Chemical compliance management updates in China

In August 2025, China announced a sweeping set of regulatory updates that reshape the compliance landscape for manufacturers, importers, and distributors of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), chemicals, and consumer products. These changes align China more closely with international norms, particularly the EU RoHS Directive and the UN Globally Harmonized System (GHS), while also tightening national safety standards.

For businesses operating in or exporting to China, the updates are not just a regulatory formality, they are a critical step in supply chain risk management and product stewardship. Below, we examine the most significant changes, their practical implications, and the actions companies should take to stay compliant.

Strengthened restrictions on hazardous substances in electronics

The most notable development is the release of GB 26572-2025, a mandatory standard that replaces the previously voluntary GB/T 26572. This update brings China’s RoHS framework in line with both the EU and the 2026 Amendment No. 1 of GB/T 26572.

Key changes include:

• Expanded list of restricted substances: Four phthalates – DBP, DiBP, BBP, and DEHP – are now prohibited in EEE products. These substances are widely used as plasticizers, and their restriction signals a strong focus on consumer and environmental health.
• Mandatory labeling requirements: Manufacturers and importers must now apply one of two prescribed marks:
  • Green Label 1 for products meeting environmental protection criteria.
  • Orange Label 2 for products containing hazardous substances above the permitted threshold.
• Digital compliance tools: Companies may present RoHS information through QR codes or other digital means, provided they comply with Articles 6.4.5 and 6.4.6 of the regulation.

Why it matters for business:

Compliance with these measures is not optional. Products lacking the correct labeling or exceeding substance thresholds risk being barred from the Chinese market. Beyond regulatory compliance, proactive adherence to these standards enhances brand reputation, reduces liability, and demonstrates commitment to sustainable business practices.

Updates to dangerous goods classification and transport

China has also revised its rules for the transport of dangerous goods, issuing updates to the List of Dangerous Goods (GB 12268-2025) and the Classification and Code of Dangerous Goods (GB 6944-2025), both effective October 1, 2025.

Highlights include:

• Expanded hazard categories and updated classification criteria.
• Introduction of 69 new UN entries (UN 0510–0513, UN 3496–3560).
• Adjustments to packaging requirements and hazard definitions.

These changes align with global standards for transporting hazardous goods but introduce China-specific elements that businesses must carefully review. Companies involved in logistics, distribution, and chemical handling must ensure that their documentation, labeling, and training reflect the new requirements.

Business impact:

Non-compliance can result in shipment delays, financial penalties, and reputational damage. Companies operating international supply chains should harmonize their internal processes with both Chinese and international transport rules to minimize disruptions.

Harmonization with international chemical and cosmetic standards

In addition to EEE and dangerous goods, China has introduced updates that align its chemical and cosmetic frameworks with international norms:

• Classification and Labeling of Chemicals – Part X: Desensitized Explosives (GB 30000.30-2025):
  Effective July 2026, this standard mirrors the UN GHS framework and introduces specific rules for the classification and labeling of desensitized explosives.
• Draft General Rules for Chemical Safety Labels (GB 15258):
  Currently under consultation, this proposal strengthens labeling requirements, introduces safety information codes, and provides new rules for small packaging (≤5ml).
• Inventory of Used Cosmetic Ingredients (effective June 2025):
  China has modernized its inventory management, adding new cosmetic ingredients and committing to timely updates through the NMPA website rather than official announcements.

Why this matters globally:

These updates reduce regulatory fragmentation, providing greater predictability for multinational companies. However, they also demand constant vigilance, as compliance obligations may shift quickly with each update. Businesses must maintain agile regulatory monitoring systems and ensure product design, labeling, and documentation remain in sync with evolving standards.

Building compliance into competitive advantage

Key takeaways for businesses:

1. Audit your product lines for phthalates and ensure RoHS compliance under GB 26572-2025.
2. Update labeling systems – both physical and digital – to meet new Chinese requirements.
3. Align transport practices with GB 12268-2025 and GB 6944-2025 to prevent costly disruptions.
4. Strengthen regulatory monitoring to keep pace with frequent updates in chemicals and cosmetics.
5. View compliance as strategy – leveraging sustainability and safety commitments to strengthen market trust.

With enforcement dates looming in late 2025 and early 2026, companies should act now to update compliance programs, engage suppliers, and train staff. Those who adapt early will not only avoid risks but also position themselves as trusted partners in the world’s second-largest economy.