Mandatory information on a China cosmetics label

Mandatory items on a China cosmetics label are set out in the Cosmetics Labeling Rules. They generally include the Chinese product name; the name and address of the registrant or filer and, where that company is overseas, of the Domestic Responsible Person; the manufacturer’s name and address, plus the production-licence number for a domestic manufacturer; the product executive standard number; the full ingredient list; net content; the period of use; directions for use; necessary safety warnings; and any other items required by law or mandatory standards. Special cosmetics must also show the registration certificate number.

Published 11 November 2026 · Updated 11 November 2026

How the items should be written

Information should be true, complete, accurate and consistent with the registration or filing file. Ingredient names should use the specified standard Chinese names and should be listed in the required order. The period of use may be shown as a production date plus shelf life, or as a batch number plus a use-by date, in a format that meets the rules. If the product has an outer box, the inner container that directly holds the contents should also show the Chinese name and the period of use.

Extra items for some products

Children’s cosmetics need the required mark and warning statements. Imported products need a Chinese label that corresponds to the original packaging. Whether and how an ordinary cosmetic displays a filing number should follow the Labeling Rules and current official guidance rather than a homemade style.

Cautions

Online pages and advertisements should use the same name and claims as the label and the file. See the guides on imported labelling and on online listings.

Questions we are often asked

Must we print the manufacturer if it is a contract factory?

Yes. The manufacturer that completes the last process in contact with the contents should be identified as the rules require. If several such sites exist, the rules allow them to be listed together with a code that identifies the actual site.

Can we use only a use-by date without a production date?

The rules allow either production date plus shelf life or batch number plus use-by date. Follow the chosen format completely and consistently with the standard.