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CIQ Labels No Longer Required for Imported Cosmetics in China

14 March 2012, China Exit-Entry Inspection and Quarantine Bureau(CIQ) has issued a public notice to stop issuing CIQ labels for imported cosmetics that have passed CIQ's inspections. It shall be noted that CIQ's inspection is still mandatory for imported cosmetics.

This order was made in accordance with AQSIQ Order No. 143 of 2011 - The Administrative Measures on the Inspection, Quarantine and Supervision of Import and Export of Cosmetics that came into force on 1 Feb 2012.

Background

The old version of The Administrative Measures on Inspection and Quarantine of Import and Export of Cosmetics requires that imported cosmetics pass the inspection of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) and must be affixed with a China Inspection and Quarantine(CIQ) label and Chinese label in according to the Administrative Rules for Labeling Cosmetics. Imported cosmetics without CIQ labels cannot be placed on Chinese market

Under the AQSIQ Order No. 143, CIQ will no longer issue CIQ labels for imported cosmetics that have passed CIQ's inspections.

Inspection of Imported Cosmetics and Cosmetic Samples

Even though CIQ labels will no longer be required for imported cosmetics, CIQ's inspection is mandatory. For cosmetics imported to China for the first time, Chinese importer needs to provide the following documents when applying for an inspection from CIQ:

  • A self-declaration letter stating that the imported cosmetic product complies with relevant Chinese laws and the normal use of the product will not cause any harm to human health;
  • Product formula;
  • Hygiene license or record-keeping certificate;
  • For cosmetics exempted from hygiene license or record-keeping requirement, the following documents are required:
    • Safety evaluation report issued by the qualified institutions for substances of potential safety risks; and
    • Documentation that permits the production and distribution of the imported cosmetics in the country of production or a Certificate of Country of Origin;
  • Sample labels in Chinese, product labels in the original language and the translated text in Chinese;
  • Information on the product name, volume/weight, specifications, country of origin, batch number, expiry date (production date and shelf life), target market, and information about packaging company;
  • Other documentation required by AQSIQ.

 

Please note that the documents required for bringing non-trade cosmetics(for example, product samples, R&D samples) into China are different. More info can be found here.

Reference:

http://www.aqsiq.gov.cn/zwgk/jlgg/zjgg/2011_1/201203/81.htm

http://www.chinatt315.org.cn/qwfb/2011-8/10/178.aspx

Find our expert

Ms April Guo, Regulatory Affairs Specialist for Cosmetics/Cosmetic Ingredient, CIRS China
11/F., Building 1, Dongguan Hi-Tech Park, 1288 Chunbo Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou 310052, China
Tel: +86-571 8720 6555 | Fax: +86-571 8720 6533
Email: april.guo@cirs-reach.com