Intertek Launches Administrative License Application Agency Service for Cosmetics Entering China Market
With the sustained and steady growth of China's economy and a rising of consumption levels, the Chinese market continues to boom and attract the entry of international brands. In the meantime, the Chinese population’s demands for middle and high-end consumer products have increased, including various types of imported cosmetics. According to the Supervising Rules of Cosmetics Sanitation, published by the Chinese Ministry of Health, and the Rules for Acceptance of Cosmetics Administrative License Application, issued by the State Food and Drug Administration, the import of cosmetics is subject to administrative license control. All imported cosmetics require an administrative license issued by the state health administration that covers product instruction, quality standards, product packaging guidelines and test reports issued by an accredited testing body. These supporting documents show approval of production and sales, and are issued by the exporting country. Cosmetics without the aforementioned License are not permitted to be imported and sold in China.
Applying for the License is a complex process. Most overseas cosmetic manufacturers or dealers are not familiar with the procedure, which can hinder the ability for overseas cosmetics to enter the Chinese market. This is an obstacle that concerns all parties in the cosmetics supply chain, and should be attended to promptly to facilitate acceptance in China.
Intertek, having comprehensive knowledge and insight into China’s laws and regulations, hopes to assist overseas brands with entry and success in the Chinese market through its official launch of an Administrative License Application Service. The application procedure is outlined below:
Workflow of Applying the Cosmetic Administrative License 
Remark：
- Applicant: the Reporting Responsibility Unit in China registered in China
- Designated body: The testing bodies accredited by the State Food and Drugs Administration to undertake the testing and issue report for cosmetic administrative license, which include health and human safety testing bodies.
Charge for cosmetic administrative license application agency service:
Agent fee + testing fee + notarization fee + others (such as translation of non-English languages if necessary or other special expenses)
Periods of applying for the License：
6 months for import of non-special purpose cosmetics
8 months for import of special purpose cosmetics
For more information, please contact：
Ms. Annie Ni
Tel: +86 21 6091 7382
E-mail: annie.ni@intertek.com