The 7 “special-use cosmetics” categories defined in China includes following functional products: 1) hair dye; 2) hair perm; 3) anti-spot; 4) whitening (freckle-removing); 5) sunscreens; 6) anti-hair loss/alopecia; 7) new functions. (*The previous four functions, hair growth, hair removal/depilating products, beauty breast, body fitness/slimming products, and deodorant, were kicked out of cosmetic category in June 2020.)
The overseas company should conduct imported product registration if the product falls into the “special-use cosmetics” category. And before the registration work starts, the overseas company should appoint a Chinese legal entity registered in mainland China as its representative for this registration. Such Chinese legal entity is called Responsible Agent (RA). A RA can be your Chinese local subsidiary company, the importer or agent such as Accestra. You can only appoint one RA in China at one time, while you can change your RA without the previous one’s informed consent.
The whole registration process may take 9-12 months at least.
