Choose Your Route to the Chinese Market
China offers different market entry routes for cosmetics. The right approach depends on your product category, sales model and business goals.
Not sure which route suits your brand? We can help you assess your options.
Filing or Registration: Which Pathway Applies?
China distinguishes between general and special cosmetics, with different regulatory requirements for each category.
Requirement
General Cosmetics
Special Cosmetics
Regulatory pathway
Filing
Registration
Examples
Skincare, makeup and cleansers, depending on their intended use and claims
Sunscreens, whitening and anti-hair loss products
Before importing
Filing must be completed
Registration approval must be obtained
Project scope
Formula and label review, safety assessment, applicable testing and supporting evidence
Category-specific testing, safety and efficacy evidence, dossier preparation and technical review
Classification depends on intended use, claims and formula. Filing does not constitute regulatory approval.
Your Domestic Responsible Person in China
Overseas cosmetic registrants and filing entities must appoint a legal entity established in China as their Domestic Responsible Person — DRP.
The DRP handles regulatory submissions and fulfils the applicable local responsibilities, including support with adverse reaction monitoring, recalls and regulatory inspections.
Belab Services supports your brand with local representation, regulatory coordination and ongoing product compliance.
BELAB SERVICES · SHENZHEN
Local presence. International experience.
Coordination with your brand and manufacturer.
Local regulatory communication.
Support throughout the product lifecycle.
Technical Support from Formula to Submission
We provide regulatory and technical support throughout your China cosmetic registration or filing project.
Formula & Ingredient Review
Assess formula compliance, ingredient regulatory status and applicable restrictions in China.
Formula & Ingredient Review
Assess formula compliance, ingredient regulatory status and applicable restrictions in China.
Formula & Ingredient Review
Assess formula compliance, ingredient regulatory status and applicable restrictions in China.
Formula & Ingredient Review
Assess formula compliance, ingredient regulatory status and applicable restrictions in China.
Formula & Ingredient Review
Assess formula compliance, ingredient regulatory status and applicable restrictions in China.
Formula & Ingredient Review
Assess formula compliance, ingredient regulatory status and applicable restrictions in China.
Animal Testing: Assess Exemption Eligibility Early
We review your product category and supporting documentation to determine whether an exemption from submitting toxicological test reports may apply.
Eligibility is product-specific and must be assessed against current requirements.
What Documents Should You Prepare?
Gather key documents early to help your project progress efficiently and reduce delays.
✓ Company and manufacturer information.
✓ Full quantitative formula and ingredient information.
✓ Original packaging artwork and proposed claims.
✓ Available test reports and product specifications.
✓ Manufacturing and market-status documentation, where applicable.
✓ Authorisations and Domestic Responsible Person documentation.
Your China Project, Step by Step
We guide you through each stage, from the initial assessment to post-market support.
1
2
3
4
5
Assessment
Review your products, claims and commercial goals.
Planning
Confirm product classification, the regulatory pathway and testing requirements.
Preparation
Prepare technical documentation, test reports and Chinese labels.
Presentation
Manage dossier submission and follow up on communications from the authorities.
Maintenance
Support ongoing compliance and assess product changes after launch.
Timelines and Costs
Your project’s scope depends on product classification, testing requirements, claims and dossier readiness.
Key factors include:
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Product category and number of SKUs.
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Technical evidence and testing requirements.
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Availability and completeness of documentation.
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Authority review and regulatory follow-up.
Compliance Continues After Market Entry
Once your products enter the Chinese market, ongoing regulatory obligations continue to apply.
Dossier
Maintenance
Keep product information up to date and manage the necessary dossier updates.
Product
Changes
Assess changes to formulas, labels and claims before implementation.
Reports and
renewals
Meet ongoing reporting obligations and manage renewals where applicable.
Regulatory Enquiries & Monitoring
Receive support with authority enquiries and stay informed about regulatory developments affecting your products.
Ready to Bring Your Cosmetics to China?
Tell us about your products and launch plans. Our team will help you identify the next regulatory steps.
Contact us
