Taiwan Cosmetic Product Regulation and Notification: A Complete Compliance Guide
Introduction
With the tightening of cosmetic regulations in Taiwan, China, businesses aiming to market their products in the region must ensure full compliance with the latest requirements enforced by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) under the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW). One of the most crucial regulatory changes is the implementation of the cosmetic product notification system, which significantly impacts both local and imported products.
This article outlines Taiwan’s cosmetic notification system, compliance procedures, and how professional services can support businesses in navigating the regulatory landscape efficiently.
Regulatory Background
Under the Cosmetic Hygiene and Safety Act, all cosmetics manufactured or imported into Taiwan must comply with specific regulatory requirements, including ingredient restrictions, labeling standards, and product notification procedures.
Key Implementation Dates:
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July 1, 2021: Notification requirement came into effect for general cosmetics.
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July 1, 2024: Notification requirement applies to former special-purpose cosmetics.
Exemption: Handmade solid soaps produced in factories exempt from registration are not subject to the notification requirement.
What Is Considered a Cosmetic in Taiwan?
According to the Cosmetic Hygiene and Safety Act, cosmetics are defined as:
“Substances applied to the human body’s exterior, teeth, or oral mucosa for the purposes of moisturizing hair or skin, stimulating the senses, improving body odor, enhancing appearance, or cleansing.”
Who Must File the Product Notification?
Notification must be filed by a Taiwan-based legal entity. The possible applicants include:
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Local Manufacturers: Companies producing cosmetics within Taiwan.
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Brand Owners (Contract Manufacturers): Companies located in Taiwan outsourcing production to local factories.
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Importers: Taiwan-based trading companies responsible for importing and marketing foreign cosmetics.
For overseas brands, the notification must be submitted by a local importer or agent in Taiwan. Direct filing by a foreign company is not permitted.
Cosmetic Product Notification Process
The notification process includes the following steps:
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Product Classification and Ingredient Compliance
Verify whether the product meets cosmetic definitions and whether its ingredients comply with Taiwan’s positive/negative lists and usage restrictions. -
TFDA Account Registration
The manufacturer or importer must create an account on the TFDA’s Cosmetic Product Notification Platform. -
Submit Product Details
Enter the product’s basic information and ingredient list, including concentrations. -
Pay Fees and Complete Notification
Upon successful submission and fee payment, the product is officially notified and can be legally marketed.
Required Documentation for Notification
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Product name and specifications
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Full formula with ingredient concentrations
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Basic product details
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Manufacturer or importer information
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which products must be notified?
A: All cosmetics sold, displayed, given away, or provided for trial use in Taiwan must be notified, except handmade solid soaps from factories exempt from registration.
Q2: Are imported cosmetics subject to notification?
A: Yes. All imported cosmetics require notification, and a Taiwan-based importer must act as the notification applicant.
Q3: Can the product be sold immediately after notification?
A: Yes. Once the notification is complete and the Product Information File (PIF) is established, the product can be legally sold in Taiwan.
Q4: How long is the notification valid?
A: Notifications are valid for 3 years. An extension must be filed at least 3 months before expiration.
Our Compliance Services
We offer end-to-end regulatory support to streamline your entry into the Taiwan cosmetics market:
Product Classification & Ingredient Review
We help you determine product type and assess ingredient compliance based on Taiwan’s regulatory lists and usage limits.
Chinese Label Review & Compliance Advice
Our team ensures that your cosmetic labeling in Chinese meets Taiwan’s regulatory standards—minimizing the risk of non-compliance.
Product Information File (PIF) Preparation
We compile a compliant PIF containing safety and technical documentation to support regulatory inspections.
Full-Process Notification Support
From TFDA account setup to successful product notification, we provide hands-on assistance to reduce compliance risks and shorten time to market.
Ongoing Regulatory Monitoring
Stay ahead of changes—our experts track updates to Taiwan’s cosmetic regulations and provide timely compliance advice.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you succeed in the Taiwan cosmetic market.
In addition to supporting your compliance needs in Taiwan, China, we also offer a full range of regulatory services for the broader Chinese market. Our expertise covers China cosmetic product registration/notification, China new cosmetic ingredients registration/notification, China’s cosmetic ingredient submission code, and efficacy claim evaluation report. Feel free to contact us and learn how we can help you achieve comprehensive compliance and market success.
