How do I export a facial cleanser to China?

A facial cleanser is usually exported to China by completing ordinary cosmetics filing before general-trade import, appointing a Domestic Responsible Person and applying a compliant Chinese label. That path applies when the product’s use is to remove dirt or makeup from the face. Claims that the cleanser kills bacteria, treats acne as a disease, or provides sun protection or whitening move it off a simple ordinary-cleaning story.

Published 11 November 2026 · Updated 11 November 2026

How to judge the path

Cleaning and makeup-removing are listed ordinary efficacies. Anti-acne is also a listed ordinary efficacy when it stays inside helping to reduce or slow pimples, but products that are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory or hormone-regulating are not cosmetics.

See anti-acne products and antibacterial claims.

Typical documents, tests and labels

Testing and ordinary cosmetics filing may proceed in parallel. The ordinary filing cycle is about 10–20 days in total, depending on completeness and supplementary requests. That timing applies only to ordinary cosmetics filing, never to special cosmetics registration and not as a guaranteed import timeline. Prepare formula information, a safety assessment and a Chinese label that matches the cleanser you will import. Jinshang Testing organizes the compliance work. Testing is coordinated with partner laboratories, and those laboratories issue the reports they perform. After a record is issued, check it on the official NMPA filing query https://hzpba.nmpa.gov.cn/gccx/ and the NMPA data-search page https://datasearch.nmpa.gov.cn/datasearch/home-index.html#category=hzp.

Cautions

Exfoliating acids in a cleanser must still meet any restricted-ingredient conditions. Children’s cleansers have a narrower permitted claim list.

Questions we are often asked

Is a cleansing balm filed the same way as a foam?

Yes, as ordinary cleaning cosmetics if that is the function. Code the dosage form correctly and assess rinse-off versus any leave-on residue.

Can a cleanser claim to shrink pores medically?

Keep claims inside cosmetic efficacies such as cleaning or appearance. Disease-treatment or disinfectant language is not a cosmetic claim.