2025 Asian Cosmetics Regulation Updates (April)

2025 Asian Cosmetics Regulation Updates (April)

1. Japan: Revised Labeling Requirements for Quasi-Drugs

On March 10, 2025, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) announced revisions to the "Standards for Special Labeling of Specific Ingredients in Cosmetics." This update replaces the previous regulations in effect since 1985, introducing a stricter regulatory framework governing the labeling and advertising of specific cosmetic ingredients, including special requirements for Quasi-Drugs.

The new regulations establish a dual regulatory model for ingredients used in Quasi-Drugs:

• For inactive ingredients: Special claims are permitted if the labeling complies with standards applicable to cosmetics. Such claims must be objectively verifiable, non-misleading, and must not imply any pharmacological effect.

• For substances approved as active ingredients in Quasi-Drugs: Labeling requirements are more stringent. Terms implying drug-like efficacy (e.g., "anti-inflammatory") are prohibited unless explicitly approved. Claims falling within cosmetic efficacy categories (e.g., "skin protection") may be permitted under specific conditions.

2. South Korea: Revised Regulations for Directly-Purchased Overseas Cosmetics

On April 1, 2025, South Korea published an amendment to the Cosmetics Act, primarily revising management requirements for directly-purchased overseas cosmetics, among other aspects. The amendments will take effect one year after publication.

The revised Cosmetics Act defines "Directly-Purchased Overseas Cosmetics" as products purchased by individual consumers via overseas online platforms for personal use. To enhance consumer safety, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) will strengthen oversight through the following measures: establishing relevant regulatory provisions for these products; publishing information on directly-purchased overseas cosmetics that have caused or may cause harm; and conducting inspections of such products.

3. Thailand: Proposed Revisions to Regulations on Fluoride Toothpaste

On April 4, 2025, Thailand's Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of two draft regulations concerning fluoride toothpaste. The consultation period ends on June 3, 2025. The drafts aim to revise current warning statement requirements for products containing specific fluorides and introduce new labeling regulations for fluoride toothpaste.

4. Taiwan, China: Proposed Revision to List of Restricted Substances in Cosmetics

On April 7, 2025, Taiwan, China, submitted notification G/TBT/N/TPKM/559 to the WTO, announcing an amendment to the draft "List of Restricted Cosmetic Ingredients." The amendment proposes to add 34 new restricted substances, revise 74 existing ingredient entries, and remove boric acid from the list. The consultation period ends on June 6, 2025, with the proposed effective date set for July 1, 2026.

5. Indonesia: Free Halal Certification Quota for MSMEs

On April 11, 2025, the Indonesian Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH) announced the availability of 1 million free halal certification quotas to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in obtaining halal certification. This initiative is part of the government's halal certification assistance program. Businesses can apply for certification through the "Operator Declaration Mechanism" or "Self-Declare" process.