On November 2, 2026, China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) issued an announcement to incorporate seven inspection (test) methods into the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics. The seven methods will be implemented on two different dates, and the difference in timing deserves attention. CIRS Group has compiled and sorted out the core content for reference.
Among them, the Detection of Burkholderia cepacia Complex in Cosmetics and the Vitrigel-Eye Irritancy Test Method are two newly added inspection (test) methods; the five methods including the General Principles for Microbiological Examination in Cosmetics are revised test methods, replacing the original methods in the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics.
Summary Table of the Seven Standard Development and Revision Projects under the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics
| No. | Project Name | Type | Chapter Incorporated into the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics |
| 1 | General Principles for Microbiological Examination in Cosmetics | Revised to replace the original method | Chapter V Microbiological Test Methods, 1 General Principles for Microbiological Examination in Cosmetics |
| 2 | Aerobic Plate Count in Cosmetics | Chapter V Microbiological Test Methods, 2 Aerobic Plate Count in Cosmetics | |
| 3 | Detection of Thermotolerant Coliform Bacteria in Cosmetics | Chapter V Microbiological Test Methods, 3 Detection of Thermotolerant Coliform Bacteria in Cosmetics | |
| 4 | Detection of Staphylococcus aureus in Cosmetics | Chapter V Microbiological Test Methods, 5 Detection of Staphylococcus aureus in Cosmetics | |
| 5 | Test Method for the Total Number of Molds and Yeasts in Cosmetics | Chapter V Microbiological Test Methods, 6 Test Method for the Total Number of Molds and Yeasts in Cosmetics | |
| 6 | Detection of Burkholderia cepacia Complex in Cosmetics | Newly added test method | Chapter V Microbiological Test Methods, 13 Detection of Burkholderia cepacia Complex in Cosmetics |
| 7 | Vitrigel-Eye Irritancy Test Method | Chapter VI Toxicological Test Methods, 52 Vitrigel-Eye Irritancy Test Method |
Implementation Dates
- The six methods listed in No. 1–6 of the table above will be implemented from December 1, 2027.
- The Vitrigel-Eye Irritancy Test Method will be implemented from May 1, 2027.
- Before the above methods are implemented, the adoption of the above methods in tests related to cosmetics registration and filing is encouraged.
CIRS Reminder
Seven inspection and test methods, including revised replacements and new additions, have been incorporated into the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics, and the industry is encouraged to try out the new methods in advance during the transition period. Relevant market players are advised to carry out relevant technical learning and capacity preparation in an orderly manner in light of their own business realities, grasp the key technical points with reference to the supporting official Q&A of the NIDC, and continuously implement safety risk management and control in daily compliance and testing-related work.
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