2026 Cosmetics Import Customs Declaration Compliance Complete Guide

1.Cosmetics Import Access: Regulatory Framework and Preparations

After the implementation of the Regulations on Supervision and Administration of Cosmetics and the new Measures for the Administration of Filing of Imported Cosmetics in 2026,cosmetics imports need to pass three access thresholds:

• Domestic Responsible Person Filing: Importers need to complete filing in the NMPA system in advance.In 2026,the new position requirement of "Product Safety Officer" is added; if the filing information does not match the actual operating entity,it will directly trigger customs inspection
• Import License Application: For non-special-purpose cosmetics,the "Cosmetics Filing Certificate" needs to be submitted 3 months in advance; for special-purpose cosmetics (sun protection,whitening,etc.),the additional approval document of "National Cosmetics Special Import No.JXXXX" is required.In 2026,a mandatory requirement for labeling SPF values of sun protection products is added
• Formula Ingredient Pre-examination: For products involving animal or plant-derived ingredients,pre-examination with CIQ (China Inspection and Quarantine) needs to be completed in advance.In 2026,restrictions on preservative addition levels (such as formaldehyde releasers) are stricter; a Japanese and South Korean brand was delayed in customs inspection by 15 days due to 0.2% excess preservatives

2.Analysis of Key Nodes in the Whole Customs Clearance Process

Cosmetics clearance needs to focus on controlling three core links; any negligence may lead to delay of the entire order:

1.Customs Valuation and Classification

In 2026,customs implements "combined classification" for "cosmetics sets"; a German brand was required to pay an additional tax of RMB 200,000 because it split lipstick + eyeshadow into two HS codes.Operational suggestions:

• Provide a "detailed declaration list based on ingredient composition" in advance,clarifying the proportion of each product’s ingredients
• For perfume products,mark key parameters such as "alcohol content" and "fragrance proportion" to avoid being classified as "luxury goods" leading to a sharp increase in tax rate

2.CIQ Inspection and Label Compliance

Chinese labels are a key inspection focus in 2026,and must include:

• Product name,specification,country of origin,domestic responsible person,contact information
• Ingredient list (arranged in descending order of content; the separate labeling of "flavor" is added in 2026)
• Special efficacy warning text (such as "Contains niacinamide,it is recommended to test behind the ear for sensitive skin")

A European and American brand was detained by CIQ inspection due to missing "cosmetics production license number (such as Shanghai Cosmetics No.202600XX)" on the label,with a rectification period of up to 45 days.

3.Logistics Connection and Foreign Exchange Settlement

Two modes are added in 2026: "Cross-border E-commerce Bonded Warehouse Direct Mail" and "General Trade",with significant operational differences:

• Bonded Warehouse Mode: Complete "import goods storage filing" in advance to avoid being unable to enter the warehouse due to mismatched filing information after the goods arrive at the port
• General Trade Mode: Mark "Chinese label of imported cosmetics has been reviewed and approved" in the remarks column of the customs declaration form; foreign exchange settlement in 2026 needs to match the "Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS)" channel to avoid exchange losses due to SWIFT delays

3.Special Risk Early Warning and Avoidance Strategies in 2026

There are three high-risk areas in current cosmetics imports that need key prevention:

1.Compliance Red Line Early Warning

• Ingredient Expression Minefields: Absolute terms such as "100% natural" and "no additives" are prohibited; must comply with the 2026 Cosmetics Naming Regulations; a Southeast Asian brand was fined RMB 500,000 for claiming "100% preservative-free"
• Quarantine Approval Loopholes: For products containing animal-derived ingredients (such as beeswax,collagen),the "Animal and Plant Quarantine Permit for Entry" needs to be applied in advance.In 2026,the requirement for "ingredient traceability code" is added; failure to provide it will trigger a full inspection

2.Hidden Cost Control

A customer case shows that a batch of imported facial masks incurred port surcharge + storage fee totaling RMB 86,000 due to "failure to apply for ’Chinese cosmetics label design review’ in advance".Suggestions:

• Sign a "full customs clearance agency" agreement with the agency,clarifying the clause of "full refund if label review fails"
• Initiate "label design + review" process 3 months in advance to avoid temporary modifications during customs clearance

3.Response to Exchange Rate and Policy Fluctuations

Under the Fed interest rate hike cycle in 2026,attention should be paid to foreign exchange settlement:

4.Advantages of Cosmetics Imports at Shanghai Port and Agency Value

Zhongshitong relies on Shanghai’s geographical advantage as an international trade center to provide three core services:

• Full-link cross-port declaration: Can act as an agency for cosmetics imports at 20 ports across the country (such as Ningbo,Guangzhou,Shenzhen); the "Yangtze River Delta ports linked inspection" service is added in 2026,and multi-port collaborative declaration will be completed within 24 hours after the goods arrive at the port
• Global agency network: 12 overseas liaison offices are established in Japan,South Korea,Europe,America and Southeast Asia,which can complete "overseas warehouse pre-examination + domestic port linkage" in advance; a European brand improved customs clearance efficiency by 40% through this mode
• Risk control system construction: Establish a "compliance database for imported cosmetics",update tariff policies and ingredient standard changes in various countries in 2026 in real time,and avoid potential risks in advance

Cosmetics imports in 2026 have entered the "compliance first" era; enterprises need to put "access review" and "whole process control" in advance to seize opportunities in the fierce market competition.Zhongshitong’s Shanghai Port expert team is willing to provide one-stop solutions for enterprises from "product access" to "customs clearance delivery" with 20 years of practical experience.