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MoCRA, Explained: How a 2022 Law Quietly Changed What's Required Before Cosmetics Reach Shelves

The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act gave the FDA its first major expansion of cosmetics authority in 80-plus years. Its core deadlines have already passed.

Meridians Life Desk

Published 21 August 2026 · Updated 21 August 2026 · 4 min read

MoCRA, Explained: How a 2022 Law Quietly Changed What's Required Before Cosmetics Reach ShelvesBeauty
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The short answer

  • The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) is the first major expansion of FDA cosmetics authority in more than 80 years.
  • Cosmetic manufacturers must now register their facilities with the FDA and list every marketed product, including ingredients, updating annually.
  • Serious adverse events tied to a cosmetic product must be reported to the FDA within 15 business days, and the agency now has mandatory recall authority for adulterated or misbranded cosmetics.
  • Two pieces of MoCRA are still pending: mandatory Good Manufacturing Practice rules and fragrance-allergen labeling requirements haven't been finalized yet.

The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022, known as MoCRA, is the first major expansion of the FDA's authority over cosmetics in more than 80 years. Its core compliance deadline, July 1, 2024, has already passed — meaning the rules described below are live now, not pending.

What changed for manufacturers

  • Facilities that manufacture or process cosmetics must register with the FDA and renew that registration every two years, updating within 60 days of any change
  • A "responsible person" must list each marketed cosmetic product with the FDA, including its ingredients, and update that listing annually
  • Responsible persons must keep records supporting "adequate safety substantiation" for their products
  • Serious adverse events must be reported to the FDA within 15 business days
  • The FDA gained mandatory recall authority for any cosmetic that's adulterated or misbranded and poses a serious health risk

Who's exempt

Small businesses are exempt from the registration and listing requirements, with exceptions: the exemption doesn't apply to businesses making products that contact the eyes or mucous membranes, are injected, are taken internally, or alter appearance for more than 24 hours without being removed by the consumer.

What's still pending

Two pieces of MoCRA remain in rulemaking rather than finalized. The FDA is required to establish Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) rules for cosmetic facilities and fragrance allergen labeling requirements that would require disclosure of specific allergens on product labels — neither has been finalized as of this writing.

Why the deadline moved once already

The FDA delayed enforcement of the original registration and listing deadline by six months via a November 2023 compliance-policy announcement before settling on the July 1, 2024 date that ultimately took effect.

Sources

Every factual claim above is traceable to these documents. Check them — that is why they are here.

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Meridians Life Desk is an editorial desk at Meridians, not an individual. A desk byline means the article was produced and fact-checked to that desk's published standards. Read our editorial standards and corrections policy.

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