China is the world's second-largest cosmetics market. But getting your products there requires navigating NMPA regulations. Here's everything you need to know.
China classifies cosmetics into two categories with different regulatory requirements. Getting this right is critical.
Filing (备案) required
Timeline: 3-6 months
Cost: $3,000-5,000/SKU
Registration (注册) required
Timeline: 12-18 months
Cost: $8,000-20,000/SKU
Here's what to expect for general cosmetics filing (the most common path):
A Chinese entity must be legally responsible for your products. This can be your subsidiary, a distributor, or a service agency.
Compile formulation details, safety data, product specifications, and manufacturing quality documents.
A qualified safety assessor reviews ingredients and prepares the mandatory safety assessment report.
Submit through NMPA's online system. Filing is reviewed by provincial authorities.
If approved, you receive a filing number that must appear on Chinese labels.
Design compliant Chinese labels, produce, and prepare for import.
| Item | General Cosmetics | Special-Use |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Assessment | $800-1,500 | $1,500-3,000 |
| Lab Testing (if needed) | $500-2,000 | $3,000-8,000 |
| Filing/Registration Fee | $1,000-2,000 | $3,000-5,000 |
| Responsible Person (annual) | $1,500-3,000 | $1,500-3,000 |
| Label Design | $200-500 | $200-500 |
| Total Estimate (per SKU) | $3,000-8,000 | $10,000-20,000 |
Treating a "special-use" product (like sunscreen) as "general" leads to rejected applications and wasted time.
✅ Solution: Get professional classification assessment before starting.
Missing CAS numbers, INCI names, or supplier COAs can halt your application.
✅ Solution: Prepare complete ingredient dossiers upfront with all technical data.
China's banned/restricted ingredient list differs from EU/US. Some common Western ingredients are prohibited.
✅ Solution: Screen your formula against China's Cosmetics Safety Technical Standard (2015 edition).
Labels missing required information or with incorrect translations get rejected at customs.
✅ Solution: Use native Chinese speakers and ensure all mandatory elements are present.
Complete ingredient list with percentages, INCI names, CAS numbers
GMP certificate or equivalent from country of origin
Proof product is legally sold in origin country
Prepared by qualified Chinese safety assessor
Physical/chemical properties, quality standards
Current product labels in original language
Authorizing the Domestic Responsible Person to act on your behalf
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