Q&As on Ordinary Cosmetics Filing in Guangzhou (Vol. 45)

We have collected the latest FAQs on ordinary cosmetics filing from the Guangzhou Administration for Market Regulation and translated them into English for your reference.

1. What is the production process for soap?

At present, the soap on the market mainly uses sodium fatty acids generated by saponification (fatty acid and alkali neutralization) of animal and plant fats as the main ingredient, with or without the addition of other surfactants, and functional additives, and is produced through grinding and cooling molding processes. Fatty acid sodium salts that can be used to manufacture soaps include sodium laurate, sodium stearate, sodium myristate, and sodium oleate.

2. Does soap meet the definition of cosmetics? Is registration and filing management implemented for cosmetics?

Soap meets the definition of cosmetics from the perspective of the use method (wiping), application site (human surface), and main purpose (cleaning) of soap.

According to Article 77 (2) of the Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulations (CSAR), soap is not subject to the regulations, but soap claiming to have special cosmetic effects is subject to the regulations. Soaps that only have ordinary cleaning functions are managed according to general cosmetics. Soaps that claim to have special effects such as "whitening and sun protection" are registered and managed as special cosmetics.

3. Does "liquid soap" belong to cosmetics?

At present, liquid soap products used on the human body do not meet the definition of soap in QB/T 2485-2008, and are actually similar to products such as shower gel and hand sanitizer. Therefore, based on the product's process formula, usage method, purpose of use, and intended part of the body for use, it may still belong to cosmetics.

4. Do I need to obtain a production license before producing soap?

Soaps that claim to have special cosmetic effects are applicable to the CSAR and are included in the management of cosmetics production.

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