National Medical Products Administration (NMPA)
China's regulatory authority (formerly CFDA) responsible for overseeing drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics. The NMPA requires product registration or filing for all cosmetics sold in China, with distinct pathways for 'special' and 'general' cosmetics.
The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), formerly known as the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA), is the Chinese government agency responsible for regulating drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics. It operates under the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR).
China's Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulation (CSAR), effective January 1, 2021, replaced the 1989-era Cosmetics Hygiene Supervision Regulations. Under CSAR, cosmetics are classified as "special cosmetics" (hair dye, perm, sunscreen, whitening, anti-hair-loss, and products for children under 12) requiring NMPA registration, and "general cosmetics" requiring only a filing.
Imported cosmetics must be registered or filed through NMPA's online platform. The registration process for special cosmetics can take 6-12 months and requires safety assessment data, product testing at NMPA-designated laboratories, and a domestic agent (responsible company) established in China.
China has been gradually reducing its animal testing requirements. Since May 2021, general cosmetics from companies with GMP certification may qualify for alternative (non-animal) testing methods, though special cosmetics and some imported products may still require animal testing.
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