ICID and INCI, commonly encountered in cosmetic ingredient labeling: What specific standards and naming systems do they refer to, and what are their key differences and applications? Released

In cosmetic ingredient labeling, ICID and INCI are crucial concepts and standards that must be understood for international cosmetic trade and domestic market distribution. From a customs broker's perspective, I will explain these two concepts and their applications in detail.

1. INCI (International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient) - International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient

INCI stands for International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient, and it is a system for naming cosmetic ingredients in an internationally standardized manner. It is not simply the name of a specific ingredient, but rather refers to a 'set of rules and a system for ingredient naming' designed to be universally understood.

The core purpose of the INCI nomenclature is to reduce confusion in cosmetic ingredient labeling and help consumers clearly identify the ingredients contained in products. Furthermore, it enables clear communication among manufacturers, regulatory authorities, and researchers, thereby facilitating cosmetic safety assessment and regulatory compliance. For example, by uniformly labeling 'water' as 'Aqua' and 'glycerin' as 'Glycerin' in many countries worldwide, it allows for consistent ingredient recognition across borders.

Most major countries, including South Korea, the European Union (EU), the United States, and Japan, mandate the use of INCI names for ingredient labeling through their cosmetic laws and related regulations. This serves as an important factor in lowering international trade barriers and ensuring consumers' right to know.

2. ICID (International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook) - International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook

ICID stands for International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook, and it is an official 'dictionary or handbook' published by the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC, formerly CTFA) in the United States. This dictionary compiles extensive information on cosmetic ingredients, including the INCI names explained above, serving as an authoritative database and reference material.

ICID contains the following detailed information for each INCI ingredient name:

• INCI Name: Standardized international ingredient name.
• Chemical Name and Structure: Precise chemical definition of the ingredient.
• CAS No. (Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number): Unique identification number for chemical substances.
• Common Names and Trade Names: Various names prevalent in the market.
• Function and Use: Role of the ingredient in cosmetics (e.g., moisturizer, emulsifier, surfactant, etc.).
• Usage Restrictions and Precautions: Information on prohibition of use above certain concentrations or restrictions under specific conditions.
• Ingredient Specifications and Test Methods: (Where applicable) Criteria for verifying ingredient quality.

As such, ICID serves as an 'encyclopedia' for cosmetic ingredients, becoming an essential source of information for cosmetic developers, regulatory authorities, toxicologists, and international trade practitioners. It is regularly updated with new ingredients and related information.

3. Key Differences between ICID and INCI

The key differences between the two concepts are as follows:

• INCI: It is the 'Naming System' itself for cosmetic ingredients. That is, it refers to the 'rules and standards' for ingredient names.
• ICID: It is a 'Dictionary or Database (Dictionary/Handbook)' that compiles ingredients named according to the INCI nomenclature. It can be understood as a 'volume or reference material' containing ingredient names and their detailed information.

By analogy, INCI can be thought of as the rules for forming English words (e.g., nouns start with a capital letter), while ICID is an 'English-English dictionary' containing all English words created according to those rules and their definitions. In other words, ICID is a higher-level reference material that includes INCI names.

4. Applications (From a Customs Broker's Perspective)

From my perspective as a customs broker, ICID and INCI are utilized as very important standards for verifying export/import customs clearance and regulatory compliance of cosmetics.

• Verification of Ingredient List and Labeling: We check whether the ingredient list of imported or exported cosmetics is correctly labeled with INCI names according to the regulations of the respective country. Incorrect ingredient labeling can lead to penalties such as customs clearance delays, returns, or sales prohibitions.
• Accurate Identification of Ingredients and HS Code Classification: Through ICID, we identify the exact INCI name, chemical name, CAS No., etc., of ingredients to accurately classify the HS Code (Harmonized System Code) of imported raw materials or finished products. HS code classification is a critical step in determining tariff rates, FTA applicability, and the applicability of related laws. Accurate classification based on ingredient information is essential to prevent unnecessary customs surcharges or administrative penalties.
• Review of Regulated Ingredients: Based on the information contained in ICID, we verify whether the ingredient is prohibited or restricted for use in the importing or exporting country. Specifically, maximum concentration limits for certain ingredients or prohibition of use in specific product categories can be found in ICID or require additional review based on the cosmetic safety standards of each country.
• Review of Documents such as Certificates of Manufacture: As mentioned in the original response, a certificate of manufacture must be issued by the manufacturing company and signed by a responsible person, clearly stating the product name, ingredient names, ingredient compounding amounts, and ingredient specifications, with supporting documents for the ingredient specifications attached, and it must be notarized. Customs brokers verify that the ingredient names in such certificates of manufacture are accurately listed with INCI names, and cross-reference them with ICID to ensure that each ingredient's name and specification match the actual content. This plays a decisive role in securing the transparency and reliability of customs procedures, including accurate ingredient composition and origin verification of imported goods.

In conclusion, ICID and INCI are essential tools for setting international standards in the cosmetic industry, enhancing transparency, and ultimately ensuring consumer safety. In customs operations, these two standards serve as the cornerstone for smooth and lawful international trade of cosmetics.