China estbalishes new measures in e-commerce cosmetics

Standardizing commercial activities and ensuring the safety of cosmetic products are some of the measures presented in the draft

María Galán Lozano
Expert in Regulatory Affairs, China
12 of September of 2022
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e-commerce China
e-commerce China

In the last years, the model of e-commerce has grown quickly, altering the available traditional model and consumption of the cosmetic industry. As new model of transaction of market that breaks the restrictions of time and space, the sale of cosmetics on line has accumulated quickly a big quantity of users. With this, also have exposed problems and difficulties in the protection of the rights of the consumer, in particular regarding allegations of false or unfounded efficiency, cosmetology-vigilance or defects of quality.


Some platforms of e-commerce try to implement own regulations to guarantee the veracity of the allegations of efficiency, as well as the quality and the security of the product, but his function is limited.
The governmental authorities, the platforms of e-commerce, other operators in the chain of procurement of cosmetics and the consumers, have to work together to regulate of effective way the behaviour of the sales, strengthen the self-discipline of the industry and protect the rights and interests of the consumers.


On 17 August, the National Administration of Medical Products (NMPA) requested public comments about the 'Measures for the Supervision and Administration of the Operations E-commerce of Cosmetics'.
The draft clarifies the responsibilities and obligations of the platforms of e-commerce of cosmetics and of the different operators inside them.  It also presents specific regulatory measures and transmits ideas to strengthen oversight and management, standardise the commercial activities and guarantee the security of cosmetic products.


Faced with the new challenges posed by e-commerce in cosmetics, thanks to better training of consumers' buying habits and the advancement of network technology, the supervision also has to adapt to the times. Introduce relevant management regulations, explore regulatories methods and technologies of recolection of evidence more scientific and efficient, and establish transparent channels and opened of access to the information and protection of rights, is key to guarantee the security of the consumers.


The platforms of e-commerce play an important role, dual, "company" and "administrator". This new regulatory text has like aim consolidate the responsibilities of the entities of the platform and fine-tune the requirements of management of quality and security: real-names registration, inspection, suppression and report of illegal acts and claims control. Synchronous governance on line and off line, Traceability and transparency, as an objective.


These measures will apply inside the territory of the Chinese Popular Republic. The operators of e-commerce cross-border (CBEC) will not apply these measures and will have to fulfil with the pertinent state regulations.

 

About the author
María Galán Lozano

María Galán Lozano

Expert in Regulatory Affairs, China

With a scientific background, Maria Galán has 18 years of experience working in R+D+i at the L'Oréal Group, from the Parisian headquarters, internationally, with a wide range of brands, in all categories: skin care , makeup, hair care and coloring, fragrances and hygiene. From formulation, throughout the product life cycle, to consumers. Since the beginning of the regulatory transition in China, 2020, completely focused on understanding and solving the specific ins and outs of this rapidly growing market. Graduated in Chemistry from the University of Salamanca, specialized in Cosmetology and Dermopharmacy from the Center for Higher Studies of the Pharmaceutical Industry, in Madrid, and in Health Law from the Paris XI University.
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