EU Raises Alarm Over Chinese Demands for Cosmetics Trade Secrets

The European Union has raised concerns with China about the detailed product information that cosmetics companies like L’Oreal and LVMH have to provide in order to sell their goods in the country.

China is phasing in rules making cosmetics firms supply data spanning from ingredients to details of manufacturing processes, the sourcing of raw materials, and the precise composition of formulas. Much of the information is collected and stored in a database managed by Chinese authorities.

The main concern for European companies is that they may be forced to surrender trade secrets under the guise of product safety, according to ...