Must-Read for Importing Childrens Moisturizing Skincare Products: New Little Golden Shield Regulations and Complete Customs Clearance Guide

As a seasoned foreign trade professional with 20 years of experience, I frequently encounter inquiries like those from Ms. Zhu. Importing children's skincare products may seem straightforward, but it's actually fraught with hidden complexities. I recall in 2018 when a batch of Korean-imported children's facial creams we represented was held at the port for a full 45 days due to the lack of a "Hygienic License for Cosmetics," resulting in significant losses. Today, let me break down in the simplest terms the "special attention" customs pays to children's moisturizing skincare products.

This article provides a detailed analysis of customs supervision requirements for importing childrens moisturizing skincare products, including

Little Golden Shield Mark: The Most Important New Change in 2023

• Pitfall Avoidance Guide: 5 Suggestions from Practical ExperienceAs a veteran with 20 years of experience in foreign trade, I often encounter inquiries like Ms. Zhus. Importing childrens skincare products may seem simple, but it is actually full of hidden complexities. I remember in 2018, a batch of Korean-imported childrens face creams we represented was detained at the port for a full 45 days due to the lack of a Cosmetics Hygiene License Approval Document, resulting in significant losses. Today, let me explain in the simplest terms the special attention customs gives to childrens moisturizing skincare products.
• According to the latest customs definition, your batch of moisturizing skincare products will be classified under special supervision if they meet the following characteristics:Applicable Age
• : For children aged 12 and belowFunction Claim

Special reminder: Although some products are advertised as "suitable for the whole family," as long as the packaging or instructions contain the phrase "suitable for children," they will be subject to regulatory oversight. Last year, a case occurred at the Shenzhen port where an entire batch of goods was returned due to such ambiguous labeling.

Must-Read for Importing Childrens Moisturizing Skincare Products: New Little Golden Shield Regulations and Complete Customs Clearance Guide

Importing Childrens Skincare Products: Special Supervision That Cannot Be Ignored

Product Form

• : Includes but is not limited to lotions, creams, gels, and other forms: Starting from 2023, the new requirement for the "Little Golden Shield" logo has been added (details to follow).
• Proof of OriginBased on our years of practical experience, we recommend preparing the following document checklist:
• Hygiene License/Filing Documents: Must include the warning "Use under adult supervision."
• : Must exactly match the actual production location of the productChinese Label

Identify the Category: What Are Childrens Cosmetics?

: Must include the warning Use under adult supervision

• Ingredient Description
• Standardized Use of the "Little Golden Shield" Logo (For Products Manufactured After May 2023)
• Ningbo Customs typically focuses on the following during inspections:

Four Steps to Clearance: The Complete Process from Declaration to Release

Consistency between actual product ingredients and declarations

• Proper use of the Little Golden Shield mark (for products manufactured after May 2023)
• Heavy metal content
• Remaining shelf life (usually requiring at least 12 months)
• According to our statistics, laboratory testing for childrens skincare products takes an average of 15-20 working days, including the following test items:

Step 1: Document Preparation (The Most Error-Prone Step)

Microbiological Indicators

• Failed safety itemsPreservative Limits
• pH RangeCommon non-compliance handling methods:
• : Must be destroyed or returned (if prohibited substances are detected)Can be resubmitted after supplementing materials

"Little Golden Shield" logo: The most significant new change in 2023.

This seemingly small label has become the "life-or-death talisman" for imported children's skincare products this year. Based on the cases we've recently handled, special attention must be paid to:

• Applicable time: Products manufactured/imported after May 1, 2023
• Marking location: Must be displayed on the sales packaging surface (cannot be obscured)
• Size requirements: Height must not be less than 3mm
• Color specifications: Must use Pantone 7408C standard color

Last month, one of our clients had to relabel an entire batch of goods due to excessive color deviation in their self-designed "Little Golden Shield" logo, resulting in a loss of over 80,000 yuan in storage fees.

Step 3: Sampling and Testing (The Most Time-Consuming Step)

Based on hundreds of cases weve handled, weve summarized these hard-learned lessons:

• Prepare documentation 6 months in advance: The drug administrations filing cycle typically takes 4-5 months
• Carefully select ingredients: Avoid using fragrance components banned by the EU
• Double-check labels: Recommended to have ingredient lists processed by professional translation companies
• Allow time for testing: Laboratory testing may extend to 30 days during peak seasons
• Buy insurance: Specifically covers return risks caused by regulatory changes

Special Reminder: These "No-Go Zones" Must Be Avoided at All Costs

Recent high-frequency violations reported by customs:

• Use misleading terms such as "food-grade" or "edible" in promotional materials.
• Not labeled with the warning "Use under adult supervision"
• Actual ingredients not matching filed information (even just a 0.1% difference in preservative content)
• The product efficacy exceeds the scope of moisturizing (such as claiming "treating eczema" and other medical effects).

Finally, let me share an industry adage with you: "When it comes to children's products, no detail is trivial—compliance is the golden rule." With these preparations in place, your imported children's moisturizing skincare products are sure to clear customs smoothly. Should you encounter any specific issues, feel free to reach out to us "seasoned foreign trade professionals" for consultation anytime.