China Elevating “Safety Technical Specification for Cleaning Products” from Recommended to Mandatory Standard

On April 30, 2026, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) of China promulgated the mandatory national standard Safety Technical Specification for Cleaning Products (GB 26396-2026). This standard will enter into force on May 1, 2027. It serves as an amended version of the Safety Technical Specification for Cleaning Products (GB/T 26396-2011). However, through this revision, the standard has been elevated from a recommended standard to a mandatory standard, meaning that target enterprises are now legally obligated to comply with its requirements. Along with the upgrade to a mandatory standard, the scope of application, general requirements, hazardous substance requirements, and labeling requirements have also been revised. Furthermore, a list of prohibited and restricted substances for use in products, as well as methods for measuring properties like skin irritation, have been added. The standard also explicitly outlines an exemption provision allowing products manufactured or imported prior to the effective date to be sold until their respective product expiration dates.