Cosmetics

The Department of Public Health (DPH) has been inspecting California cosmetic firms since the early 1900’s to ensure the safety of the cosmetic supply in California. In 1993, legislation was passed allowing any person engaged in the manufacturing, packing, labeling, or holding of cosmetics in the State of California to voluntary register annually with the Department of Public Health (DPH), Food and Drug Branch (FDB). The registration fees pay for inspections of cosmetic facilities performed by FDB investigators who examine a firm’s complete production and quality assurance system including such areas as: qualifications of responsible personnel and adequacy of facilities.  Further, firms additionally benefit from the cosmetic registration in that it allows them to seek an export certificate issued from the DPH.

The export market, for California produced cosmetics, has increased significantly. Many countries require the submission of export documents issued by the DPH before importation of California manufactured products is permitted.  These documents certify that the manufacturer and its products are subject to the health standards required by the Department, and that the Department does not object to the sale of the products in California or the shipment of the products to other countries.  Factors that the Department considers in deciding whether an export document should be issued include whether the system of manufacture and quality control used to produce the products are adequate and whether the products are properly labeled.

For information on registration for cosmetics manufacturing, packing, labeling, or holding, contact the Food and Drug Branch at (916) 650-6500 or FDBinfo@cdph.ca.gov.