The National Medical Products Administration in China has ushered in additional testing requirements for beauty products that contain sunscreen agents, according to a report published by Chemical Watch.

The new rules, which came into force on September 10, require manufacturers to test for skin phototoxicity and sensitisation in any cosmetics containing chemical sunscreen agents. The requirements apply to newly registered cosmetics although rinse-off, perfume and nail polish products are exempt. Cosmetics that have already been tested will need to submit a supplementary testing report when they renew their licence.

The new guidelines allow for third-party testing facilities to conduct these tests in China and lay out how companies can use an online system to apply for these services from November 1.