Exporting cosmetics to China

If you want to register (with a view to exporting) non-animal tested cosmetics in China, you need documentary evidence that the product will be manufactured under international Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions applicable to the cosmetics industry. China only accepts this documentary evidence if it comes from a government authority. To help with this, MBIE has created a two-step process.

Two-step support process

Step 1: Get a Good Manufacturing Practice Registration certificate

The cosmetics manufacturer must obtain registration under the International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) GMP (Cosmetics) Compliance Monitoring Programme. Learn more on the IANZ website:

Good Manufacturing Practice (Cosmetics) Compliance Monitoring(external link) — IANZ

Step 2: Apply for MBIE confirmation 

Once the manufacturer has the IANZ GMP Registration certificate, the manufacturer applies to MBIE. MBIE checks the certificate with IANZ and then emails the manufacturer an official confirmation letter.

How to apply:

  1. Go to the Business Connect platform RealMe - BusinessConnect(external link) 
  2. Create a standard RealMe login (no ID needed).
  3. Select Import/Export, then choose Cosmetic products certificate.

Help getting set up(external link)  — Business Connect

Help with RealMe(external link)  — Business Connect

What you will need

When applying, have these ready:

  • The GMP Registration Certificate, and associated Schedule to the Certificate of Registration from IANZ.

You may also include

  • Supporting inspection reports or correspondence with IANZ.
  • Relevant information forming part of the GMP inspection application(s) to IANZ.

What happens next

Once the two step support process is complete, the manufacturer provides the MBIE confirmation letter, alongside the IANZ GMP Registration certificate and the Schedule to the Certificate of Registration, to the exporter of cosmetics who can use these documents to register their manufacturer with the National Medical Products Administration (Chinese Government Agency responsible for Cosmetics) in China.