The General Administration of Customs (GAC) of China has officially issued the Revised Measures for the Inspection and Quarantine Supervision of Import and Export Cosmetics (GAC Order No. 284), which will come into force on December 1, 2026. The new rules significantly streamline export procedures, abolish manufacturer registration, simplify documentation, allow flexible inspection locations, and strengthen safety & traceability — creating a more efficient, transparent, and compliant environment for Chinese cosmetics to expand globally.
1. Key Reforms: Four Major Benefits for Exporters
- Abolition of Manufacturer RegistrationThe new rules eliminate the mandatory registration for cosmetics export manufacturers新华网. Companies only need a valid Cosmetics Production License to export, cutting red tape and accelerating market entry.
- Flexible Inspection: Production Site Priority + Designated LocationsExport cosmetics are primarily inspected at the production site. For trade facilitation, GAC may designate alternative inspection locations, helping businesses optimize logistics and reduce time costs.
- Simplified Documentation & Automated Data VerificationPre-export inspection submissions require: production license declaration, label samples with translations, and import country compliance statement中华人民共和国海关总署. GAC’s data integration with NMPA enables automatic verification of registration/filing data, minimizing paperwork and manual reviews新华网.
- Clearance Upon Passing; Certificates on RequestProducts that pass inspection are approved for export. If the importing country requires official certification, GAC will issue an official inspection certificate. Non-compliant goods may undergo rectification under customs supervision and re-testing; those still failing are banned from export.
2. Core Compliance Requirements: Safety, Standards & Traceability
- Compliance Priority: Meet Import Country StandardsExport cosmetics must comply with the importing country’s laws and standards. If no local standards exist and the contract is silent, GAC-specified standards apply. Pre-export checks for formula, labeling, and restricted substances are mandatory.
- Effective Quality Management System (QMS)Exporters must establish and maintain a robust QMS covering raw material sourcing, production control, finished product testing, batch traceability, and recall procedures.
- Label Compliance: Import Country Rules + Chinese SamplesExport labels must meet the importing country’s requirements for language, ingredient listing, and warnings. Chinese label samples and translations must be kept on file for inspection中华人民共和国海关总署.
- Processing Trade Exemption: Re-export ReliefFor 100% re-exported processing trade cosmetics, with valid proof of compliance with the importing country’s standards, domestic standard inspection may be waived, lowering costs for OEM/ODM manufacturers.
3. Industry Impact: Faster, Cheaper, More Competitive Exports
In 2025, China’s cosmetics exports reached RMB 55.92 billion, showing steady growth新华网. The new rules will reduce administrative burdens, cut clearance time, and lower compliance costs — especially benefiting SMEs and OEM/ODM factories. Meanwhile, enhanced safety and traceability will boost global trust in Chinese cosmetics, driving the industry from volume exports to premium, quality-led globalization.
Closing Note
The 2026 export regulations mark a critical step in China’s beauty industry toward opening-up and high-quality development. Businesses should use the transition period before December 1, 2026 to upgrade QMS, complete compliance audits, and optimize labeling. By embracing these new rules, Chinese cosmetics brands can seize global opportunities with confidence, compliance, and efficiency.
aitike