14 March 2012, China Exit-Entry Inspection and Quarantine Bureau(CIQ) has issued a public notice to stop issuing CIQ labels for imported cosmetics that have passed CIQ’s inspections. It shall be noted that CIQ’s inspection is still mandatory for imported cosmetics.

This order was made in accordance with AQSIQ Order No. 143 of 2011 - The Administrative Measures on the Inspection, Quarantine and Supervision of Import and Export of Cosmetics that came into force on 1 Feb 2012.

Background
The old version of The Administrative Measures on Inspection and Quarantine of Import and Export of Cosmetics requires that imported cosmetics pass the inspection of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) must be affixed with a China Inspection and Quarantine (CIQ) label and Chinese label in according to the Administrative Rules for Labeling Cosmetics. Imported cosmetics without CIQ labels cannot be placed on China market.

Under the AQSIQ Order No. 143, CIQ will no longer issue CIQ labels for imported cosmetics that have passed CIQ’s inspections.

Inspection of Imported Cosmetics
Even though CIQ labels will no longer be required for imported cosmetics, CIQ’s inspection is mandatory. For cosmetics imported into China for the first time, Chinese importers need to provide the following documents when applying for an inspection from CIQ:
1.   A self-declaration letter stating that the imported cosmetic product  complies with relevant Chinese laws and the normal use of the product will not cause any harm to human health;
2.   Product formula;
3.   Hygiene license or record-keeping certificate;
4.   For cosmetics exempted from hygiene license or record-keeping requirement, the following documents are required:
            a.   Safety evaluation report issued by the qualified institutions for substances of potential
                  safety risks; and
            b.   Documentation that permits the production and distribution of the imported cosmetics in the country of production or a Certificate of
                  Country of Origin;
5.   Sample labels in Chinese, product labels in the original language and the translated text in Chinese;
6.   Information on the product name, volume/weight, specifications, country of origin, batch number, expiry date (production date and shelf life), target market, and information about packaging company;
7.   Other documentation required by AQSIQ.
 
Please note that non-trade cosmetics (for example, product samples, R&D samples) are exempt from CIQ’s inspection.