Singapore is the most developed country in Southeast Asia and serves as an international hub for business and trade. In addition to its strong domestic purchasing power, it plays a key role as a major shopping destination in the region.
The cosmetics and skincare market in Singapore has always been active, offering a wide range of products from international and local brands that cater to various audiences.
If you want to engage in the cosmetics retail industry in Singapore, what permits are required? Today, let's explore the requirements for cosmetics in Singapore!
I Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA)
Cosmetics supplied in Singapore must comply with the Health Products Act and the Health Products (Cosmetic Products - ASEAN Cosmetic Directive) Regulations 2007, referred to as "the Regulations."
These regulations align with the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD), which adopts similar regulatory principles and requirements to those of the European Union (EU) Cosmetics Regulations.
The regulatory authority for cosmetics in Singapore is the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), which manages product notifications and regulation enforcement through the Health Products Act and other related regulations. The Cosmetic Control Unit (CCU) within HSA is responsible for overseeing cosmetic products.
For more information on cosmetic regulatory requirements and guidelines, please refer to the HSA's "Cosmetic Products Regulation Guide" at the following link: https://www.hsa.gov.sg/cosmetic-products/.
II Cosmetic Products
HSA defines cosmetics as any substance intended for contact with external human body parts, such as skin, hair, nails, lips, or the oral cavity, for the purposes of:
1 Cleaning.
2 Enhancing fragrance.
3 Altering appearance.
4 Covering or changing body odor.
5 Protecting.
6 Maintaining good condition.
Products not included in the cosmetics category are:
1 Injectable products and eye drops
2 Oral products, such as tablets, capsules, or beverages
3 Therapeutic products, such as acne treatment creams
III Exception Products
HSA regulations require all cosmetics to submit a notification on the HSA website before being sold in Singapore. However, this is not necessary if:
1 The cosmetics are provided only as samples for advertising or promotional activities
2 They are used solely for testing related to research or development
3 They are manufactured by or under the specifications of a physician for their patients' use
IV Application Materials
1 Information of the local company responsible for the product launch
This includes the company name and address, postal code, billing address, phone, and fax numbers.
2 Information of the authorized personnel representing the local company
This includes the name (matching the ID/Foreign ID number), NRIC/FIN, job title, and contact information (email/fax/sms).
3 Manufacturer information
This includes the name, address, and postal code.
4 Product information
This includes brand name, product name, product type and primary function (skincare, anti-aging, cosmetics, etc.), and product format (single item, palette, combination in a set).
V Application Process
1 Before submitting the product notification
1) Check if your cosmetic ingredients comply with the requirements of the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD).
2) Check if your product meets the labeling requirements for cosmetics.
2 Submit Product Notification
Submit online through HSA's Pharmaceutical Regulatory Information System (PRISM). Before accessing PRISM, applicants must register for a Client Registration and Identification Service (CRIS) account. Ensure the following are completed before submitting the notification and accessing e-services:
1) Register the local entity with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
2) Register for a Corppass account.
3) Register for a CRIS account.
4) Use Corppass to log in.
5) Submit your cosmetic notification under "Apply-apply@prism."
3 After Submitting Product Notification
Comply with company responsibilities, including reporting serious adverse effects and product defects.
Submit revisions to update applicant details, company information, or manufacturer details.
4 Each notification is valid for one year and must be renewed after that.
5 Successful Notification
If the notification is successfully submitted, a product notification confirmation will be automatically generated. Once the confirmation is received, you can begin selling the cosmetic products.
VI Application Obligations
Since HSA does not bear the responsibility for assessing cosmetics, the product notification confirmation from HSA does not equate to recognition or certification of the product's safety and quality.
Business owners remain responsible for the cosmetics they sell and must undertake the following key responsibilities:
1 As a cosmetic seller, you are responsible for the safety and quality of the products. Cosmetics must not contain adulterants or prohibited substances.
2 You must not exceed the specified limits for designated substances.
3 You must keep records of cosmetic supplies for two years.
4 You must submit safety and technical information upon request.
5 Monitor adverse events and recalls, and report to us as soon as possible.
6 If any safety issues are found, you must recall the product.
