China is one of the only countries whereby animal testing is still mandatory to support the import and marketing of cosmetic products imported into China. On May 1, 2021, a new Chinese regulation will come into effect that will provide for the waiver of mandatory animal testing requirements for imported “non-special cosmetics”. To take advantage of these reduced animal testing provisions, such imports must be accompanied by a recognized Cosmetic GMP Certificate issued by a recognized regulatory authority (such as Health Canada) in the originating country.
Since becoming aware of these developments in China, Cosmetics Alliance has been working with Health Canada and Global Affairs Canada to build a process to create such a certificate that would meet this Chinese requirement. This would allow cosmetics manufactured in Canada to be exported to China without the need for animal testing. As members are aware, the specific imposition of Cosmetic GMPs is not a regulatory requirement in Canada, and consequently, such a certificate is not presently available.
Recent work with Canadian officials is progressing well and momentum is building to have a resolution in place to support these reduced animal testing efforts by May 1, 2021 for products manufactured in Canadian facilities.
Interested in understanding how your business can plan for these emerging opportunities? Contact your Science, Regulatory and Market Access Team @ regulatory@cosmeticsalliance.ca.
