Africa · South Africa
What does it take to sell cosmetics in South Africa? Entry route, responsibility, labeling
None – no pre-market notification or registration; Responsible person: No statutory local RP; Labeling: English at minimum with ingredient list, net cont….
Latest change 2017-12-22 — Draft Regulations relating to the labelling, advertising and composition of cosmetics (R.1469) were published for comment and remain unfinalised and unenforced as of 2026. Source
Factory-side digest; the official text prevails; not legal advice.
- Authority
- National Department of Health (Directorate: Food Control) under the FCD Act; SAHPRA only for products with medicinal claims
- Main regulation
- Act 54 of 1972; draft Regulations relating to the Labelling, Advertising and Composition of Cosmetics (GN R.1469, 22 Dec 2017); SANS 289:2022 · Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 54 of 1972
- In force
- 1973-01-01
- Market entry
- None – no pre-market notification or registration; the market is self-regulated under the FCD Act with the CTFA Cosmetic Compendium as industry guidance.
- Responsible person
- No statutory local RP; the manufacturer/importer/distributor named on the label is liable under the Act, and the draft regulations would formalise a South African responsible person.
- Safety file
- No mandatory filing; industry practice and the draft regulations expect a PIF with safety assessment and GMP (ISO 22716).
- Labeling
- English at minimum with ingredient list, net content per SANS 289 / Legal Metrology Act, and no misleading claims under the ARB/CTFA Cosmetic Advertising Code.
- Animal testing
- No statutory ban on animal testing of cosmetics.
- Ingredient lists
- CTFA Cosmetic Compendium adopts EU 1223/2009 Annexes II–VI; the draft R.1469 Annexures I/II list prohibited (e.g. mercury, chloroform) and restricted substances.
- Notes
- Sources disagree on whether R.1469 (2017) is final; ChemLinked (updated 2026-08-18) and Chemycal treat it as an unenforced draft, so it is reported as draft here.
- Official text
- https://www.health.gov.za/
FAQ
Does South Africa require notification or registration before sale?
None – no pre-market notification or registration; the market is self-regulated under the FCD Act with the CTFA Cosmetic Compendium as industry guidance.
Is a local responsible person mandatory in South Africa?
No statutory local RP; the manufacturer/importer/distributor named on the label is liable under the Act, and the draft regulations would formalise a South African responsible person.
What are the labeling requirements in South Africa?
English at minimum with ingredient list, net content per SANS 289 / Legal Metrology Act, and no misleading claims under the ARB/CTFA Cosmetic Advertising Code.
What changed recently in South Africa cosmetic regulation?
2017-12-22 Draft Regulations relating to the labelling, advertising and composition of cosmetics (R.1469) were published for comment and remain unfinalised and unenforced as of 2026.
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