Overview
In December 2024, various provincial and national regulatory bodies in China conducted extensive sampling inspections of cosmetics, resulting in numerous findings of non-compliance and the presence of prohibited ingredients.
Key Findings
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA)
- Total Non-Compliant Batches: 25 batches reported containing prohibited ingredients, 90 batches found non-compliant.
- Specific Announcements:
- Announcement No. 53: 15 batches contained prohibited ingredients like triclosan and acrylamide.
- Action: Legal investigations initiated in Zhejiang and Guangdong.
- Details
- Announcement No. 56: 10 batches found non-compliant with ingredients like betamethasone and benzene.
- Action: Investigations in Shanghai and Guangdong; companies ordered to implement risk control measures.
- Details
- Announcement No. 63: 29 batches identified as non-compliant.
- Action: Investigations initiated across multiple provinces.
- Details
- Announcement No. 53: 15 batches contained prohibited ingredients like triclosan and acrylamide.
Provincial Drug Administration Findings
- Guangdong: 18 batches found non-compliant (e.g., body washes, nail polish removers).
- Jiangxi: 10 non-compliant batches (e.g., shampoo, body wash).
- Fujian: 12 non-compliant batches (e.g., essence creams, hair dye).
- Hunan: 4 non-compliant batches (e.g., SOD honey, shampoo).
Information Sharing and Follow-Up Actions
- Yunnan: 19 manufacturers inspected; 17 completed corrective actions.
- Inner Mongolia & Guangxi: Inspections revealed significant deficiencies in production quality management systems, leading to investigations.
Yunnan Provincial Drug Administration (December 4)
On December 4, the Yunnan Provincial Drug Administration announced inspections involving 19 cosmetic manufacturers, including Yunnan Renfu Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd. and Yunnan Huazhi Biotechnology Co., Ltd. These companies were required to implement corrective actions within a specified timeframe. Currently, 17 have completed their rectifications, while the remaining manufacturers will be monitored for compliance to ensure product quality and consumer safety.
NMPA Flight Inspections (December 11)
On December 11, the NMPA reported on flight inspections of Inner Mongolia Yuhangren Cosmetics Co., Ltd. and Guangxi Jinshengtang Biotechnology Co., Ltd. The inspections revealed significant violations of cosmetic regulations and deficiencies in their production quality management systems. The NMPA has instructed local drug regulatory authorities to investigate these issues and take appropriate actions.
NMPA Inspection Results (December 27)
On December 27, the NMPA announced findings from an inspection of Fuermin (Hunan) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., which also revealed significant deficiencies in its production quality management system. The Hunan Provincial Drug Administration has been directed to investigate these suspected violations to ensure compliance and safety for consumers.
These inspections demonstrate a strong commitment to maintaining high safety and compliance standards in the cosmetic industry.
Conclusion
The inspections conducted in December 2024 highlighted serious compliance issues within the cosmetics industry in China. Regulatory authorities are taking decisive actions to ensure public safety and adherence to cosmetic standards.