💄 Countries with Stricter Customs Rules for Cosmetics

Shipping cosmetics internationally can be challenging.

Some countries have strict regulations, ingredient bans, or require special approvals — and the rules can vary depending on whether the cosmetics are for personal use or wholesale/commercial purposes.

This guide lists key countries with cosmetic import restrictions, what’s allowed, and what’s completely banned.

Country	Personal Use Rules	Wholesale/Commercial Use Rules	Cannot Ship (Banned)	Reason for Strictness	Merchant Tips
🇬🇷 Greece	Small quantities allowed if sealed and labelled; may require ingredient list	Must comply with EU cosmetic regulations; may need import license	Hazardous chemicals, unapproved medicines	EU cosmetic safety compliance	Provide ingredient list, sealed packaging, avoid bulk without license
🇨🇳 China	Limited quantities may be allowed if for personal use; certain items require import tax payment	All cosmetics must be registered with Chinese authorities before import	Unregistered cosmetics	Mandatory product registration & safety testing	Verify if the product requires pre-approval before export
🇯🇵 Japan	Up to a certain number of units allowed for personal use	Requires import license for resale; strict ingredient compliance	Products with banned ingredients	Cosmetic safety laws & ingredient restrictions	Provide full ingredient list, avoid restricted substances
🇦🇺 Australia	Small quantities generally allowed for personal use	Bulk imports must meet chemical and biosecurity regulations	Products with prohibited plant extracts	Biosecurity & chemical safety rules	Declare all ingredients clearly
🇳🇿 New Zealand	Small quantities for personal use typically allowed	Bulk imports require compliance with biosecurity and chemical safety rules	Products with endangered species ingredients	Biosecurity & chemical safety rules	Avoid restricted animal products in formulations
🇧🇷 Brazil	Limited personal imports allowed; may incur high duties	Bulk imports require ANVISA registration	Products with banned preservatives or colors	ANVISA cosmetic regulations	Confirm ingredient compliance before export
🇪🇸 Spain	Prohibited for personal use	Must comply with EU regulations for commercial imports	Counterfeit cosmetics	EU IP enforcement & cosmetic regulations	Match invoices to goods, include brand/model
🇲🇽 Mexico	Limited personal quantities allowed	Bulk imports require health safety approval	Certain cosmetic chemicals, used personal care items	Safety & health regulations	Provide HS codes, detailed product descriptions

⚠️ Important Disclaimers

🖋️ Always declare full ingredient lists in English (and local language if required).

📦 For wholesale shipments, check import licensing and registration requirements before shipping.

⏳ Even for personal use, exceeding quantity limits can trigger customs inspections and delays

📄 Include an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) when shipping cosmetics containing alcohol, aerosols, or chemicals — some countries will reject the shipment without it.

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Updated on: 08/09/2025

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