From 1 May 2021, Animal Test of Imported Non-Special Cosmetics Waived in China 

On 4th March 2021, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) officially released the Provisions for Management of Cosmetic Registration and Notification Dossiers (Provisions), which take effect from 1st May 2021. 

Under the Provisions, if a producer of non-special cosmetics has obtained the production quality management certification issued by the competent government department of the country or region where the production facility is located, and its safety risk assessment result has been substantiated, the producer may be exempted from submitting animal testing reports, except in the following circumstances:

• The product will be used on infants or children.

• The product uses new cosmetic ingredients that are still under safety monitoring.

• The notification applicant, domestic responsible person or production enterprise are listed as key supervision targets according to the NMPA quantitative rating system.

These new requirements in the Provisions reflect a breakthrough in equal treatment by the Chinese cosmetics authorities in terms of registration and notification requirements for domestically produced and imported products. The requirements are also further refined and tend to be more standardised, complete and traceable. 

However, apart from the lifting of animal testing, the quality and safety requirements for imported non-special cosmetics have not been reduced.

Implemetations

The waiving of animal testing for imported non-special cosmetics that meet the specified conditions will enhance China's image worldwide, and act to level the playing field for domestic and foreign enterprises, as well as to optimise the business environment. The new Provisions will attract more foreign cosmetics brands to the Chinese market, allow those already in China to further expand, and enrich the choice of imported cosmetics available to consumers.