On May 6, 2026, the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) issued the “Administrative Measures of the Customs of the People’s Republic of China for the Inspection, Quarantine, and Supervision of Import and Export Cosmetics” (GACC Order No. 284).

Effective December 1, 2026, Order No. 284 comprehensively revises China’s 2012 cosmetics customs supervision measures to establish a modernized nationwide supervision system for imported and exported cosmetics.

For overseas cosmetics brands, manufacturers, and importers, the changes could directly impact customs clearance, supply chain planning, labeling, product classification, and regulatory risk management in China.

What’s Changing Under Order No. 284

According to GACC, the revised framework is intended to strengthen cosmetics quality and safety supervision while also improving customs efficiency and reducing unnecessary administrative burdens.

Key reforms include:

• Destination-based inspections for imported cosmetics
• Electronic verification between customs and NMPA registration and filing systems
• Expanded inspection exemptions for certain non-commercial cosmetics samples
• Simplified import procedures for qualifying cosmetic semi-finished products
• Updated compliance obligations for cosmetics exported from China

Destination-Based Inspections Could Reduce Delays

One of the biggest operational changes is the move away from port-based inspections.

Under the new framework, imported cosmetics will primarily be inspected at the importer’s declared destination rather than at the port of entry.

For companies importing through congested ports and distributing nationwide, this could mean:

• Reduced port storage and transfer costs
• Improved inventory and warehouse planning
• Greater flexibility in regional distribution arrangements
• Reduced delays associated with port-based inspection procedures

Customs and NMPA Systems Will Now Verify Data Electronically

Previously, customs authorities relied more heavily on manual document reviews during cosmetics import declarations. Under the revised framework, customs authorities will electronically verify cosmetics registration and filing information through connected regulatory databases.

According to GACC, the system is intended to:

• Reduce manual document review requirements
• Improve coordination between customs and NMPA authorities
• Lower administrative burdens during import declarations
• Improve customs supervision efficiency

At the same time, it raises the importance of maintaining accurate and internally consistent NMPA registration and filing data.

The revised rules also remove the special administration requirements previously applied to first-time imported cosmetics.

Expansion of Electronic Labeling Pilot Programs

China is also accelerating its push toward electronic cosmetics labeling. Pilot programs launched on May 11, 2026, including in Shanghai, reflect the shift toward digital customs supervision.

Companies participating in pilot programs may need systems capable of supporting:

• Electronic labeling
• Digital customs submissions
• Electronic product documentation
• Integration with NMPA registration and filing systems

Additional implementation guidance may continue to emerge as pilot programs expand into additional customs jurisdictions.

Expanded Sample Inspection Exemptions

China is also easing inspection requirements for certain non-commercial cosmetics products, including:

• Cosmetics registration samples
• Research and development (R&D) samples
• Promotional and exhibition samples

Companies using the exemptions must confirm the products are not intended for sale.

The changes could help overseas brands accelerate product testing, exhibitions, and early-stage market preparation activities in China.

Semi-Finished Cosmetics Gain Import Flexibility

Order No. 284 formally brings toothpaste and cosmetic semi-finished products into China’s customs reference management framework.

Qualifying semi-finished products (excluding filling and repackaging activities) may be exempt from:

• NMPA registration verification at import
• Cosmetics filing verification at import
• Import-stage label verification requirements

The reforms could benefit manufacturers supplying bulk or intermediate cosmetic materials to China by reducing inventory pressure, lowering component stocking costs, and improving sourcing flexibility.

However, companies remain fully responsible for ensuring products meet China’s technical and regulatory requirements and therefore should strengthen:

• Product classification controls
• Technical documentation management
• Internal compliance review procedures

Export Cosmetics Face Stricter Enforcement

The revised measures also update supervision rules for cosmetics exported from China.

Export products must comply with:

• Standards of the importing country, or
• Technical specifications agreed upon between trading parties

If neither standard applies, GACC may designate the applicable standards.

The rules also introduce stricter enforcement for non-compliant exports. Products failing safety, health, or environmental inspections may be returned or destroyed under customs supervision.

Companies exporting cosmetics from China should therefore review technical documentation, product specifications, and contractual compliance standards more carefully before shipment.

What Companies Should Do Before December 2026

Before the rules take effect, cosmetics companies should evaluate both operational and regulatory readiness.

Priority areas include:

• Ensuring Chinese cosmetics labels align with approved NMPA registration and filing formats
• Reviewing product classifications to confirm whether products qualify as finished or semi-finished cosmetics
• Verifying that NMPA registration and filing records are accurate, complete, and internally consistent
• Updating customs declaration strategies to utilize destination-based inspection procedures where appropriate
• Reassessing warehousing, inventory, and sourcing arrangements involving semi-finished cosmetic materials
• Preparing internal systems for electronic customs verification, electronic labeling, and digital documentation management
• Monitoring local customs implementation guidance, electronic labeling pilot programs, and additional interpretations related to semi-finished products and inspection exemptions

Higher Efficiency, Higher Compliance Expectations

Order No. 284 streamlines customs clearance through clearer facilitation measures, but the underlying model shifts decisively toward digital, data-driven supervision. Manual checks are reduced, while electronic verification, self-declared accuracy, and consistent data alignment across customs and NMPA systems become central to compliance.

Success will depend on tighter coordination across regulatory, customs, supply chain, and compliance teams to ensure product classification, documentation, and registration data remain aligned at every stage of import and export activity.

Cisema supports overseas cosmetics brands, manufacturers, and importers from NMPA registration and customs documentation to digital compliance preparation and regulatory strategy planning under GACC Order No. 284.

For companies seeking support with China cosmetics regulatory compliance, customs procedures, or import and export strategy planning, contact Cisema today.

Further Information

• Explore Cisema’s services for cosmetics registration in China.

References

Measures for Inspection, Quarantine, and Supervision of Import and Export Cosmetics (GACC Order No. 284)

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