China tightens cosmetics trade rules to protect public health

China's General Administration of Customs (GAC) said Monday that it has issued a revised set of rules on inspection and quarantine for cosmetics imports and exports, in a move to safeguard public health.

Effective from Dec. 1, 2026, the revised rules will strengthen coordinated oversight across the entire industry chain, facilitate cross-border trade, and support the development of new business models, GAC official Li Jingsong told a press conference.

With the revised rules in place, customs authorities nationwide will strengthen coordination with drug regulators and other relevant departments to better align safety oversight of imported and exported cosmetics with the domestic regulatory system, Li said.

Additionally, major procedures such as import declarations, on-site inspections and laboratory testing will be standardized, while non-compliant products found at port checkpoints will be returned or destroyed according to laws and regulations, Li added.

According to the GAC, the revised rules streamline customs supervision of cosmetics for exhibition to meet demand for product debuts and launches. Eligible imported samples and exhibits will enjoy faster clearance and a shorter time to market, allowing consumers to access new international products sooner.

Cosmetics imports and exports have become an important part of China's foreign trade and have posted steady growth. In 2025, the total value of such trade reached 171.61 billion yuan (about 25.06 billion U.S. dollars), up 2.7 percent year on year. ■