What is the cosmetics manufacturing industry? Explaining the licensing requirements
Updated: July 2025, 6
Types of cosmetics manufacturing industry
What is the cosmetics manufacturing industry?License required for manufacturing cosmetics.
The "manufacturing" mentioned here does not only include the so-called mixing and filling actions, but also "包装""display""Storage"This also includes acts such as "scams," so care must be taken.
Cosmetic manufacturing licenses are divided into the following two categories:
①General classification
A category that can perform all steps in the manufacturing process of cosmetics.
②Packaging classification
A category in which only "packaging (secondary packaging), display (labeling), and storage" work can be performed in the manufacturing process of cosmetics.
*If performing primary packaging of the product, such as filling it into containers, a general category permit (1) is required.
Cosmetics manufacturing license:<Is this a suitable place to manufacture cosmetics?>From this perspective, the manufacturing facility's blueprints, hygiene conditions, management conditions (air conditioning, lighting, etc.), structural equipment, and the appointment of a person in charge will be inspected.
Therefore,Application by location.
For example, if you set up multiple manufacturing facilities, you will need to obtain a manufacturing license for each manufacturing facility.
(cf: If you are in the cosmetics manufacturing and sales industry, you will need to apply for each company or individual.)
Requirements for cosmetics manufacturing license
To obtain a cosmetics manufacturing license, you must meet the following requirements:
① The structure and equipment of the manufacturing facility must meet the “Standards for Structure and Facility for Pharmacies, etc.”
②Appoint a <Responsible Engineer> at each manufacturing site.
③The applicant (in the case of a corporation, the officer conducting the business) does not fall under any of the reasons for disqualification.
① The structure and equipment of the manufacturing facility must meet the “Standards for Structure and Facility for Pharmacies, etc.”
Cosmetics manufacturing licenses are determined from the perspective of whether the location is suitable for manufacturing cosmetics.Permissions obtained by location.
Specifically, the structure and equipment of the manufacturing facility must comply with the standards specified by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (= "Structure and Facility Standards for Pharmacies, etc.").
There are two types of cosmetics manufacturing industry: ``General category'' and ``Packaging category.'' Depending on which category you choose, the structural and equipment requirements will vary greatly.
Elements that often come into focus include:
- Materials of ceilings, floors, walls, product and material storage shelves, etc.
- Location of bathrooms, kitchens, and other water facilities
- Air conditioning, lighting, and sanitation conditions
- Traffic flow, separation of staff from other companies, etc.
In cases where the floor of a manufacturing facility is made of wool carpet, for exampleIf the pile on a carpet is longer than 2-3cm, it tends to create dust and may be considered unhygienic.
②Appoint a <Responsible Engineer> at each manufacturing site.
Cosmetics manufacturers have a separate system for each manufacturing site in order to have hands-on control over the production of cosmetics.<Responsible Engineer>must be placed.
The responsible engineer will be responsible for the following:Requirements for eitherFull-time employment is required.
| Requirements | certificate | |
| 1 | pharmacist | pharmacist license (Original verification required at the counter) |
| 2 | Those who have completed a specialized course related to pharmacy or chemistry at a high school or equivalent or higher school. | Example) Graduation certificate or diploma Credit acquisition certificate (Required depending on your major) |
| 3 | A person who has been engaged in work related to the manufacture of pharmaceuticals or cosmetics for three years or more after completing subjects related to pharmacy or chemistry at a high school or a school of equivalent or higher level. | Example) Credit acquisition certificate certificate of engagement |
For more information on responsible engineers, click here
③The applicant (in the case of a corporation, the officer conducting the business) does not fall under any of the reasons for disqualification.
The applicant (in the case of a corporation, the executive officer conducting the business) must not fall under any of the disqualification grounds.
Specifically, the following are grounds for disqualification.
Lee A person whose license has been revoked pursuant to Article 75, Paragraph 1, and for whom three years have not yet elapsed since the date of revocation.
Russia A person who has been sentenced to imprisonment with work or a severer punishment and for whom three years have not yet elapsed since the execution of the sentence was completed or the person was no longer subject to the sentence.
Ha In addition to those falling under (a) and (b), any person who has violated this Act, the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act (Act No. 28 of 14), the Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Act (Act No. 25 of 303), or any other pharmaceutical-related laws or regulations or dispositions thereunder, and two years have not yet passed since the date of the violation.
D Adult wards or addicts to narcotics, cannabis, opium or stimulants
ホ Those who are unable to properly carry out the business of a manufacturer due to a mental or physical disability as specified by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare ordinance
→A person who is unable to appropriately recognize, judge, and communicate necessary to properly carry out the duties of a manufacturer due to mental impairment.
For inquiries regarding cosmetics manufacturing and sales licenses, please contact Support Administrative Scrivener Corporation.
At the Support Administrative Scrivener Corporation, we provide procedural support and consulting regarding the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act, from those newly entering the cosmetics industry to existing marketing agents, manufacturers, and distributors.
Applications for cosmetics are highly specialized and can be said to be one of the fields in which there are few administrative scriveners who can handle them.
Our staff has a track record of applying in all prefectures across the country.
Please contact Support Administrative Scrivener Corporation for any inquiries regarding licenses for cosmetics manufacturing and sales businesses.
