Singapore’s cosmetic market requires compliance with stringent regulatory standards governed by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). This article outlines the notification process, documentation requirements, and essential steps for companies aiming to ensure their products meet the safety and quality standards for successful market entry in Singapore.

Understanding ASEAN Cosmetic Regulations

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) established the ASEAN Harmonised Cosmetic Regulatory Scheme (AHCRS) to promote consistent safety and quality standards for cosmetics across its 11 member states: Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, and Timor-Leste.

In 2008, the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) was fully implemented, allowing cosmetic products manufactured or sold in one ASEAN country to be marketed across other member states as long as they comply with local notification requirements. However, each country requires separate product notifications to be completed.

Regulatory Documents on Cosmetic Product Notification in Singapore

Competent Authority in Singapore

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA), a statutory board of the Singapore Ministry of Health, has the authority to regulate and license cosmetic products intended for human use in Singapore.

The Cosmetics Control Unit (CCU), a unit in HSA, was set up to administer the regulatory control of cosmetic products.

Responsible Person of Singapore Cosmetics Notification

Notification of cosmetic products should be conducted by a Responsible Person (RP), a locally registered company in Singapore responsible for placing the cosmetic product in the market. It can be an importer, producer, distributor, or retailer of cosmetic products.

Steps to Notify Cosmetic Products in Singapore

Singapore requires companies to complete a notification process before marketing cosmetic products. The notification is managed by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).

Step 1: Prepare Product Information

Ensure the product formula and packaging comply with HSA requirements.

Step 2: Apply for CRIS Account

Before accessing the HAS system, the CRIS (Client Registration and Identification Service) company account should be applied.

Step 3: Submit Online Notification and Pay

Log into the HSA online notification portal PRISM (Pharmaceutical Regulatory Information System) to submit detailed product information. The notification should be filled in English.

After confirming all the submitted information, you need to pay the administration fee.

Step 4: Receive Notification Acknowledgement

Once the notification is submitted successfully, you will receive an Acknowledgement showing the company name, product name, and notification number. With this Acknowledgement, you can market your product in Singapore. Please note that HSA doesn’t review your product information in the notification stage. So you need to make sure your products meet the local regulations.

To know your ingredient regulatory status, try our COSMETIC INGREDIENT SEARCH TOOL for a comprehensive search.

Essential Documents for Cosmetic Compliance in Singapore

After receiving notification approval, companies must compile a Product Information File (PIF) to maintain compliance during inspections.

The PIF includes:

1. Administrative and Product Details

• Notification number issued by HSA
• Business license of the local representative
• Full ingredient list
• Product photos and labels
• Evidence of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

2. Ingredient Quality Specification Data

• Specifications and analytical methods for cosmetic ingredients
• Safety data for cosmetic ingredients from reliable sources (g., CIR, SCCP, ACSB, or the manufacturer)

3. Finished Product Quality Specification Data

• Quantitative product formulation
• Production process
• Product quality specifications and testing methods
• Product stability test reports

4. Safety and Efficacy data

• Safety assessment of the cosmetic product
• Adverse reaction data
• Efficacy report supporting product claims

How REACH24H Can Help

• Review of banned/restricted ingredients for cosmetics in Singapore
• Formula and labeling compliance review
• Singapore cosmetics notification processes
• Singapore Responsible Person (RP) services
• Expert consultation on Singapore cosmetics regulatory compliance
• Regular updates and alerts on Singapore cosmetics regulations

Why Trust REACH24H’s Expertise

At REACH24H, we have helped over 1,000 cosmetic companies worldwide achieve compliance. Our innovative regulatory solutions set us apart in the industry. For any questions, contact us at customer@reach24h.com.

Read more:

• Cosmetics Notification in ASEAN: A Comprehensive Guide to the Regulatory Process
• Vietnam Cosmetic Product Notification – DAS – ASEAN
• Malaysia NPRA Cosmetic Notification: Requirements and Process – ASEAN
• Indonesia Cosmetic Notification Process: BPOM Requirements and Timeline – ASEAN