China's General Administration of Customs has issued new regulations for the inspection and quarantine of imported and exported cosmetics, set to take effect on December 1, 2026. The move signals stricter oversight on quality, labeling, and raw material safety, directly impacting overseas suppliers, including South Korean manufacturers, who must adapt to maintain market access.
Key regulatory changes
The new rules, published earlier this month, replace the 2011 framework and consist of six chapters and 37 articles. They cover general provisions, inspection and quarantine for imported and exported cosmetics, supervision, legal responsibilities, and supplementary clauses. The regulations strengthen the responsibilities of cosmetics production and trading companies, with detailed requirements for sampling, labeling, and record-keeping.
Impact on import procedures
Chapter 2, which focuses on imported cosmetics, contains 10 articles. Key provisions include enhanced liability for manufacturers and distributors, stricter inspection standards, designated inspection locations, sampling and label checks, and procedures for non-compliant products such as technical treatment, re-inspection, return, or destruction. Non-sale items like samples, R&D materials, and promotional products may be exempt from inspection but must be documented.
Market and regulatory context
According to KOTRA, China is intensifying regulation across the cosmetics supply chain, including raw materials, certification, registration, labeling, and import-export inspections. As consumer demand upgrades and the government prioritizes quality safety, these controls are expected to tighten further. South Korean companies are advised to continuously monitor regulatory trends and analyze certification, registration, labeling, and customs clearance systems to sustain competitiveness in the Chinese market.
What buyers should watch
Overseas cosmetics suppliers and distributors should review their compliance with China's updated inspection and quarantine rules, particularly regarding labeling accuracy, sampling protocols, and record-keeping for non-sale items. Early adaptation to these requirements will help avoid customs delays and product rejections, ensuring smooth market entry for aesthetic and skincare products.
Source: Read the original report | Published: May 31, 2026