2023-10: Authentication of Good Manufacturing Practice for Cosmetics for product registration in China

12 April 2023

Purpose

This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise industry that the department is the competent authority for authenticating good manufacturing practice for cosmetics for product registration in China.

Summary of changes and key points

The department will issue documentation to authenticate good manufacturing practice for registration of cosmetics in China.

  • The department will be issuing Authentication of Good Manufacturing Practice for Cosmetics certificates from 17 April 2023.
  • For more information visit the Exporting cosmetics web page.

Background

China has changed its product registration requirements for cosmetics.

As part of an application, the Chinese Government requires a certificate attesting to the cosmetics being produced according to good manufacturing practices (GMP), in accordance with international standards, from the competent authority of the exporting country.

The certificates will be issued under the Export Control Act 2020. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, as the Australian Government competent authority, will issue certificates to Australian businesses that can demonstrate the cosmetics products being exported to China meet GMP requirements.

These changes open up trade for Australian cosmetics products to China and may provide certain types of imported cosmetics intended for retail sale in China to an exemption from animal testing requirements.

When requesting a certificate from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the business wishing to register to import the products into China must complete the application form and provide certain documents, as set out in the table below:

Where applicant is the manufacturer Where applicant uses a third-party manufacturer
  • a certificate from:
    • the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) showing that the applicant is currently licensed to manufacture therapeutics at the specified premises, or
    • an accredited* third party certifying that the premises meet ISO 22716 (Good Manufacturing Practices – Cosmetics).
  • a letter addressed to the department from the Australian manufacturer stating:
    • that it manufactures specific (named) products
    • the premises at which the manufacturing takes place
  • a certificate from:
    • the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) showing that the manufacturer is currently licensed to manufacture therapeutics at the specified premises, or
    • an accredited* third party certifying that the premises meet ISO 22716 (Good Manufacturing Practices – Cosmetics).

* Accredited third party means an organisation accredited by a member of the International Accreditation Forum to audit and certify compliance with ISO22716:2007 Cosmetics – Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) – Guidelines on Good Manufacturing Practices.

Note: a separate application is required for each manufacturing location.

Further information is available on our website.

Contact information

If you have any questions regarding this IAN please email the Non-Prescribed Goods Program.

Christine Mulhearn
Assistant Secretary
Residues and Food Branch
Exports and Veterinary Services Division
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

General enquiries

Call 1800 900 090

Contact us online

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