China Adopts Seven Cosmetics Testing Methods

China's National Medical Products Administration has adopted seven methods for inclusion in its Cosmetics Safety Technical Specification. The announcement revises five microbiological methods and adds two new methods. Implementation is staggered across 2027, with earlier use encouraged for cosmetics registration and filing tests.

The announcement is dated 30 October 2026. The Shanghai drug regulator republished it on 3 November, identifying NMPA as the source.

Two Implementation Dates

Six microbiological methods take effect on 1 December 2027. They cover general testing principles, total colony count, thermotolerant coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, mould and yeast counts, and Burkholderia cepacia complex.

The collagen-gel eye-irritation method takes effect on 1 May 2027. It is a new method, alongside the test for B. cepacia complex. The other five replace existing methods in the specification.

Before these dates, the announcement encourages use of the methods in testing connected with cosmetics registration and filing. It does not bring all seven into immediate mandatory application.

Revised Microbiological Controls

The official explanation says the earlier general principles lacked culture-medium quality evaluation and method-suitability testing requirements. Preservatives in cosmetic samples could suppress microbial growth and produce false-negative results.

The revised principles add culture-medium quality controls and suitability procedures. These include approaches such as dilution, neutralisation and membrane filtration to address inhibition by sample ingredients.

Eye-Irritation Method Has A Defined Scope

The official explanation limits the collagen-gel method to eye-irritation evaluation of single-component chemical ingredients used in cosmetics. It describes the method as a supplement to existing eye-irritation assessment standards and an option within an integrated testing and assessment strategy. It does not describe a general replacement for every finished-product eye-irritation test.