China Issues Six Technical Guidelines (Trial) for Hair Dye, Perming, & Sunscreen Cosmetics 

On April 15, 2026, the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), also referred to in the notice as the Central Inspection Institute, issued a notice announcing six technical guiding principles for cosmetics, including the Technical Guideline for Research on Hair Coloring Cosmetics (Trial). 

According to the notice, the guidelines are intended to standardize and guide the research and evaluation of hair dyeing, perming, and sunscreen cosmetics in China. 

New Technical Guidelines Target High-Risk Cosmetics Categories 

The notice introduces six technical guidelines, covering three cosmetic categories—hair dye, perming, and sunscreen. For each category, two types of guidelines are provided: 

• Research guidelines addressing product development, safety, efficacy, and related technical considerations  
• Quality control guidelines outlining requirements for testing indicators, stability, and quality management measures  

Together, these documents provide detailed technical references for both product research and quality control processes. 

The guidelines were developed and issued in accordance with China’s existing cosmetics regulatory framework, including: 

• Regulations on the Supervision and Administration of Cosmetics  
• Measures for the Administration of Cosmetics Registration and Filing  

Their issuance also follows the procedural requirements set out in SFDA Notice [2022] No. 32 on the working procedures for technical cosmetic guidelines. 

Expanded Research and Quality Control Requirements 

The annexed guidelines outline a range of technical requirements across the product lifecycle. For example: 

• Research guidelines for perm cosmetics include requirements related to raw materials, formulation design, production processes, safety assessment, and efficacy evaluation  
• Quality control guidelines specify expectations for stability studies, quality control indicators (such as harmful substances and active ingredients), and quality management measures  

Similar structures apply to hair dye and sunscreen products, with category-specific technical considerations. 

Implications for Foreign Cosmetics Companies 

While the notice does not explicitly define regulatory impact or enforcement changes, it introduces detailed technical references that companies can use when preparing product registration or filing materials in China. 

Improved Regulatory Clarity and Predictability 

Foreign manufacturers and brand owners may benefit from: 

• More defined technical frameworks for product development  
• Greater transparency in regulatory review criteria  
• Potentially improved predictability in registration and filing outcomes for compliant products  

Increased Compliance Burden 

At the same time, companies will need to address stricter requirements, including: 

• Enhanced safety and efficacy data for high-risk products  
• Alignment of formulations and testing methodologies with new standards  
• Expanded documentation supporting research and quality control processes  

These changes may require significant updates to existing product dossiers and development strategies. 

Required Actions for Market Access and Compliance 

To stay compliant and competitive under the new framework, companies should take immediate steps to assess and adapt their products and processes. Recommended actions include: 

• Conduct a detailed review of all six technical guidelines  
• Benchmark existing products against new research and quality requirements  
• Update testing protocols and validation methods  
• Identify and address any compliance gaps  
• Prepare for more rigorous scrutiny during product registration or filing  

Proactive measures will be critical to avoid delays or rejections in regulatory submissions. 

Final Thoughts 

China’s new technical guidelines reflect a broader trend: intensifying oversight of high-risk cosmetics through structured, detailed guidance. For international companies, keeping pace with these evolving standards can be challenging, and missteps may lead to delays, fines, or barriers to market entry. 

Navigating this complexity requires a strategic, informed approach. This is where Cisema steps in: we help international cosmetics companies turn regulatory challenges into manageable, actionable steps. Our specialized services include: 

• Bilingual regulatory interpretation and guideline analysis to clarify new requirements  
• Product-specific compliance gap assessments with detailed written reports  
• Pre-market label and formulation compliance reviews aligned with the latest technical standards 

With Cisema’s guidance, companies can confidently align with China’s updated regulations, reduce compliance risks, and accelerate market entry. 

Don’t let regulatory changes slow your market entry — contact Cisema today to ensure your cosmetics products meet China’s evolving standards. 

Further Information 

Learn about Cisema’s China cosmetic registration services. 

References 

Notice of the Central Inspection Institute on six technical guiding principles for cosmetics, inclu…: NIFDC Official Notice 

‍