A cosmetic product shall mean “any substance or preparation intended to be placed in contact with various external parts of the human body (epidermis, hair system, nails, lips and external genital organs) or with teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, with a view exclusively or mainly to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing their appearance and/or correcting body odours and/or protecting them or keeping them in good condition”.

Cosmetic products in Malaysia are regulated under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetic Regulations (CDCR) 1984 which were promulgated under the Sale of Drugs Act 1952.

In agreement with the harmonisation of cosmetic through the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD), cosmetic products in Malaysia are controlled through notification procedure starting from 1stJanuary 2008. The CNH is required to COMPLY with all requirements stated in this guideline and to make a declaration upon notification to the Director of Pharmaceutical Services (known as DPS) through National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA). Regulatory action will be taken in the event of false declaration and/or product found to be non- compliant to the stipulated regulations and guidelines.

Under the CDCR 1984, Regulation 18A (1): No person shall manufacture, sell, supply, import, possesses any cosmetics unless the cosmetic is a notified cosmetic. It is an offence for anyone to conduct such activities without prior notification to the DPS.