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)