Labeling Requirements for Daily Chemicals in China

China Daily Chemical Product Labeling Regulations – Summary & Compliance Guide

What Are Daily Chemical Products?

These are consumer-use chemical items used in personal care and household settings, including:

• Personal Care: Shampoo, toothpaste, soaps, deodorants, hand sanitizers

• Household Use: Detergents, disinfectants, fabric softeners, cleaners

Mandatory Label Elements (Based on GB/T 5296.1-2012 and relevant standards)

Label Component	Details / Notes
Product Name	Full name, brand, and model/type/grade
Manufacturer Info	Name and address (may be waived for imports)
Importer / Distributor Info	Full names and addresses (required for imported products)
Country of Origin	Mandatory for imports
Production License No.	May be exempted for imports
Net Content	In weight (g/kg), volume (ml/L), or quantity (units)
Date & Shelf Life	Either: Production date + shelf life or Batch number + expiration date
Ingredients / Active Substances	Especially for cosmetics and products with active chemical components
Instructions for Use	Method, scope, precautions, recommended usage, etc.
Storage & Warning Info	Including vulnerable groups, disposal instructions, flammability, etc.
Certification Marks	As applicable (e.g., CCC mark, eco-labels)

Labels must be printed in simplified Chinese, be durable, clearly visible, and legible.

Instructions for Use & Warning Labels – Critical Focus Areas

China pays special attention to usage instructions and warning labels. These must:

• Indicate correct use, storage, and disposal methods

• Include foreseeable risk warnings (e.g., “Avoid contact with eyes”, “Keep out of reach of children”)

• Address environmental risks and resource-saving tips

• Not rely on consumer behavior to compensate for poor design

Label Format & Visibility Standards

• Use Chinese only (no foreign languages unless permitted with Chinese translations)

• Position labels in a conspicuous area of the product

• Ensure appropriate font size and contrast

• Avoid misleading or exaggerated claims, fake certification marks, or false visuals

China Daily Chemical Labeling Compliance Checklist

Task	Requirement
✔️	Product label in Simplified Chinese
✔️	All mandatory information included (product info, content, manufacturer/importer)
✔️	Clear usage and safety instructions present
✔️	No misleading graphics or claims
✔️	Net content in metric units
✔️	Valid production date / shelf life / batch number
✔️	Ingredient list included if required
✔️	Local distributor/agent details listed for imported products
✔️	Conformance to GB/T 5296.1-2012 & specific product standards
✔️	Translations reviewed by native regulatory experts or compliance consultants

Additional Considerations

• Product Notification or Registration: Certain chemical products may require pre-market registration or filing with Chinese authorities (e.g., disinfectants, cosmetics).

• Substance Compliance: All ingredients must align with China’s Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances (IECSC) and applicable safety standards.

• Local Agent: Importers must often appoint a local Chinese agent to help with documentation, labeling, and communication with regulatory authorities.

How Freyr Can Help

Freyr provides comprehensive support for:

• Label Review & Translation aligned with GB/T standards

• Regulatory Gap Analysis for imported products

• Product registration or filing support (e.g., cosmetics, disinfectants)

• Risk Assessment & Ingredient Review

• Ongoing regulatory updates and training

Final Takeaway

Entering the Chinese market for daily chemical products requires strict adherence to local labeling and safety standards. Labels are not just informational—they are legal documents in China, and non-compliance can result in product recalls, import rejections, or fines.

By ensuring your labels are:

• Fully compliant

• Translated correctly

• Technically accurate

• And tailored to Chinese regulatory expectations,

You’ll avoid regulatory pitfalls and enhance consumer trust and brand success.