On May 24, 2023, Guangzhou Administration for Market Regulation Released the Cosmetics Re-inspection Process. The main content includes re-inspection application materials and processes, re-inspection fees, application of re-inspection conclusions, forms of non re-inspection, and answers to common questions.

On May 5, 2023, Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) issued the Notice on Collecting Public Opinions on the Technical Specification for Nomenclature of Chemicals for Environmental Management (Draft for Comments). This Technical Specification is compiled to standardize nomenclature chemicals for environmental management, and to regulate the environmental management registration of new chemical substances and the management of Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances in China (IECSC), and the environmental risk assessment and control of chemicals. Comments can be sent back to the MEE before June 25, 2023.

On May 8, 2023, the European Commission opened a call for evidence on its impact assessment on Regulation (EU) No 649/2012 (PIC Regulation). The consultation closes on July 31. The international trade in hazardous chemicals is regulated by the UN's Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent (PIC) and all 165 Member States are parties to the convention. Since 2012, it has been necessary to evaluate certain requirements in the PIC Regulation in a targeted way. In 2020, the volume of imported chemicals under the PIC Regulation was around 667,000 tons. EU takes necessary actions to manage chemicals, which not only protects human health and the environment around the world but also maintains EU policies and the single market.

On April 20, 2023, the EU Court of Justice (ECJ) annulled the authorization of chromium trioxide in its manufacture process as to its concerned uses in the following: formulation of mixtures ('category 1'); functional chrome plating ('category 2'); functional chrome plating with decorative character ('category 3'); surface treatment for applications in the aeronautics and aerospace sectors (unrelated to functional chrome plating with decorative character) ('category 4'); surface treatment (except passivation of tin-plated steel (electrolytic tin plating – ETP)) for applications in various industry sectors, namely architectural, automotive, metal manufacturing and finishing, and general engineering (unrelated to functional chrome plating or functional chrome plating with decorative character) ('category 5'); and passivation of tin-plated steel (ETP) ('category 6').

On May 16, 2023, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) issued a preliminary opinion on methyl salicylate (CAS No.119-36-8) to assess the safety of the use of methyl salicylate in cosmetics. The deadline for public consultation is June 19, 2023.

From years of regulatory compliance experience, we’ve translated a selection of some frequently asked questions on foods for special medical purposes (FSMP) applications to help you understand the current requirements in China.

China's ICAMA published draft Provisions on the "Measures on the Management of Pesticide Registration" for public comments on May 12, 2023. Comments can be made to the Department of Pesticide Management, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs before May 30, 2023. We have compared the current version of "Measures on the Management of Pesticide Registration" with the draft, and summarized the main changes for your reference.

The Measures for Toothpaste Supervision and Administration will be formally implemented from December 1, 2023. To help filers better understand the requirements and comply with the Measures, we have collated and translated the FAQs on the filing of toothpaste in China.

On April 26, 2023, we held a webinar on Pre-packaged Food Label Compliance Requirements and Food Advertising Risk Prevention and Control. During the webinars, many questions have been raised. Following are the Q&As.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) in Ireland is checking compliance of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). This forms part of an EU-wide enforcement project. The HSA, is the main government body responsible for chemicals and occupational safety and health in Ireland. During the inspections and when checking products online, the HSA will focus on the compliance of SDSs. This is to ensure that all are up-to-date with revisions to Annex II of the REACH Regulation set out in Regulation (EU) 2020/878, which came into force on January 1, 2023.