MoCRA & Shampoo: A Guide to US Compliance Requirements

The New Era of US Cosmetics: Understanding MoCRA The landscape of the United States cosmetics market has been irrevocably altered with the full implementation of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) . As we move through the first major enforcement year, brands selling in the US must be fully aware of their new responsibilities. For products as ubiquitous as shampoo, compliance is not optional—it is essential for market access and brand integrity. As a leading cosmetics OEM/ODM partner, RAY is dedicated to helping brands navigate this complex regulatory environment. This article fully decodes the complete US compliance requirements under MoCRA specifically for shampoo products, ensuring your brand is not just compliant, but also confident in its market position. What is MoCRA? A Primer for Brands Enacted in December 2022, MoCRA represents the most significant overhaul of the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) authority over cosmetics since the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act was passed in 1938. Its primary goal is to enhance consumer safety by establishing a more robust regulatory framework for cosmetic products, including shampoos, sold in the United States. This new legislation grants the FDA mandatory recall authority and requires companies to adhere to a stricter set of rules. For brands, this means a shift from a largely self-regulated industry to one with federally mandated compliance obligations. Key MoCRA Compliance Requirements for Shampoos Navigating MoCRA requires a detailed understanding of its core pillars. For shampoo manufacturers and brand owners, the following requirements are paramount. 1. Mandatory Facility Registration Any facility that manufactures or processes cosmetic products for distribution in the US must register with the FDA. This includes facilities that produce shampoos. Who Must Register: Both domestic and foreign facilities must register. This is the responsibility of the facility owner or operator. Renewals: Registration must be renewed every two years. Exemptions: Certain small businesses are exempt from registration, but these exemptions are narrow. It is crucial to verify your status rather than assume exemption. 2. Cosmetic Product Listing Alongside facility registration, the "responsible person" (typically the manufacturer, packer, or distributor whose name appears on the label) must submit a product listing to the FDA for each cosmetic product they market. Required Information: The listing for a shampoo must include the ingredients, the facility registration number where it was manufactured, and other identifying details. Annual Updates: These listings must be updated annually. 3. Adverse Event Reporting and Record-keeping MoCRA establishes a formal system for monitoring and responding to consumer health issues. The responsible person must report any "serious adverse event" associated with their shampoo to the FDA within 15 business days of receiving the report. What is a "Serious Adverse Event"? This includes outcomes like death, a life-threatening experience, inpatient hospitalization, a persistent or significant disability, or a significant disfigurement (such as persistent hair loss or scalp damage). Record-keeping: All records of adverse events (not just serious ones) must be maintained for six years. 4. Safety Substantiation While cosmetic products have always needed to be safe, MoCRA codifies this requirement. The responsible person must ensure and maintain records supporting that there is an adequate substantiation of safety for their shampoo. This means having a reliable scientific basis for concluding that the product is safe for consumers under its intended use. 5. New Labeling Requirements Shampoo labels must be updated to comply with MoCRA. The two most significant changes are: Contact Information: Labels must include a domestic address, phone number, or electronic contact information (like a website) through which the responsible