On May 11, 2026, GACC issued Announcement No. 61 to supplement the implementation of the new Measures for the Inspection and Quarantine Supervision and Administration of Import and Export Cosmetics (Decree No. 284). Effective December 1, 2026, it specifies operational requirements for import declaration, information record-keeping, and pre-export inspection, while repealing multiple prior regulations.
Previously, on May 6, 2026, GACC published Decree No. 284, promulgating the revised Measures for the Inspection and Quarantine Supervision and Administration of Import and Export Cosmetics (hereinafter referred to as the "Measures"), which will take effect on December 1, 2026. Announcement No. 61 further specifies the operational requirements for enterprises in import declaration, information record-keeping, and export inspection. CIRS Group has summarized and translated the main contents of the announcement for your reference.
Main Contents
I. Declaration of Imported Cosmetics
When filing import declarations, cosmetics importers shall declare as "domestic consignee" and enter the special cosmetic registration certificate number or ordinary cosmetic filing number (obtained from the drug regulatory authority) in the "import (non-)special-use cosmetic administrative license" certificate field (license category code "526") under "product license" on the customs declaration form.
The following scenarios are exempt from providing registration or filing numbers: samples for registration or filing purposes; non-trial samples for enterprise testing, R&D, and promotional purposes; cosmetics imported as official supplies by foreign diplomatic and consular missions in China and representative offices of international organizations enjoying diplomatic privileges and immunities; and imported cosmetics exhibited at exhibitions for non-trial or non-sale purposes.
For sample imports exempt from certificate declaration, enterprises must submit corresponding documentation based on the purpose of use: samples for registration or filing require relevant certification documents from cosmetic registration and filing inspection and testing institutions; non-trial samples for testing and R&D require testing or R&D plans, capability certification of the testing or R&D entity (and, where testing is commissioned to a third party, a testing commission agreement); non-trial samples for promotional purposes require a promotional plan specifying the location, manner, target audience, and disposal method of the samples.
Regarding the import declaration of cosmetic semi-finished products, enterprises shall enter "cosmetic semi-finished products" in the "other" declaration element under "specifications and models," select "15 – non-pre-packaged" for the "goods attribute" field, state in the "remarks" field the name, address, and cosmetic production license number of the filling or packaging enterprise, and concurrently declare that the imported cosmetic semi-finished products comply with the mandatory requirements of national technical specifications.
II. Information Record-keeping for Imported Cosmetics
Importers of cosmetics must record the following information on imported cosmetics: declaration number, date of entry, product name, brand, special cosmetic registration certificate number or ordinary cosmetic filing number, specifications, quantity/weight, production batch number and use-by date or production date and shelf life, country or region of origin, country or region of trade, name of the manufacturing enterprise, name of the overseas exporter (agent), storage location, name and contact information of the buyer, date of sale, and quantity sold. The announcement encourages importers to use information technology systems for record-keeping.
III. Pre-Export Inspection Application for Cosmetics
When applying for pre-export inspection of cosmetics, the manufacturing enterprise, shipper, or its agent shall truthfully declare that: the manufacturing enterprise holds a valid cosmetic production license, has label samples and their Chinese translations on hand, and the cosmetics for export comply with the standards or contractual requirements of the importing country or region. Where customs require verification during supervision, the relevant parties must present the above documentation.
IV. Definition of "Mandatory Requirements of National Technical Specifications"
The announcement clarifies that the "mandatory requirements of national technical specifications" as referred to in the Measures include supplementary technical requirements for cosmetic quality and safety formulated by the State Council drug regulatory authority in light of supervision and administration needs. This means that, in addition to existing mandatory national standards, supplementary technical requirements subsequently issued by the drug regulatory authority will also serve as the basis for customs inspection.
CIRS Reminder
This announcement takes effect on December 1, 2026, repealing multiple prior regulations, including AQSIQ Announcement No. 110 (2012) and No. 77 (2016). CIRS Group advises relevant enterprises to update internal compliance procedures accordingly and ensure a smooth transition before the new requirements take effect.
If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via service@cirs-group.com.
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