Cosmetics sellers on Pinduoduo (拼多多) will work under a dedicated industry code from 21 November. The platform published the final text of its Cosmetics Industry Management Code (化妆品行业管理规范) on 5 November, adding explicit rules for products of 15 g or 15 mL and under, near-expiry stock and children’s cosmetics.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Issued by | Pinduoduo rules centre |
| Public notice date | 5 November 2026 |
| Consultation period | 29 October to 4 November 2026 |
| Effective date | 21 November 2026 |
| Scope | Merchants listing and selling cosmetics on the platform |
| Before | The notice describes this code as newly added; existing rules it cites, such as the Cosmetics Industry Listing Code (化妆品行业发布规范), still apply alongside it |
| Legal basis cited | Regulations on the Supervision and Administration of Cosmetics; Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Online Cosmetics Business |
Consultation drew no valid feedback
Pinduoduo put the draft out for comment from 29 October to 4 November. Its notice says no valid feedback was received, and the final text was posted as a public notice on 5 November.
The code supplements the platform’s existing agreements and rules rather than replacing them. Where the two conflict, sellers must follow whichever standard is stricter.
Minis of 15 mL and under are named in the code
Products with a net content of no more than 15 g or 15 mL are named specifically, including trial sizes, combination packs and sets. Their registration or filing documents, labels, listing details and promotional copy must all meet legal and platform requirements.
Near-expiry stock is allowed, but the words “near-expiry goods” (临期商品) must appear in the product title. The listing page must also show the shelf life or use-by date, and expired cosmetics may not be sold at all.
Children’s cosmetics need the “little golden shield” (小金盾) mark on both the product detail page and the visible face of the sales packaging. Packaging must carry a warning such as “should be used under adult supervision”, introduced by “caution” or “warning”. Labels may not say “food grade” or “edible”, or use food-related images.
Listings must match the registered product
Sellers must hold valid company, brand and product qualifications. For products these include filing records for domestic and imported ordinary cosmetics and registration certificates for domestic and imported special cosmetics.
Product information has to match both the registered or filed details and the label and instructions of the item actually sold. Sellers may not alter production dates, shelf lives or batch numbers. When listing, they must declare whether an item is an ordinary, imported, direct-supply or direct-mail product.
Merchants must keep records of their upstream suppliers’ qualifications, purchase documents, quality inspection reports and the evidence behind efficacy claims. On claims, the code bars any stated or implied medical effect, and ordinary cosmetics may not claim efficacy reserved for special cosmetics.
Banned products include self-formulated or repackaged cosmetics, special cosmetics without a registration certificate, ordinary cosmetics that have not been filed, and products using another company’s certificate. Goods with illegally added banned ingredients or restricted ingredients above permitted limits, imitations of well-known brands’ packaging or names, and spoiled or recalled items are also on the list.
Eleven penalty measures, up to ending the contract
Pinduoduo will run sampling inspections on cosmetics and handle mismatched descriptions or failed tests under its separate product description and quality inspection rules.
For breaches of the code, the platform lists 11 types of measure it may apply depending on severity. These range from hiding, demoting or delisting products and removing them from promotional slots, to closing orders with refunds, banning new listings and downgrading a store.
Other listed measures include raising a store’s deposit requirement, restricting withdrawals, deducting the deposit, using store funds to compensate consumers, restricting a merchant’s exit from the platform and terminating the agreement.
Complaints about quality, safety or adverse reactions must be investigated and answered promptly by the seller. If a complaint is upheld, Pinduoduo may delist the product, deduct liquidated damages or end the relationship.
