The revised list
The China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has published the final version of the list of existing cosmetic ingredients.
The IECIC is a list of ingredients that have been used in products manufactured and sold in China. It serves as a basic reference for determining the regulatory status of cosmetic ingredients. All ingredients excluded from this inventory are classified as "new ingredients" and are subject to regulatory action prior to marketing.
The list was first introduced in 2014 and was last revised in 2015. At that time, there were 8783 ingredients on the list and now there are 8972.
The revised list took effect on 1st May 2021. This means that since that date, all ingredients not on the list must pass the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) approval process in order to be used in China.
Foreign cosmetics exporters must therefore be extra vigilant about the ingredients they use if they wish to continue marketing their products in China.
1st May: an important date for Chinese cosmetic regulation
The Chinese NMPA has finalised this year its revision of the regulations on registration and notification of cosmetics and new cosmetic ingredients renamed "Provisions for Management of Cosmetic Registration and Notification Dossiers".
In line with the tightening of these rules, the authorities have implemented a new system of approval of cosmetics and cosmetic ingredients before they are placed on the market, through 6 crucial regulations. Since 1st May, companies have to submit their application and notification dossier in accordance with these 6 rules.
The 1st of May marks the entry into force of this new list but also another change for China and cosmetic regulation. Indeed, since this date, general cosmetics are no longer subject to the obligation to perform tests on animals. This step forward shows China's willingness to modernise and open the doors of its market for cosmetics.
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