order OTC000008-1, amending the Nonprescription Sunscreen Drug Products for Human Use—M020 (OTC Monograph M020), to formally remove p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA, CAS No. 150-13-0) and triethanolamine salicylate (TEA-SALICYLATE, CAS No. 2174-16-5) from the list of sunscreen active ingredients, determining that sunscreen products containing these two ingredients are not "generally recognized as safe and effective" (GRASE), effective September 11, 2027.
Australia and New Zealand
Australia's TGA Seeks Comments: Lowering the Permitted Concentration of 4-MBC or Banning Its Use
On September 11, 2026, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia launched a public consultation on amending the Poisons Standard to strengthen controls on the sunscreen ingredient 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC); the consultation closed on October 12, 2026.
Australia's TGA Seeks Comments: Proposed Tightening of the Limits for Acetophenone and Vitamin A in Cosmetics
On September 11, 2026, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia launched a public consultation on amending the Poisons Standard to tighten the limits for acetophenone and vitamin A in cosmetics; the consultation closed on October 12, 2026.
Australia's AICIS Seeks Comments on Seven Draft Evaluation Statements Covering Personal Care Product-related Substances Such as Lilial
Recently, the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) opened a public consultation on seven draft evaluation statements, covering a total of 21 chemicals listed on the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals (AIIC). Comments are due by November 26, 2026 (local time). Substances such as Lilial, Thymol and Dichloroacetic acid have been assessed as having uses in "personal care products not covered by other categories of use," and relevant personal care product enterprises should pay close attention.
New Zealand Formally Restricts Long-chain Perfluorocarboxylic Acids (LC-PFCAs), with Personal Care Products Covered
On September 23, 2026, the New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) announced that the New Zealand Government has approved amendments to the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 to add three persistent organic pollutants (POPs)—chlorpyrifos, medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs), and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids, their salts and related compounds (LC-PFCAs)—to Schedule 1AA and Schedule 2A for restriction. LC-PFCAs have a wide range of uses, with personal care products among them, and relevant cosmetics enterprises should pay close attention. The restrictions take effect from December 16, 2026.
Asia
South Korea Promulgates the Act on Fostering and Supporting the Cosmetics Industry and Amendments to the Cosmetics Act, Effective from September 16, 2027
On September 15, 2026, South Korea promulgated the Act on Fostering and Supporting the Cosmetics Industry, together with partial amendments to the Cosmetics Act. Both laws take effect one year from the date of promulgation. The new rules strengthen national-level cosmetic safety supervision and enhance regulatory consistency.
Korea's MFDS and Indonesia's BPJPH Sign an MOU on Halal Certification Cooperation, Helping Cosmetics Address Indonesia's Mandatory Halal Certification
On September 18, 2026, the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) and Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH) signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Halal Product Certification during the 5th Halal 20 Summit held in Depok, Indonesia. The signing is a concrete implementation of the Joint Statement on the Special Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (SCSP) issued by Indonesia and Korea in March 2026 in the field of halal certification, and aims to build an intergovernmental cooperation channel to help Korean food and cosmetics enterprises address Indonesia's mandatory halal certification taking effect on October 18, 2026.
Indonesia Mandates "NON HALAL" Labeling for Non-halal Cosmetics
On July 23, 2026, Indonesia's BPJPH promulgated the "BPJPH Regulation No. 3 of 2026 on the Form and Procedure for Non-halal Information Labeling," which took effect on the date of promulgation. The regulation establishes a mandatory labeling system for non-halal products: products (including cosmetics) made from non-halal ingredients, or whose production processes do not meet the requirements of the Halal Product Assurance System (SJPH), are exempt from the halal certification obligation but must bear the standardized "non-halal" label as required. Products already on the Indonesian market enjoy a 12-month transition period, and existing products must complete compliance adjustments no later than July 23, 2027.
Thailand's FDA Issues a Guideline on Notification and Claims for Whitening and Anti-acne Cosmetics
In September 2026, the Thai Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) issued the "Guideline on Notification and Claims for Cosmetics with Specific Efficacy — Ingredient Claims," which sets out specific requirements for the notification of ingredients and the regulation of efficacy claims for whitening and anti-acne cosmetics.
Indonesia Announces a List of Four Overseas Halal Conformity Assurance Inspection Bodies, Formally Implementing Pre-shipment Verification of Imported Cosmetics
On September 10, 2026, Indonesia's BPJPH issued Announcement No. B-688/DP.I/HM.01/9/2026, publishing a list of four inspection bodies that have passed document review and meet the qualification requirements for "overseas executors of halal product conformity assurance." This means that the pre-shipment halal conformity verification mechanism for imported products, which took effect on September 9, 2026, now has implementing entities in place.
Vietnam Issues Consolidated Guidance on Cosmetic GMP, Effective from September 26
On September 10, 2026, Vietnam's Ministry of Health issued the 'Consolidated Document on the Implementation of and Guidance on the Application of the Principles and Criteria of the ASEAN Cosmetic Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP-ASEAN),' effective from September 26, 2026. It is a consolidated document, integrating Vietnam's Decision No. 24/2006/QĐ-BYT (on the implementation of CGMP-ASEAN in cosmetic manufacturing establishments) and its subsequent amendments into a single, unified current text.
Vietnam Formally Implements Decree No. 293/2026/NĐ-CP, Greatly Simplifying the Certification of Export Documents for Cosmetics
On September 11, 2026, Vietnam's Government Decree No. 293/2026/NĐ-CP officially entered into force. The decree was formulated to guide the implementation of the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents, concluded at The Hague on October 5, 1961 (the "Apostille Convention"), establishing Vietnam's legal framework for implementing the Convention. Vietnam manages imported cosmetics under a notification system, generally requiring a Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) issued by the competent overseas authority and duly certified, together with a Letter of Authorization (LOA) from the overseas manufacturing enterprise; with Vietnam's implementation of the Convention, documents from contracting states can now be used in Vietnam simply with an Apostille.
Indonesia Officially Confirms: Mandatory Halal Certification Will Take Effect on Schedule from October 18, 2026, with No Postponement
On September 16, 2026, Indonesia's BPJPH announced that the mandatory halal certification obligation taking effect on October 18, 2026 will be implemented on schedule and will not be postponed. The announcement emphasized the government's commitment to completing all necessary preparations before the implementation date, with particular attention to the readiness of imported products and raw materials. Given that products and raw materials entering the Indonesian market come from multiple countries, awareness and understanding of the halal conformity system must be put in place starting from the countries of origin. To this end, Indonesia will strengthen the delivery of information to countries of origin through its overseas representative offices and embassies.
Indonesia's BPOM Seeks Comments on a Draft Regulation on the Approval Procedures for Non-clinical Trials of Cosmetics and Other Products
On September 17, 2026, the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) released the draft regulation on the "Approval Procedures for Conducting Non-clinical Trials of Natural Medicines, Phytopharmaceuticals, Health Supplements and Cosmetics" for public consultation, with comments due by October 16, 2026. The draft systematically sets out the whole-process requirements for the non-clinical trial implementation permit (PPUPK), covering application, evaluation, decision, validity period, reporting and supervision/management, and applies to four product categories: natural medicines, phytopharmaceuticals, health supplements and cosmetics.
Indonesia Seeks Comments on the Draft Guidelines for Implementing the Halal Product Assurance System for Processing Services
On September 24, 2026, Indonesia's BPJPH submitted a WTO notification (G/TBT/N/IDN/197) on the draft "Guidelines for the Implementation of the Halal Product Assurance System for Processing Services," with comments due by November 23, 2026. The draft guidelines aim to provide an implementation reference for processing service operators in the fields of food, beverages, medicines and cosmetics to establish the Halal Product Assurance System (SJPH).
The Philippines' FDA Seeks Comments on the Draft Modes of Regulatory Inspection for Regulated Health Product Establishments, with Inspection Rules for Cosmetics Enterprises Proposed for Update
On September 30, 2026, the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the draft "Modes of Regulatory Inspection for FDA-regulated Health Product Establishments" and sought public comments, due by October 27, 2026. The draft applies to all regulated establishments, facilities and vehicles engaged in health product-related activities, covering the manufacture, importation, sale, distribution, testing and promotion of health products, and cosmetics enterprises fall within its scope.
India Turns Veg/Non-veg Labeling for Cosmetics and Other Products into Voluntary Declarations by Enterprises, Effective from September 21
On September 21, 2026, the Department of Consumer Affairs under India's Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution published Notice G.S.R. 826(E) in the Gazette of India, formally promulgating the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Fourth Amendment Rules, 2026. The amendment takes effect from the date of publication in the Gazette. The core of the revision is to move the veg/non-veg labeling requirement introduced in 2014 as "mandatory on every package" from Rule 6(8) to Rule 6(4A)(d), changing it from "mandatory" to "a voluntary declaration that enterprises may add".
CIRS Reminder
Cosmetic enterprises are advised to keep a close eye on the latest global cosmetic regulations, standards and industry developments, and stay aligned with global regulatory trends. Enterprises should continue to strengthen end-to-end compliance management, assess in advance the compliance risks arising from policy changes at home and abroad, and reasonably plan product R&D, formula portfolios and overseas market strategies to respond steadily to the new regulatory landscape.
If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via service@cirs-group.com.
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