The Ministry of Health of Vietnam has proposed that individuals responsible for the production and quality control of cosmetic products must hold a university degree in a relevant field, according to a draft decree on cosmetic management currently under review. The draft, which was announced for public comment on May 28 and is expected to be submitted to the government in June, introduces several new measures aimed at improving the quality and safety of locally produced cosmetics. Under the proposed regulations, a production manager and a quality control manager must be present at the production site at all times and hold a university degree or higher in one of the following fields: pharmacy, chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, biotechnology, biology, food technology, or chemical engineering related to the type of product being manufactured. Additionally, these personnel must have at least two years of professional experience in facilities producing cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, or medical devices. A representative from the Drug Administration of Vietnam, the agency drafting the proposal, stated: "This new proposal aims to enhance the capabilities of facilities and personnel in cosmetic production, prevent the proliferation of poor-quality cosmetics produced by all, and simultaneously improve the quality of locally produced cosmetics to meet export requirements." Compared to current regulations, which only require the production manager to have professional knowledge in chemistry, biology, pharmacy, or related fields, the new draft sets stricter educational and experience standards. Many experts consider this proposal reasonable, given recent discoveries of large-scale counterfeit cosmetic production by authorities. In April, police dismantled a clandestine laboratory in Ho Chi Minh City that was selling homemade whitening cream falsely labeled as imported. The draft decree also defines cosmetics as "any substance or mixture intended to be placed in contact with the external parts of the human body (epidermis, hair, nails, lips, and external genital organs) or with the teeth and the oral mucosa, with the exclusive or main purpose of cleaning, perfuming, changing appearance, protecting, keeping in good condition, or correcting body odors."
To facilitate specialized inspections and quality control, the draft classifies cosmetics into three risk groups: high, medium, and low, based on formula composition, target users, contact areas, application methods, exposure levels, safety margins, compliance history, and actual safety data. The Minister of Health is tasked with specifying detailed classification criteria and establishing a product group list for risk management purposes. The Drug Administration also noted that the draft proposes removing the concept of a "product announcement receipt number" and replacing it with a "management number" to facilitate post-market inspections. Furthermore, cosmetic product advertisements will no longer require content approval, shifting the focus to post-audit compliance. "Although content verification procedures are not mandatory, advertisements must comply with published information on cosmetic products and adhere to advertising legislation," the official added. The draft also aims to decentralize authority for administrative procedures related to cosmetics.
Source: Read the original report | Published: May 28, 2026