China tightens control over cosmetic imports and puts European cosmetics in check

China is preparing a significant shift in the supervision of imported cosmetics and the registration of new chemical substances. The entry into force of Order No. 284/2026 of the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) and the draft revision of Order No. 12 of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) change the rules of the game for international brands operating or exporting to the Asian giant.What was the export process until now? Separation between registration and customs: the process before the NMPA (National Medical Products Administration) and the work of the GACC at the border functioned as two independent steps. Brands registered the formula, dossier, and labeling with the NMPA, and then logistics companies submitted the usual customs documentation (packing list, commercial invoice, and certificate of origin). Manual sampling inspections: verification of discrepancies in labeling or formula at the port of entry was mostly based on physical reviews by sampling or random checks. Exemption for finished products in chemistry: ingredients or mixtures entering China incorporated within a finished cosmetic product enjoyed certain exemptions, as the regulatory focus was mainly on chemical substances imported in bulk for subsequent local manufacturing.The two pillars of the new regulatory scenarioPillar I: GACC Order No. 284/2026 (Digital Customs Control)1. GACC-NMPA Order No. 284/2026: the data declared in the customs manifest will be automatically cross-referenced with the digital dossier previously approved in the NMPA database. Any typographical difference, minor ingredient change not updated in the NMPA, or mismatch in the labeling translation will cause the automatic retention or rejection of the container at the border.Pillar II: Draft Revision MEE Order No. 12 (Environmental Assessment of Substances)As of December 1, 2026, Chinese customs will implement a digitized direct data cross-referencing system. Real-time GACC-NMPA connection: Data declared in the customs manifest will be automatically cross-referenced with the previously approved digital file in the NMPA database. Mandatory downstream communication: Importers and fragrance manufacturers must provide detailed technical information on the supply chain and environmental impact of substances, increasing transparency requirements for raw material suppliers. Direct impact on cosmetic and perfumery brandsThe operational impact will affect different areas of exporting companies: Risk to trade secrets in fragrances: Increases pressure on perfume manufacturers, who will have to reveal deeper ingredient codes. Total logistics review (Regulatory Supply Chain): Regulatory affairs areas and logistics companies must operate in strict synchronicity. A change in the formula or manufacturer's address not reflected in time in the NMPA file will block the shipment at customs. Surcharges due to delays: Port detentions due to digital discrepancies will generate unforeseen storage costs and longer cycle times for the introduction of new products.

China tightens control over cosmetic imports and puts European cosmetics in check

The Asian country draws a new scenario with the entry into force of order nº 284 of Chinese customs