Southeast Asia · Philippines
What does it take to sell cosmetics in Philippines? Entry route, responsibility, labeling
Pre-market Cosmetic Product Notification via the FDA eServices portal (with PIF upload) b…; Responsible person: A Philippine company holding an FDA License to Operate (LTO…; Labeling: ACD Appendix I labelling in English or Filipino: ….
Latest change 2026-04-22 — FDA Circular No. 2026-0001 consolidated ACD amendments from the 40th–42nd ACC meetings, adding TMPTA to Annex II, amending the benzophenone entry (effective 2026-11-19) and restricting BHT with a 24-month grace period. Source
Factory-side digest; the official text prevails; not legal advice.
- Authority
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA Philippines), Center for Cosmetics Regulation and Research
- Main regulation
- RA 9711 (2009); AO 2005-0025; FDA Circular 2023-001 (PIF) · Republic Act No. 9711 (FDA Act of 2009) amending RA 3720, with the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive adopted by DOH Administrative Order No. 2005-0025
- In force
- 2008-01-01
- Market entry
- Pre-market Cosmetic Product Notification via the FDA eServices portal (with PIF upload) before distribution, valid 1–3 years and renewable.
- Responsible person
- A Philippine company holding an FDA License to Operate (LTO) as manufacturer, importer or distributor must file the notification and appear on the label.
- Safety file
- Product Information File per ACD Art. 8 under FDA Circular 2023-001, kept by the LTO holder for inspection.
- Labeling
- ACD Appendix I labelling in English or Filipino: product name and function, full ingredient list, country of manufacture, LTO holder name/address, contents, batch, manufacturing/expiry date and precautions, with claims following the ACD claims guidelines.
- Animal testing
- No ban and no requirement.
- Ingredient lists
- ACD Annexes II–VII as adopted through FDA circulars (latest FDA Circular 2026-0001; FDA Circular 2025-002 of 2025-03-18 adopted the 39th ACC changes such as the DEET ban).
- Notes
- ACD applied from 2008-01-01 while RA 9711 itself dates from 2009; notification validity (1–3 years) is from consultancy sources.
- Look up this inventory here
- 东盟 · ASEAN Cosmetic Directive — Annexes
- Official text
- https://www.fda.gov.ph/fda-circular-no-2026-0001-consolidated-amendments-to-the-asean-cosmetic-directive-acd-as-adopted-during-the-40th-to-42nd-asean-cosmetic-committee-acc-meeting-and-their-related-meetings/
FAQ
Does Philippines require notification or registration before sale?
Pre-market Cosmetic Product Notification via the FDA eServices portal (with PIF upload) before distribution, valid 1–3 years and renewable.
Is a local responsible person mandatory in Philippines?
A Philippine company holding an FDA License to Operate (LTO) as manufacturer, importer or distributor must file the notification and appear on the label.
What are the labeling requirements in Philippines?
ACD Appendix I labelling in English or Filipino: product name and function, full ingredient list, country of manufacture, LTO holder name/address, contents, batch, manufacturing/expiry date and precautions, with claims following the ACD claims guidelines.
What changed recently in Philippines cosmetic regulation?
2026-04-22 FDA Circular No. 2026-0001 consolidated ACD amendments from the 40th–42nd ACC meetings, adding TMPTA to Annex II, amending the benzophenone entry (effective 2026-11-19) and restricting BHT with a 24-month grace period.
Manufacturing for Philippines · by category
Related buyer questions
- Entering the Philippines cosmetics market: what are the notification steps and where does it stall?
- Body lotion and body wash OEM for the Philippines: how are fragrance allergens and labeling handled?
- Amino-acid cleanser OEM for the Philippines: how is the surfactant system chosen, and what must be right for notification and labeling?
- Shampoo and conditioner OEM for the Philippines: what matters in a sulfate-free formula and on the label?
- Launching a skincare product (serum or cream) in the Philippines: what does the OEM factory need to prepare, and how long does notification take?
- Selling sunscreen in the Philippines: which SPF / PA test report is accepted, and how is the product notified?
Entering Philippines? Send the product type and we reply with the factory-side document list and lead time. Send an inquiry