Step-by-Step Guide to Importing Hair Care Products into China
As Chinese consumers seek higher quality personal care experiences, international brands are expanding into China with shampoos, conditioners, and hair dyes. Under China’s updated Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulation (effective 2021), these are classified as cosmetics, requiring filing or registration before legal entry.
一. Product Categories & Regulatory Classification
| Product Type | Examples | Regulatory Path | HS Code |
| Shampoo | Anti-dandruff, baby shampoo | General cosmetic (Filing) | 3305100000 |
| Conditioner | Moisturizing, repair creams | General cosmetic (Filing) | 3305900000 |
| Hair Dye | Permanent dye, bleach, color sprays | Special-use cosmetic (Registration) | 3305900000 |
Products that claim to “prevent hair loss” must be registered as special-use cosmetics.
二. Import Procedure & Estimated Timeline
1. Product Filing or Registration
- General cosmetics filing: 3–6 months
- Special-use cosmetics registration: 12–18 months (incl. human efficacy tests)
2. Document Preparation & Shipping
- Required: Ingredient list, hygiene certificate, product label in Chinese, free sale certificate
- Alcohol-based sprays (≥60%) → must include SDS, UN number, GHS label
3. Customs Clearance & Inspection
- Customs declaration (invoice, contract, HS code, declaration form)
- CIQ review of labeling, packaging, and documentation
- Spot check possible for ingredients or claims
4. Market Entry
- CIQ release note required before warehousing and retail
三. Common Compliance Risks & Real-World Cases
| Risk Area | Description |
| Label issues | Chinese label not matching NMPA record → inspection fail |
| Illegal claims | Terms like “anti-hair loss” without approval → rejected |
| Ingredient ban | Use of banned preservatives or excessive levels |
| Dangerous goods | Alcohol spray not declared properly → shipment seized |
Real case:
In 2023, a European shampoo shipment was rejected for claiming “hair regrowth” without registering as special-use cosmetic. The full batch was returned, causing major losses.
四. How Logistics Providers Support Compliance
Provide cosmetic product classification and regulatory advisory
Assist with document templates and Chinese labeling review
Dangerous goods support for hair sprays and alcohol-based products
One-stop customs documentation and risk control guidance
Case Highlight:
In 2023, our team assisted a Korean brand in clearing 23 SKUs of conditioners, achieving 5-day average clearance time with 100% compliance.
5. Conclusion
Hair care products are a fast-growing category in China’s import market but face complex compliance demands. Partnering with an experienced logistics provider familiar with China’s cosmetic import rules can ensure smooth customs clearance, regulatory success, and faster time-to-market.
