As different countries and regions pay more attention to cosmetic safety and consumer rights, each country has gradually formed its own standards for cosmetic packaging labeling. Although there are similarities in labeling requirements in many countries, there are significant differences in implementation. This article takes China, the EU, ASEAN, and the United States as examples to sort out the main similarities and differences in cosmetic label management in these regions, providing a reference for cosmetic companies to operate in compliance in the international market.
China
Ingredient List
Chinese cosmetics label information and prohibited claims
The Chinese cosmetic ingredient list requires "ingredients" as the introductory word, and the standard Chinese names of all ingredients of cosmetics are listed in descending order of content.
All ingredients with a content not exceeding 0.1% (w/w) are marked separately with "other trace ingredients" as the introductory word and can be sorted at will.
In addition, compound or mixed raw materials must be sorted based on the content of each ingredient in the formula and whether it is a trace ingredient.
Use Period
The expiry date of Chinese cosmetics can be marked in any of the following three ways:
Warning Information
In the following cases, "Attention" or "Warning" is required as the guide word and safety warning words are marked:
① The restricted/permitted components of cosmetics have warning words and safety matters related to the marking requirements;
② The relevant precautions for cosmetics suitable for special groups such as children are required to be marked;
③ Other safety warning words and precautions should be marked.
Product Name
Letters, Chinese pinyin, numbers, symbols, etc. are not allowed for naming. (Except for registered trademarks, sun protection index, color number, serial number, or necessary use.) If letters, Chinese Pinyin, numbers, symbols, etc. are used in registered trademarks, their meanings shall be explained.
The Chinese name of the product consists of:trademark name + common name + attribute name + supplementary description (color number, sun protection index, etc.).
Language Requirements
Standard Chinese characters should be used. If other characters or symbols are used, they must be explained in standard Chinese characters. (Except website addresses, names and addresses of overseas companies, and conventional professional terms, etc., which must be written in other words.)
If a Chinese label is affixed, the content of the Chinese label regarding product safety and efficacy claims shall be consistent with the content of the original label.
The European Union
EU cosmetic label information and claims
Ingredient List
The EU cosmetic ingredient list requires the word "Ingredients" as the introductory word, using the INCI name of the raw material, and ingredients with a content of more than 1% are listed in descending order, and ingredients with a content of less than 1% are listed in any order after the above ingredients.
Colorants are randomly listed after all cosmetic ingredients (not applicable to hair colorants).
Fragrances and aromatic ingredients must be labeled with "parfum" or "aroma".
Nano ingredients should add "nano" after the name.
If the cosmetic contains fragrance allergens listed in Annex III of (EC) 1223/2009, it needs to be marked on the label when the content is greater than 0.001% in leave-on products or greater than 0.01% in rinse-off products.According to the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EU Regulation 1223/2009), all cosmetics sold in the EU market must undergo microbiological evaluation.
Use Period
Products with a shelf life of less than 30 months: Mark the best before date + hourglass icon
Products with a shelf life of more than 30 months: Mark the shelf life after opening on the can icon
Warning Information
If there are any precautionary ingredients listed in Annexes III to VI of the Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 and any special precautionary information for professional use cosmetics, Warning+ warning content must be marked.
Language Requirements
It is necessary to meet the language requirements of the sales destination, which is usually English or English + the official language of the sales destination.
ASEAN
"ASEAN Cosmetics Directive" standard label examples
Ingredient List
In the ASEAN cosmetics label, the naming of raw materials refers to Appendix A of the ASEAN Cosmetics Directive. Ingredients with a content of more than 1% are listed in descending order, and ingredients with a content of less than 1% are listed in any order after the above ingredients.
Fragrances and aromatics and their raw materials can be labeled as "perfume", "fragrance", "aroma" or "flavor".
Colorants are randomly ordered after all cosmetic ingredients.
Plant raw materials and plant extracts should be identified by their genus and species, and the genus can be abbreviated.
Use Period
Use "expiry date" or "best before" as the guide, and express it in the form of "month + year" or "day + month + year".
If necessary, the conditions for maintaining the stability of the product should be supplemented.
For cosmetics with a minimum shelf life of less than 30 months, the expiration date must be clearly marked.
Warning Information
ASEAN member states may impose specific warning requirements on the declaration of animal-derived ingredients based on local needs.
① There must be a statement (in any form) on the product label indicating that it contains ingredients of animal origin;
② For ingredients of bovine or porcine origin, the exact animal origin must be declared.
Language Requirements
English, and/or the official language of the sales destination country, and/or a language familiar to consumers in the sales destination country.
The United States
U.S. cosmetics inner/outer packaging label information
Ingredient List
US cosmetic labels require that the name of each ingredient be listed in descending order of the main ingredients.
Fragrances or spices can be listed as "fragrance" or "flavor". If there are ingredients that are both essences and spices, they should be labeled according to their functions.
Warning Information
The required warnings for American cosmetics can be summarized as follows:
① Warnings and cautionary words for specific products (cosmetic sprays, female deodorant sprays, foam washing and bathing products) specified in detail by the FDA and relevant regulations.
② Cosmetics that may cause harm to consumers should contain appropriate label warnings. (Warning--The safety of this product has not been determined.)
Language Requirements.
English
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