This article compiles and summarizes the latest developments in cosmetics regulations as of February 2026, including domestic China industry news, newly issued regulations, updates to relevant standards and policies, and regulatory requirements, as well as global regulatory trends in the cosmetics sector. It aims to assist enterprises in ensuring compliance and keeping up with global cosmetics regulatory trends.

Recently, the Beijing Cosmetics Review and Inspection Center has published a series of Q&A regarding ordinary cosmetics filing. The following content is primarily excerpted from the 53rd issue, compiled by CIRS Group for reference.

On February 11, 2026, the European Union officially published new regulations regarding detergents and surfactants (EU) 2026/405, aimed at fully replacing the previous regulations (EC) No 648/2004, which have been in effect for nearly twenty years. The new regulations establish minimum requirements for the biodegradability of surfactants, impose restrictions on the content of phosphates and other phosphate compounds in household laundry detergents and household automatic dishwasher detergents, and introduce the Digital Product Passport (DPP) along with new labeling rules, including provisions related to allergenic fragrances. Companies exporting detergents or surfactants to the EU will need to comply with these regulations.

Starting March 1, 2026, a total of 12 cosmetic testing methods will be officially implemented in China. CIRS Group has summarized them for reference.

In February 2026, the National Medical Products Administration, along with the Medical Products Administrations of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Hunan Province, and Beijing, issued announcements regarding cosmetic supervision and sampling inspections. A total of 71 batches of products were found to be non-compliant. This summary of the announcements aims to help enterprises stay informed of evolving regulatory trends and strengthen their quality management and compliance awareness.

On February 12, 2026, Indonesia submitted notification G/TBT/N/IDN/184 to the World Trade Organization (WTO), detailing the draft regulation regarding the Form and Procedures for the Labelling of Non-Halal Information. This initiative introduces uniform standards for the labeling of “Non-Halal”, ensuring consistency across products marketed within Indonesia. The deadline for comments is set for March 14, 2026.

On February 23, 2026, the Korea Cosmetics Association (KCIA) announced plans to amend the Cosmetics Act. Proposed by Assemblyman Kim Ki-woong, this amendment aims to regulate the accuracy of information in cosmetics labels and advertisements, ensuring that claims about the environmental characteristics or efficacy of cosmetics and their containers and packaging (such as biodegradability) comply with standards set by relevant international organizations or the Prime Minister's orders. The KCA is currently seeking public feedback, with the deadline for submissions set for February 27, 2026.

On 10 February 2026, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued final opinion (SCCS/1686/25) on the safety of Thiomersal (CAS No 54-64-8) and Phenylmercuric salts (CAS No 62-38-4, 94-43-9) as preservatives in cosmetic products.

This article compiles and summarizes the latest developments in cosmetics regulations as of January 2026, including domestic China industry news, newly issued regulations, updates to relevant standards and policies, and regulatory requirements, as well as global regulatory trends in the cosmetics sector. It aims to assist enterprises in ensuring compliance and keeping up with global cosmetics regulatory trends.

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