China’s State Council is expected to introduce tighter measures on manufacturing and operations of cosmetics across the country.
The regulation will specify applicable supervision and management provisions in the production of cosmetics.
Set to take effect on 1 January 2021, the move is said to ensure cosmetic products are produced safely and consumers are safeguarded.
The announcement is also said to help keep the make-up industry on a growth trajectory.
In recent years, China has made significant efforts to ethically improve its cosmetics sector.
Earlier this year, the Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulation was approved by the government, meaning general cosmetics will no longer be subject to mandatory animal testing, whether produced in China or imported.
Speaking to Cosmetics Business James Wakefield, Director APAC at regulation solution firm Delphic said: “The regulation paves the way for acceptance of cosmetic safety assessments in place of the reliance on animal testing, which along with the ethical concerns are often costly and time consuming.”
Last year, Bulldog landed a unique agreement allowing the brand to manufacture its products in the UK and fill them in China
However, he mentioned there are some caveats with the new regulation.
“Products which are targeted or aimed for use by children and infants will not be eligible for safety assessment and will still require animal testing, as will products containing new ingredients which have been approved or notified, but are not yet listed in the IECIC.
“It is, therefore, important for cosmetic brands to be aware of these limitations.”
Despite these limitations, last year male grooming brand Bulldog became the first international skin care brand with Leaping Bunny certification to sell its products in mainland China.
Through the unique agreement, the brand is able to manufacture its products in the UK, fill them in the country’s Fengxian district and sell them in physical stores.
China’s State Council has been contacted for more details on the supervisions.
