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  • Good Packaging Design Must Be Compliant: Understand the New Cosmetic Labeling Rules in 3 Minutes

Good Packaging Design Must Be Compliant: Understand the New Cosmetic Labeling Rules in 3 Minutes

292025.12
Good Packaging Design Must Be Compliant: Understand the New Cosmetic Labeling Rules in 3 Minutes
Packaging design must look good and be compliant! Understand the new cosmetic labeling regulations in 3 minutes

Cosmetic labeling is not only information for consumers - it is also the "entry ticket" for a product to be legally sold on the market. Regulations have been updated frequently in recent years, with strict requirements on font size, ingredient order, and more. As a professional skincare OEM/ODM partner, Taiwan Maywan has specially compiled this "Cosmetic Labeling Guide" to help you avoid unnecessary reprinting costs before you move into mass production.


1. Required Information Checklist for Outer Packaging and Containers

According to the latest labeling regulations issued by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, if your product includes both a paper box (outer packaging) and a bottle (container), the required information for each is slightly different. Please review your design and check whether all of the following items are included:

  • [Outer packaging (paper box) must display complete information]

1. Product name: A Chinese product name is required.
2. Purpose: Clearly state the product’s function (e.g., moisturizing, cleansing).
3. Directions for use and storage: Inform consumers how to use and store the product (e.g., keep in a cool place).
4. Warnings/precautions: Important points to note when using the product.
5. Net weight or volume: Clearly indicate specifications (e.g., 100 ml or 50 g).
6. Full ingredient list: Must be listed in descending order by content (see Section 4).
7. Manufacturer or importer information: Including name, address, and telephone number.
8. Manufacturing date and expiration date: Critical shelf-life information that must be clear and legible.
9. Batch number: For production traceability.

  • [Bottle/container must display at least]

If the paper box is discarded, consumers must still be able to see key information on the bottle. Therefore, regulations require that the container display at least the product name in Chinese or a foreign language. For brand credibility, we usually recommend including the expiration date and volume on the bottle as well, if space allows.


2. The Most Common Pitfall for Designers — "How Big Should the Font Be?"

In pursuit of minimalist aesthetics, many designers shrink text too much, which is a major regulatory violation. Regulations set mandatory requirements for font height, which are non-negotiable red lines:

Product Category Content Volume Minimum Font Height & Width
Large-volume products > 800 g or 800 ml Not less than 2.0 mm
Medium-volume products 300–800 g or 300–800 ml Not less than 1.6 mm
Regular-volume products ≤ 300 g or 300 ml Not less than 1.2 mm

Tip: Be sure to measure the actual output size of the text in your design software—don’t rely solely on how "big enough" it looks on screen.


3. What If the Product Is Too Small? Flexibility for "Small Packaging"

If your product is an ampoule, lip balm, or sample sachet and the container is extremely small, what should you do if the text simply doesn't fit?
Regulations state that if the maximum surface area of the outer packaging or container is less than 40 cm², detailed information may be printed on labels, inserts (leaflets), cards, or hang tags.
However, even for very small packaging, the following four items must be printed directly on the product (outer packaging or container) and cannot appear only in an insert:

  • Product name
  • Purpose
  • Name of manufacturer or importer
  • Manufacturing date and expiration date (or shelf life)

4. How Should the Ingredient List Be Ordered?

The "Full Ingredients" list is the product’s ID card and a favorite section for ingredient-conscious consumers. Its order follows clear rules and cannot be arranged arbitrarily:

  • Listed in descending order by content: All ingredients must be listed from highest to lowest concentration.
  • The 1% threshold: Ingredients present at ≤1%, as well as colorants, may be listed after ingredients above 1%. Their order may be arranged freely.
  • Professional naming: Use internationally recognized INCI names (e.g., Aqua, Glycerin) or names from official pharmacopeias such as the Chinese or U.S. Pharmacopeia.
  • Fragrance labeling: Fragrance blends may be collectively labeled as Fragrance or Parfum.

Useful tool: Check correct INCI names – EU CosIng Database


5. Notes for Small-Batch Production: Labeling Details You Must Know

Some startup brands with small volumes choose labeling instead of direct printing. In this case, pay close attention to this often-overlooked detail:

  • [Single-label principle]: If manufacturing dates or expiration dates are printed, regulations require that these dates appear on the same label as other labeling items (such as product name and ingredients). They cannot be split across two labels.
    For example, you cannot place the product name label on the front and a separate date label on the bottom. In addition, non-fading ink must be used to ensure information does not disappear due to friction or moisture.

6. Is This Related to the PIF? Absolutely.

Many brand owners ask, "Is it really necessary to be this strict about packaging labels?" In fact, labeling not only informs consumers but also directly corresponds to your Product Information File (PIF).

1. Labeling is the first checkpoint of the PIF: The PIF must retain records of the product’s outer packaging, container, and design files. Your finalized labeling today will be the basis for future regulatory inspections.
2. Ingredient lists must be 100% consistent: The full ingredient list on the packaging must exactly match the full formulation and product registration information in the PIF. Any discrepancy constitutes false labeling.

The PIF system will be fully implemented on July 1, 2026. By then, all cosmetics must have a complete file. This is why we are so meticulous during the design stage - not only to comply with current regulations, but also to help you prepare in advance and ensure your product dossier can withstand any inspection.

[Further Reading] What Is the Required PIF for Cosmetics? Are You Ready?


7. FAQ

Q1: There are too many ingredients. Can I list only the main ones?
A: No. According to Article 7, Paragraph 1, Subparagraph 5 of the Cosmetic Hygiene and Safety Act, "full ingredients" must be labeled. Everything in the formula must be truthfully listed; selectively listing ingredients for aesthetic reasons is a violation.

Q2: The batch number is printed on the bottle bottom. Can the box say "see bottle"?
A: Only if the box is transparent. If consumers cannot see the bottle without opening the package, the batch number must also be printed on the box.

Q3: Are there reference images for compliant packaging under the new regulations?
A: Yes. To help clients get started quickly, Meiwang has created the following "compliant label examples," clearly showing required information such as ingredient order and font size.

Packaging design must look good and be compliant! Understand the new cosmetic labeling regulations in 3 minutes

8. Conclusion: Great Products Start with Compliant Packaging

Cosmetic labeling may seem complicated, but it is a crucial safeguard for both brands and consumers. Clear and compliant labeling not only avoids fines and delisting risks, but also builds professional trust in your brand.
With extensive OEM/ODM experience and strong regulatory expertise, Taiwan Maywan supports you throughout product development—not only producing high-quality products, but also reviewing every labeling detail and guiding you step by step through regulatory requirements.

Have questions about packaging regulations, or ready to develop your next hit product?
Feel free to contact our project team for complete and professional advice.

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