On 21 January 2026, New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) confirmed that updated rules governing the import and manufacture of cosmetic products took effect on 1 January 2026 under the revised Cosmetic Products Group Standard 2020.

The changes apply to a wide range of cosmetics, including soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, deodorants, perfumes, make-up, sunscreens, insect repellents and self-tanning products.

Any cosmetic containing a hazardous ingredient must now comply with the updated requirements, even if the final product itself is not classified as hazardous.

Key updates include:

• Expanded scope to cover non-hazardous cosmetics containing hazardous substances

• Updates to lists of prohibited, restricted and permitted ingredients

• Phasing out of PFAS(perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) ingredients

• Updated nanomaterial record-keeping requirements

• Extended phase-out of sunscreens containing more than 10% homosalate

The revised group standard aligns more closely with EU cosmetic rules and introduces changes to the following ingredient schedules:

• Schedule 4: Prohibited ingredients

• Schedule 5: Restricted ingredients

• Schedule 6: Approved colourants

• Schedule 7: Approved preservatives

• Schedule 8: Approved UV filters

While the updated standard is now in force, certain transition measures will apply through April 2029.