The Asia-Pacific region is undergoing significant regulatory transformation in the cosmetics industry. Between July and November 2024, several governments introduced stricter rules covering product safety, ingredient use, labeling, and certification systems. These changes reflect a growing commitment to consumer protection, transparency, and global alignment in cosmetic standards.

China: Leading with Comprehensive Reforms

China has taken a strong stance on consumer protection. A new law, effective July 1, 2024, requires companies to ensure product safety, prevent misleading advertisements, maintain fair pricing, and safeguard consumer rights—especially for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

In parallel, the government issued updated technical guidelines for cosmetic safety assessment. These include detailed protocols for stability testing, preservative challenge tests, packaging compatibility checks, and skin irritation risk evaluations. Authorities encourage the use of alternative methods to strengthen consumer safety.

Another milestone came on September 1, 2024, when China mandated electronic submissions for all cosmetic registrations and new ingredient approvals. This shift from paper filings is designed to streamline processes and improve efficiency. Draft rules on risk monitoring further highlight China’s intent to strengthen oversight, focusing on widely used products, high-risk ingredients, and protection for sensitive populations.

Developments Across the Region

1. Taiwan

Taiwan’s FDA revised its risk assessment guidelines, particularly for nanomaterial-based cosmetics. Updates clarified ingredient definitions, physical and chemical criteria, and documentation standards, ensuring stronger scientific backing for product approvals.

2. Japan

The Japan Cosmetic Industry Association introduced new guidelines to regulate advertising claims, especially for wrinkle-reducing skincare. Ads must now be straightforward, accurate, and free from exaggerated promises.

3. South Korea

South Korea enhanced its rules for functional cosmetics. Even small-sized products must now display complete ingredient lists, safety details, and usage instructions. Updates also addressed restrictions on certain UV filters, other controlled ingredients, and advertising claims.

4. Thailand

Thailand updated its list of restricted and prohibited ingredients, adding stricter warning requirements for preservatives like climbazole. National standards were also expanded to cover analytical and microbiological methods, as well as criteria for natural and organic cosmetics.

Indonesia: Balancing Halal Standards and Consumer Protection

Indonesia continues to position itself as a leader in halal regulation. A new system allows foreign halal certificates to be registered (RSHLN), enabling certified products from abroad to enter the market without duplicate certification, provided they are officially listed.

Draft regulations also address labeling for refillable cosmetics, requiring detailed information such as product name, batch number, expiry date, notification number, refill facility address, and refill date. Labels must remain clear, durable, and non-misleading.

In addition, Indonesia is revising its Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) framework. Updates will define certification validity, renewal timelines, and inspection requirements when production facilities or capacities change.

Strengthened Enforcement in Vietnam and India

Vietnamese authorities are intensifying enforcement, particularly against cosmetics sold online and via social media channels. Non-compliant products face stricter inspections and penalties.

India, meanwhile, has refined its digital registration system via the Sugam portal. The updated process limits the number of products per application and sets clear processing deadlines, ensuring more efficient oversight of imports and domestic production.

Conclusion: Preparing for a More Demanding Regulatory Landscape

The cosmetics industry in Asia-Pacific is entering a new era of rigorous regulation. From China’s sweeping consumer protection measures to Indonesia’s emphasis on halal compliance, governments are raising the bar on safety, transparency, and accountability.

For manufacturers, these changes mean a need for constant vigilance. Staying aligned with evolving rules, conducting thorough safety assessments, and maintaining close relationships with regulators are no longer optional—they are essential for market access and long-term growth.

Falling behind, on the other hand, could result in costly delays, product recalls, or even penalties. In a region where consumer trust is increasingly tied to compliance and transparency, proactive regulatory adaptation is now a strategic imperative.

Original Article:

Wei, H. (2025, September 23). Asia-Pacific regulatory update: Technical standards, ingredients, cosmetic risk monitoring, labeling and more. Cosmetics & Toiletries. Retrieved from https://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/regulations/regional/article/22931861/asiapacific-regulatory-update-technical-standards-ingredients-cosmetic-risk-monitoring-labeling-and-more