Overview

China, Asia’s largest economy, offers unparalleled opportunities for cosmetic manufacturers. With a thriving consumer base and ever-increasing demand, the Chinese cosmetics market is a magnet for brands seeking global expansion. However, understanding the complex China cosmetic registration process requires expertise and precision. That’s where Freyr comes in.

Understanding China's Cosmetic Regulations: CSAR Simplified

Cosmetic product notification and NMPA cosmetic registration in China are governed by the Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulations (CSAR) and its subordinate rules. Two primary regulatory bodies oversee these processes:

National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) under the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR).

General Administration of Customs (GAC) for imported cosmetics.

For imported cosmetics registration in China, manufacturers must adhere to strict China cosmetic testing requirements, as well as labeling and safety standards mandated under China Cosmetic Regulations.

Product Classification: What You Need to Know

Under CSAR, cosmetic products are categorized into two groups:

Special Cosmetics

These products require NMPA cosmetic registration in China and include:

  • Hair dyes and perming products.
  • Freckle-removing (whitening) products.
  • Sunscreens.
  • Anti-hair loss products.
  • Cosmetics with new efficacy claims.

General Cosmetics

This category includes all other cosmetic products such as makeup, fragrances, moisturizers, and hair conditioning products. General cosmetics only require China Cosmetic Product Filing, which is comparatively simpler but must still meet stringent China cosmetic safety requirements.

Registration vs. Notification: Know the Difference

  • Special Cosmetics: Require registration with a validity of five (5) years. Renewals must be filed 30–90 working days before expiration, along with compliance commitments.
  • General Cosmetics: Require notification under CFDA cosmetic filing, with no validity period specified. However, annual reporting is mandatory to demonstrate compliance with cosmetic product compliance in China.

Local Representation: A Regulatory Mandate

To register or notify products in China, brand owners must appoint a Responsible Agent in China (RAC). The RAC:

Manages registration and notification via the NMPA’s online platform.

Ensures compliance with China cosmetic labeling requirements.

Monitors adverse reactions, evaluates safety, and handles supervision under cosmetic import regulations in China.

Each cosmetic product or new ingredient can only be represented by one RAC, making the choice of a reliable agent critical to your success in the Chinese cosmetic market entry.

Freyr: Your Trusted Regulatory Partner in China

Freyr offers end-to-end support for NMPA cosmetic approval process and China cosmetic import registration, helping brands decode the regulatory complexities and enter the market seamlessly.

Our Expertise Includes:

 

Why Choose Freyr?

  • Comprehensive Solutions

    End-to-end consultation for cosmetic import regulations in China.

  • Global Network

    Benefit from our strong partnerships and local connections.

  • Cost-Effective Approach

    Structured processes for agile and efficient market entry.

  • Market Expertise

    Extensive experience in skincare, haircare, infant care, oral care, and beauty products.

  • Health Authority Relationships

    Leverage our rapport with Chinese regulatory bodies for faster approvals.

  • Compliance Excellence

    Expertise in formulation, labeling, and claims review ensures your products meet all standards.

Ready to enter the world’s largest cosmetics market? Let’s make it happen together!

Contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions – Cosmetics in China

What is the Cosmetic Supervision and Administration Regulation (CSAR), and how does it affect my product?
CSAR is China’s core regulatory framework for cosmetics, effective from January 1, 2021. It introduces risk-based management of cosmetics, defines “special cosmetics” vs “general cosmetics,” and lays out requirements for registration, notification, safety, labeling, and post-market oversight.
What’s the difference between “special cosmetics” and “general cosmetics” in China?
Special cosmetics are those with specific functions (e.g. hair dyeing/perming, anti-hair loss, whitening, sun protection). These require full registration with the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). General cosmetics are cosmetics with no specific functional claim and are beauty products as defined by the regulatory authority and require notification (filing) rather than full registration.
What is required for imported cosmetics to sell in China?
Foreign registrants/filers must appoint a local responsible person in China who handles the submission of registration or notification dossiers, safety monitoring, adverse reaction reporting, recalls, etc. Imported special cosmetics must be registered; imported general cosmetics undergo notification or filing with the local Health Authority.
What are China’s labeling requirements for cosmetics?
  • Labels must include Chinese text with standardized Chinese characters.
  • Ingredient list in Chinese (or Chinese version of INCI), usage instructions, manufacturer/importer information, batch number, net weight.
  • If allergens via fragrance or plant extracts, they may need explicit listing.
  • Product claims (e.g. “whitening”, “sun protection”) must match the registration/notification and efficacy testing.
How long does registration or notification take in China?
Timelines depend heavily on whether the product is “special” or “general,” and whether you’re using existing, approved ingredients. Special cosmetics registration takes longer due to safety/efficacy technical review. General cosmetics via notification/filing are faster but still require a review of the dossier. (Exact time varies by product and completeness.)
What are the obligations post-market (after the product is launched)?
  • Adverse reaction monitoring & reporting.
  • Annual reporting or confirmation that the product/ingredient information remains accurate.
  • Keeping up with sampling inspections, ensuring labeling remains consistent with approved/registered information.
How can Freyr help with navigating Chinese cosmetic regulations?
Freyr can assist with product classification (special vs general), preparing registration/notification dossiers, ingredient compliance, label & claim compliance, setting up required local responsible person, navigating new ingredient rules, managing post-market obligations (adverse reaction monitoring, registration renewals, etc.), and keeping you up to date with regulatory changes.