China lays down new guidelines for importing cosmetics

The Chinese government has now laid down certain guidelines for cosmetics imports, following its announcement that cosmetic companies no longer need to obtain a CIQ label.

Guidelines set down by Shanghai Exit-Entry Inspection and Quarantine Bureau are to be implemented from 1 July 2012, reports cosmeticsdesign.com.

Under the new guidelines, firms that bring cosmetics samples to China for testing, exhibition or R&D purposes do not require registration with the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA); however, China Exit-Entry Inspection and Quarantine Bureau (CIQ) need firms to provide documents for custom clearance for imports at the port of entry.

Cosmetic companies are divided into four categories of ‘Sample to be tested in labs designated by government’; ‘Sample used for internal research and development or quality assurance testing’; ‘Sample used for trial on targeted human group’; and Sample used for exhibition, internal display or training and other samples’, can apply for inspection directly from the Shanghai CIQ, the report said.

Sample to be tested in labs designated by government category requires a statement from the official labs, a statement on the use of imported cosmetics and specifying that sample quantity does not exceed the specifications.

Sample used for internal research and development or quality assurance testing requires a copy of business license with stamp, a statement of the use of imported cosmetics, operation procedure for R&D or quality assurance, descriptions of staff or lab qualifications;a letter stating samples will not be sold to the public, contract agreement with disposal service provider and qualification of the disposal service provider.

Sample used for trial on targeted human group requires the same procedure for sample used for R&D except that risk management measures is required for such trial and product formula when applying for an inspection.

Sample used for exhibition, internal display or training and other samples needs a copy of business license with a stamp, company description and letter of commitment, application form and list of imported goods and product formula.

The report said that the new rules have been made in compliance with AQSIQ Order No.143 of 2011, The Administrative Measures on the Inspection, Quarantine and Supervision of Import and Export of Cosmetics that came into force on 1 February 2012.