3 Categories of Cosmetics Packaging Regulations: Cosmetics Supervision Regulations + Children's Cosmetics + Label Measures — 4 Items the Printer Must Most Focus On
💡 💡 At a Glance
3 core regulations of the cosmetics industry (Cosmetics Supervision and Management Regulations effective 2021/1/1 / Children's Cosmetics Supervision and Management Provisions effective 2022/1/1 / Cosmetics Label Management Measures effective 2022/5/1) + 4 hard requirements the printer must most focus on (all ingredient marking character height ≥1.8mm / warning statements / children's cosmetics small gold shield / net content character height ≥3mm stricter than food) + 3 pitfalls printers often fall into (customer old version design draft / registration number printed wrong / product name inconsistent with filing name) + 3 special process requirements for cosmetics (resistance to ink migration / resistance to fragrance corrosion / anti-counterfeiting traceability) + 3 new trends for cosmetics packaging (eco-friendly packaging / smart packaging / personalized customization) + 3 standard actions for cosmetics printers (regulatory compliance checklist / proactively send regulation update reminders / establish cosmetics packaging process library).
In September 2025, a printer in Guangzhou that does cosmetic outer packaging was interviewed by the Guangdong Provincial Drug Administration. Reason: a customer's batch of skincare product packaging did not print the 'all ingredient list', only printed 'main ingredients', violating Article 6 of the Cosmetics Label Management Measures 'cosmetic labels should mark all ingredients'. The printer, as the label producer, was jointly fined 15,000 RMB.
The printer owner came to me, and his first question was: 'The customer gave me the design only printing main ingredients, I printed according to the design, why am I being fined?'
I replied: 'The Cosmetics Label Management Measures was issued in May 2021 and came into effect on May 1, 2022. The printer doing cosmetics packaging must proactively follow these 3 regulations, rather than waiting for the customer to give the design. The customer gave you a wrong file, and you didn't catch it, so you are liable.'
From 2020 to 2025, 3 categories of regulations in the cosmetics industry have been intensively released, and the 4 hard requirements that the printer must be most familiar with.
1. Release and effective dates of 3 cosmetics regulations
The 3 core regulations of the cosmetics industry that the printer must know before receiving cosmetics packaging orders.
Regulation 1: Cosmetics Supervision and Management Regulations (State Council Order No. 727). Issued on June 29, 2020, came into effect on January 1, 2021. This is the 'parent regulation' of the cosmetics industry, the upper-level law of all cosmetics-related regulations, establishing the full life cycle regulatory framework for cosmetics.
Regulation 2: Children's Cosmetics Supervision and Management Provisions. Issued on October 8, 2021, came into effect on January 1, 2022. This is a special regulation for children's cosmetics, requiring children's cosmetics to have a 'small gold shield' logo, and special requirements for ingredients, labels, and filing.
Regulation 3: Cosmetics Label Management Measures (NMPA Announcement No. 50). Issued on May 31, 2021, came into effect on May 1, 2022. This is the 'core regulation' for cosmetic labels, stipulating all hard requirements for cosmetic labels, including all ingredient marking, warning statements, net content, etc.
All 3 regulations have been in effect for 3-4 years. If the printer is not familiar with these regulations now, it is basically 'industry non-compliant printer'.
2. 4 hard requirements the printer must most focus on
Of the 3 regulations, the printer must most focus on 4 hard requirements, directly related to whether the printed content complies with regulations.
Requirement 1: All ingredient marking. Article 6 of the Cosmetics Label Management Measures stipulates: cosmetic labels should mark all ingredients, all raw materials should be listed in descending order of addition amount, raw materials with addition amount not exceeding 0.1% may not be listed in descending order but must be listed in the all-ingredient table. This means that when the printer does cosmetics packaging, the ingredient list must contain all ingredients (common cosmetic ingredients 20-50 types), and cannot only print 'main ingredients' or 'core ingredients'.
Character height requirement: ingredient list character height ≥1.8mm (same as food packaging GB 7718 requirement). If the ingredient list is too long, it can be split into multiple lines, but each line's character height cannot be lower than 1.8mm.
Requirement 2: Warning statements. Article 36 of the Cosmetics Supervision and Management Regulations stipulates: cosmetic labels should mark necessary safety warning statements. Common warning statements include 'children under 3 years old do not use', 'avoid contact with eyes', 'stop use if uncomfortable', 'store in places out of reach of children', etc. The character height, contrast, and content of the warning statement are determined by the cosmetic registrant/filer according to product risk assessment, and the printer must print according to the content provided by the customer, and cannot omit without authorization.
Requirement 3: Children's cosmetics 'small gold shield' logo. Article 7 of the Children's Cosmetics Supervision and Management Provisions requires children's cosmetics to mark the 'children's cosmetics' logo on the sales packaging display surface, namely the 'small gold shield'. The small gold shield is a gold-yellow shield graphic with 'children's cosmetics' text inside, non-children's cosmetics must not mark it. Printers doing children's cosmetics packaging must print the 'small gold shield', and those doing adult cosmetics packaging absolutely cannot print the 'small gold shield'.
The graphic specification of the small gold shield is issued by the National Medical Products Administration, and the printer must print according to the official version (can be downloaded from the NMPA official website), and cannot design simplified versions themselves.
Requirement 4: Net content format. Article 13 of the Cosmetics Label Management Measures stipulates: the net content of cosmetics should be marked with the actual net content, using 'grams (g)', 'milliliters (mL)', 'kilograms (kg)', or 'liters (L)' as units. Character height has minimum requirements according to the packaging total surface area: when the total surface area is greater than 35cm², the height of the net content numbers must be ≥3mm; when the total surface area is less than or equal to 35cm², the height of the net content numbers must be ≥2mm.
This is different from the 'net content ≥1.8mm' requirement for food packaging, cosmetics are stricter (3mm). Printers doing cosmetics packaging should pay special attention to the net content font size.
3. 3 pitfalls printers often fall into due to the 3 regulations
The collateral effects of the 3 regulations, printers often fall into 3 pitfalls.
Pitfall 1: Customer provides old version packaging design draft. Many brand parties have pre-2020 cosmetics packaging design drafts, and they did not update the version after the 2021-2022 regulation updates. If the printer prints according to the old design draft, it will violate the new regulations. When the printer receives the customer's cosmetics packaging order, the first thing to ask the customer: 'Is this a compliant design draft after May 1, 2022?' If not, require the customer to provide a new version.
Pitfall 2: Registration number printing error. Article 35 of the Cosmetics Supervision and Management Regulations stipulates: special cosmetics can be produced or imported only after registration with the State Council's drug supervision and administration department; ordinary cosmetics shall be filed with the drug supervision and administration department before production or import. The registration number/filing number must be marked on the packaging, and the printer must print according to the registration number provided by the customer, and cannot modify or omit it without authorization. Common errors: registration number omitted, font size too small, registration number position wrong (should be on the sales packaging display surface or adjacent position).
Pitfall 3: Product name inconsistent with filing name. Article 8 of the Cosmetics Label Management Measures stipulates: the cosmetic product name should be consistent with the registered or filed name. If the customer filed the name 'XX Brightening Essence' with the drug administration, the packaging must print 'XX Brightening Essence', and cannot print 'Brightening Essence' or 'Brightening Essence (Upgraded Version)'. When the printer receives the customer's design draft, the product name must be consistent with the filing name corresponding to the registration number, if inconsistent, immediately feedback to the customer.
4. 3 special process requirements for cosmetics packaging
Compared to food packaging, cosmetics packaging has 3 special process requirements.
Requirement 1: Resistance to ink migration. Cosmetics contain oils, fragrances, essential oils, and long-term contact with packaging will cause pigment in the ink to migrate into the product, polluting the product. Cosmetics packaging must use 'ink migration resistant' ink or lamination isolation. Common practice: cosmetic outer box laminated matte film + inner tray isolated with PE bag; high-end cosmetics use 'aluminum-plastic composite film' inner bag, completely isolating the product from the outer box.
Requirement 2: Resistance to fragrance corrosion. Cosmetics contain fragrances, alcohol, organic solvents, and these components may corrode ink and paper. Cosmetics packaging must use 'fragrance corrosion resistant' ink (commonly UV curing ink or alcohol-soluble ink), and cannot use ordinary offset printing ink. When the printer does cosmetics packaging, ink selection must be confirmed with the supplier for 'fragrance corrosion resistance' performance.
Requirement 3: Anti-counterfeiting traceability. Cosmetics is a hot spot for counterfeit goods, and brand parties usually require packaging to have anti-counterfeiting traceability functions. Common anti-counterfeiting methods: QR code traceability, RFID tags, laser anti-counterfeiting labels, thermochromic ink, anti-counterfeiting fibers. When the printer does cosmetics packaging, it often needs to integrate anti-counterfeiting functions in cooperation with the brand party, which requires the printer to have 'printing + anti-counterfeiting' integrated capabilities, rather than just being a box supplier.
5. 3 new trends in cosmetics packaging
In addition to regulatory compliance, cosmetics packaging has 3 new trends, and the printer should plan ahead.
Trend 1: Eco-friendly packaging. L'Oreal, Estee Lauder, Procter & Gamble and other international brands have committed to 100% recyclable / compostable / reusable packaging by 2025-2030. Domestic new consumer brands are also following up. The application of eco-friendly materials (recycled paper, PLA, bagasse) for cosmetics packaging has changed from 'bonus points' to 'necessary items'. The printer should proactively accumulate eco-friendly packaging experience and connect with eco-friendly material suppliers in advance.
Trend 2: Smart packaging. The cosmetics industry is beginning to introduce 'smart packaging': QR code traceability, anti-counterfeiting verification, AR video instructions, personalized recommendations. Smart packaging requires the printer to have 'printing + RFID + QR code + NFC' integrated capabilities, and some high-spec smart packaging also requires the printer to have a 'QR code data management platform'. The printer can start with 'QR code traceability' and gradually expand to RFID and NFC.
Trend 3: Personalized customization. The cosmetics industry is beginning to try 'personalized customized packaging': consumers can customize engraving, customized color matching, customized patterns. This requires the printer to have 'digital printing + small batch + personalized customization' capabilities, and the traditional 'offset printing large goods' model cannot meet this. The printer should invest in digital printing equipment and lay out personalized customization business.
6. 3 standard actions for cosmetics printers
Finally, 3 standard actions, cosmetics printers must do to be compliant and competitive suppliers.
Action 1: Establish a 'Cosmetics Regulation Compliance Checklist'. The printer should put a 'Cosmetics Regulation Compliance Checklist' on the pre-press file review desk, covering the core clauses of the Cosmetics Supervision and Management Regulations, Children's Cosmetics Supervision and Management Provisions, and Cosmetics Label Management Measures (all ingredients / warning statements / small gold shield / net content / registration number / product name). Before each cosmetics packaging order goes to press, the reviewer checks item-by-item against the checklist, signs and archives. This action cost is very low (an additional 30 minutes of review time per order), but can avoid more than 80% of regulatory compliance risks.
Action 2: Proactively send 'Regulation Update Reminders' to customers. The printer should proactively track cosmetics regulation update dynamics (NMPA official website, cosmetics regulatory department announcements), and send a 'regulation update reminder' to customers annually, informing customers of the impact of new regulations on packaging. It is recommended to send the next year's regulation update preview in December each year, so customers can consider regulatory compliance in their annual planning.
Action 3: Establish a 'Cosmetics Packaging Process Library'. The printer should establish a cosmetics packaging process library, making a comparison table of commonly used process combinations (material + printing + surface process + anti-counterfeiting + post-press) for different product types (skincare / makeup / fragrance / children / maternal & infant). When the customer comes to inquire, directly pull the corresponding plan from the process library, rather than temporary matching.
If your printer is evaluating a cosmetics packaging order, send us the product type (skincare / makeup / fragrance / children / maternal & infant), sales area (domestic / export / cross-border e-commerce), whether anti-counterfeiting traceability is needed, and brand filing status. We can tell you within 30 minutes the regulatory compliance risk level and recommend corresponding process combination plans.
Further reading
FAQ
When the printer does cosmetics packaging and the customer's design only prints 'main ingredients', is that OK?
No. Article 6 of the Cosmetics Label Management Measures requires cosmetic labels to indicate all ingredients, all raw materials should be listed in descending order of addition amount, raw materials with addition amount not exceeding 0.1% may not be listed in descending order but must be listed in the all-ingredient table. Printing only 'main ingredients' or 'core ingredients' violates regulations, and the printer may be jointly punished. When the printer receives a cosmetics packaging order, the first thing is to check whether the ingredient list contains all ingredients and whether the character height is ≥1.8mm. If the customer's design is non-compliant, require the customer to provide a new version or refuse to print.
How to print the children's cosmetics 'small gold shield' logo?
Article 7 of the Children's Cosmetics Supervision and Management Provisions requires children's cosmetics to mark the 'children's cosmetics' logo on the sales packaging display surface, namely the 'small gold shield'. The small gold shield is a gold-yellow shield graphic with 'children's cosmetics' text inside, non-children's cosmetics must not mark it. Printers doing children's cosmetics packaging must print according to the official version of the National Medical Products Administration (which can be downloaded from the NMPA official website), and cannot design simplified versions themselves. The position must be on the 'display surface' of the sales packaging (the surface the consumer sees first), cannot be on the back or bottom. The size is reasonably adjusted according to the packaging size, minimum size ≥8mm × 8mm.
What are the character height requirements for the net content of cosmetics packaging?
Article 13 of the Cosmetics Label Management Measures stipulates: the net content of cosmetics should be marked with the actual net content, using 'grams (g)', 'milliliters (mL)', 'kilograms (kg)', or 'liters (L)' as units. Character height has minimum requirements according to the packaging total surface area: when the total surface area is greater than 35cm², the height of the net content numbers must be ≥3mm; when the total surface area is less than or equal to 35cm², the height of the net content numbers must be ≥2mm. This is stricter than the 1.8mm requirement for food packaging. Printers doing cosmetics packaging should pay special attention to the net content font size, and it is recommended to leave a 0.5mm margin (i.e. 3.5mm or 2.5mm).
What to do if the customer-provided registration number is printed wrong?
Registration number printing error is one of the most common pitfalls for cosmetics printers. When the printer receives the customer's design draft, the first thing is to verify whether the registration number is consistent with the customer's registration certificate. Common errors: registration number omitted, font size too small, registration number position wrong (should be on the sales packaging display surface or adjacent position). If the customer's registration number has problems, require the customer to provide the correct registration certificate, verify consistency before printing. If the printer unilaterally modifies or omits the registration number, it violates Article 35 of the Cosmetics Supervision and Management Regulations, and may be jointly fined.
What ink is used for cosmetics packaging? What special requirements are there?
Cosmetics contain oils, fragrances, essential oils, alcohol, organic solvents, and these components may corrode ordinary offset printing ink, causing pigment in the ink to migrate into the product. Cosmetics packaging must use 'fragrance-resistant' ink, common choices: UV curing ink (resistant to ink migration and fragrance corrosion, suitable for high-end cosmetics), alcohol-soluble ink (low cost, suitable for mid-range cosmetics), ordinary offset printing ink + lamination isolation (suitable for low-mid cosmetics, but lamination is required). When the printer does cosmetics packaging, ink selection must be confirmed with the supplier for 'fragrance resistance' and 'ink migration resistance' performance, and cannot directly apply food packaging ink.
When the customer does export cosmetics packaging, what additional requirements should the printer consider?
3 categories of additional requirements for export cosmetics packaging: first, destination country regulatory compliance (EU EC 1223/2009, US FDA, Japan PMDA, etc.), the printer needs to understand the destination country's label regulations; second, export packaging logistics performance (international sea transport temperature and humidity changes, vibration, stacking pressure), the printer needs to test the packaging's weather resistance; third, export packaging multi-language labels (Chinese-English bilingual, Chinese-French bilingual, Chinese-Japanese bilingual, etc.), the printer needs to verify the translation accuracy and font compliance of each language. It is recommended that the printer, before receiving export cosmetics orders, require the customer to provide destination country regulations list and logistics test reports, to avoid post-export returns.
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