According to data released by China’s Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Import and Export Association, China and ASEAN will becosmeticsThe trade volume reached $12.3 billion, a figure that highlights the huge potential of the ASEAN market.

ASEAN, wholly known as the Alliance of Southeast Asian Nations, was founded in 1967 and currently consists of 11 member states. The forecast shows that by 2025 ASEAN cosmetics market will be more than $300 billion in size, and the annual compound growth rate will even exceed the European and American market that has entered a period of saturation. This makes ASEAN a key market for Chinese cosmetics enterprises to go offshore.

In order to ensure the safety, quality and effectiveness of cosmetics, ASEAN countries signed the ASEAN Unified Cosmetics Regulatory Agreement in 2003 and the ASEAN Cosmetics Directive, which aims to eliminate the restrictions on trade in cosmetics between member states and ensure the safety of cosmetics sold in ASEAN.

Definition of product:First, it is necessary to determine whether exported products meet ASEAN’s definition of cosmetics.
(2) Requirements of the formulation:The product formulation must meet the requirements of the ASEAN Cosmetics Directive on prohibition, restriction and permission of raw materials.
3) Requirements for labelling:The labels must be labelled in accordance with the ASEAN Cosmetics Directive, and some countries such as Vietnam and Thailand also require the use of local languages.
4) Product notification of products:Products must complete product notifications before they are marketed in each ASEAN country, a process involving multiple links and materials submissions.
Product Statements and Advertising:Companies should ensure that product advertising does not exaggerate its effectiveness and comply with national regulations on advertising.
Product information documents:Companies must prepare product information documents in advance to be provided during official on-site inspections.
The Halal Certification:This certification can increase the market acceptance of products, and some countries such as Indonesia may compel cosmetics to be authenticated in the future.

For cosmetics companies with ASEAN export needs, not only need to closely follow ASEAN regulatory requirements, but also need to understand regulatory differences in each exporting country and be prepared to respond.