Cosmetics Workshop, Seminar, Closed-door meeting with NIFDC in Zurich, Switzerland

2023-10-06 | Beijing, Shanghai, Brussels

European Chamber Cosmetics WG and Cosmetics Europe have co-organized the Workshops, Seminar, Closed-door meeting in Zurich on the occasion of NIFDC delegation visit.

Workshop on the role of International standards: ISO/217 for cosmetics and the areas of work of ISO, how ISO TC/217 for cosmetics functions, and what the active ISO/217 WGs were introduced. It was reminded that China is a Participating member (P-member) of TC 217. The obligation of WTO members to accept international standards was mentioned. On microbiology topics, presented by the convenor of ISO/TC 217 WG1,an overview of the existing microbial standards in ISO WG 1 and the key concept of ISO 29621 (Guidelines for the Risk Assessment and Identification of low-risk products) was explained. There was no particular comment by NIFDC on ISO 29621. NIDFC seemed interested in the issue of probiotic cosmetics. NIFDC also seemed particularly interested in the in vitro SPF test method now inDIS stage of ISO. The principle of this in vitro SPF method was introduced. On GMPISO 22716:2007, it was presented that China’s national standard is based on similar principles, but differs in some details – recognition of ISO 22716 as ‘equivalent’ is not ensured. Whether ISO 22716 will get full international acceptance would depend a lot on the direction that the US will take in MOCRA. All P-members of ISO 217 will be invited to actively input to the next ISO revision of ISO 22716. No particular comment by NIFDC on ISO GMP.

On the low microbial risk product topic, members clarified that there is actually no regulatory requirement for batch testing in the China GMP standard. However, it seems that the local GuoBiao (GB) or Executive Standards require domestic companies to do batch testing. Thus, there may be historical reasons why domestic companies still follow this approach and it is difficult for reviewers to treat foreign and domestic companies differently. It was clarified that the key point is to ensure that testing does not become a hurdle during product registration/notification, yet no objection to relevant quality control data being stored by companies for inspection purposes. Members proposed to work with local stakeholders, e.g., CAFFCI, to demonstrate evidence to the authority that there is no microbial risk for certain low-risk product types as a way forward.  

Seminar: Swiss in-market control measures and borderline product management were presented by SKW.The key points addressed by EU speakers from the SA training in Beijing were re-emphasised by CE.

Closed-door meeting: Topics on borderline product, in vitro SPF method (Double Plate method), EU fragrance allergen labeling, and ISO participation were covered.