Labeling Methods of small-sized packaging cosmetics, free samples, and gifts in China

It is a frequently asked question what is the labeling standard for Small-sized packaging cosmetics and sample cosmetics packages. Are there any limitations or penalties if doesn’t comply?

In recent years,  the demand for all kinds of cosmetic samples has been increasing significantly in the Chinese market.  Younger consumers are more likely to purchase small packages or sample products to test at the beginning, and even a unique “sample economic chain” has emerged. You may also be aware of that by the request of sample packages from your distributors or local retailers. 

Therefore, understanding the supervision and management requirements of labeling for small-sized packaging and sample package become important. 

According to the Measures of the new labeling regulations, small-sized package products indicates the cosmetics’ that the net content is less than 15mL/g. Free samples, Gifts, and Redeem products that fit the size are also mandatory to comply with the small-sized package products. 

CosmeticsBridge listed the 7 necessary details that should be listed on the small-sized products. 

(1) Chinese Product Name 

(2) Registration code for special cosmetics(if Any);

(3) The name of the registrant or filing person. 

(4) Net content;

(7) Use period;

Other content should be marked in manuals that come with the products.  Not-for-sale items are not clearly marked in the product information, but cosmetics bridge suggests following the cosmetics labeling regulation as well. 

Cosmetics that have previously applied for registration or filing have not been labeled in accordance with the regulation, the cosmetic registrant and filing person must complete the update of the product label before May 1, 2023, to make it comply。

Article 61, paragraph 1, item 5 of the “Cosmetics Supervision Regulations” stipulates that the production and operation of cosmetics that do not comply with the provisions of these regulations shall be punished with a maximum fine of 10 times the value of the goods; if the circumstances are serious, it shall be ordered to suspend production and business and shall be canceled by the filing department Filing or revocation of the cosmetics license by the original license issuing department, the legal representative or main responsible person, directly responsible person in charge and other directly responsible personnel of the illegal unit shall be punished with more than twice the income obtained from the unit in the previous year. The following fines will prohibit them from engaging in cosmetic production and business activities for 5 years.

Paragraph 2 of Article 61 of the “Regulations on Supervision of Cosmetics” stipulates that if there are defects in the labels of cosmetics produced and sold, but they do not affect the quality and safety and will not mislead consumers, the department in charge of drug supervision and management shall order them to make corrections; if they refuse to make corrections, A fine of not more than 2,000 RMB shall be imposed.