NIFDC Notice on Further Optimizing Changes to Special Cosmetics
To all relevant entities:
To implement the Opinions of the National Medical Products Administration on Deepening Cosmetics Regulatory Reform and Promoting High-Quality Industry Development (NMPA Cosmetics [2025] No. 18), continuously advance reforms to the review and approval processes for cosmetics, and improve the efficiency of registration management for special cosmetics, the following notice is hereby issued regarding further optimization of changes to special cosmetics.
I. Classification of Changes
In accordance with the principle of risk management, changes to special cosmetics shall be subject to classified management based on their respective levels of risk. Changes are classified into three categories: major changes, moderate changes, and minor changes. The specific classifications are set out in the Annex. The classification of changes will be dynamically adjusted in light of practical circumstances.
For major and moderate changes, the registrant shall submit the required application materials in accordance with the Provisions on the Administration of Cosmetics Registration and Notification Dossiers.
For minor changes, the registrant shall update the relevant information independently through the Cosmetics Smart Application, Review and Approval System. Such updates may be made once every 30 days. However, independent updates are not permitted while any other application submitted by the registrant is pending review and approval.
II. Review Timelines
The review timelines for applications involving major and moderate changes will be shortened from 90 working days to 60 working days and 45 working days, respectively.
Applications for major and moderate changes may be submitted separately or together. A new change application may only be submitted after the previously filed change application has been approved. Where major and moderate changes are submitted together, the review timeline applicable to major changes shall apply.
III. Other Requirements
When applying for changes to special cosmetics, registrants shall ensure that the proposed changes are consistent with the selected change classification and shall be responsible for the authenticity, accuracy, completeness, legality, and traceability of the submitted materials. Application forms for changes must be completed in a standardized, accurate, concise, and clear manner.
Registrants shall ensure that minor changes made through independent updates do not affect product quality or safety. Relevant supporting documentation shall be retained on file for inspection. Where any issues concerning the authenticity of such information are identified, the registrant shall bear the corresponding legal liability.
This Notice shall apply to applications for changes to special cosmetics accepted on or after November 20, 2026.
Annex: Classification of Changes to Special Cosmetics
National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC)
November 9, 2026
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