On August 28,2023,the National Medical Products Administration made significant updates to theSafety and Technical Standards (2015 Edition),including additions and revisions to multiple testing methods,as well as the inclusion of new prohibited ingredients.This is a major change that will affect not only cosmetic manufacturers but also consumers.

I.New and revised testing methods

New testing methods effective immediately: Includes 14 items such as Method for Determination of pH Value in Water-in-Oil Cosmetics and Testing Methods for 11 Ingredients Including Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate in Cosmetics.

2.The revised inspection method that came into effect on March 1,2024:5 revised testing methods,such as Testing Method for Acrylamide in Cosmetics and Testing Method for Free Formaldehyde in Cosmetics.

Implementation timeline: The inspection method that takes effect immediately will be implemented from the date of its release,and the revised inspection method will be implemented from March 1,2024.

II.New prohibited ingredients

1.Newly added prohibited ingredient "Benvitimod":This ingredient will be added to Table 1 of prohibited and restricted cosmetic ingredients as entry No.1285.

Management limit for benzene: The new regulation sets the benzene limit to not exceed 2 mg/kg as the maximum restriction when introduced as an impurity in cosmetics.

III.Impact and implementation

Impact on Manufacturers: All cosmetic registration,filing,and sampling inspections shall adopt the testing methods issued in this notice.

Impact on consumers: The newly added and revised regulations will further enhance the safety and quality of cosmetics.

Implementation Date: All newly added and revised regulations shall take effect from the date of issuance orMarch 1,2024onwards.