China is expected to issue a new set of regulations at the end of this month banning more than 1,200 substances in cosmetics.

In 2002 the regulations banned only 412 substances.

Zhang Heyong, director of the China Quality Association for Pharmaceuticals, said weak government supervision and lack of compulsory testing of ingredients lead to safety worries and the list of banned ingredients.

The regulations, which reflect similar requirements in the European Union, have been strengthened after anger consumers demanded cosmetics be made safe.

(Xinhua News Agency December 19, 2006)