Agricultural University Campus Plovdiv Demonstration Zone of Agricultural Cooperation between China and the CEE Countries, Campus of Agricultural University - Plovdiv, 12 Mendeleev Blvd., 4000 Plovdiv City, Bulgaria
Europe’s cosmetics industry is one of its export success stories: it is innovative, high-value, and a major source of jobs. Between 2015 and 2024, EU exports of cosmetic products (HS code: 3304) doubled in value, rising from around €15 billion to €30 billion.
Over the same period, China’s imports of cosmetics have soared. In 2024, the country imported €12 billion, with more than €2 billion coming from the European Union.
For many European small and medium-sized enterprises, exporting cosmetics to China can present opportunities but also complex challenges. Navigating China’s cosmetics regulations, product registration, labelling and compliance requirements can be daunting without the right guidance.
To provide practical guidance, the EU SME Centre, in partnership with APACCCEEC, is organising on 26 November a hybrid workshop designed specifically for SMEs from Central and Eastern Europe.
During this session, industry experts will share their insights to help SMEs prepare for the Chinese market and recent critical regulatory updates. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in interactive discussions and network with industry peers.
Please note that this event will be in English, with no translation services provided.
Agenda (Eastern European Time – EET)
Sofia Time
10:00–10:20
Opening remarks Davide Orlandi, EU Partnerships Manager, EU SME Centre Momchil Stanishev, Director of APACCCEEC, Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Bulgaria
10:20–11:00
Introduction to the Chinese cosmetics market
11:00–11:30
Success stories: European cosmetics manufacturers establishing a presence on the Chinese market
11:30–12:00
Regulatory requirements on the Chinese cosmetics market María Galán Lozano, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, 2 Open Beauty
12:00–12:30
Intellectual property rights – how to register a trademark and navigate IPR issues for cosmetics products in China Alessandra Chies, China IPR Expert, China IP SME Helpdesk
12:30–12:40
Q&A session
12:40–12:50
MoU signature announcement between APACCCEEC and the EU SME Centre
12:50–13:00
Closing remarks
Registration and Eligibility
This hybrid workshop is open, free of charge, to all small and medium-sized enterprises and other stakeholders from EU Member States and countries participating in the Single Market Programme.
Registration is required for this event. To take part in the event onsite in Plovdiv, please register before 21 November COB (Sofia Time). Registration for online attendance will remain open until the day of the event.
Keynote Speakers
Maria Galán Lozano
Regulatory Affairs Specialist, 2 Open Beauty
With a scientific background, Maria Galán has 18 years of experience working in R+D+i at the L’Oréal Group, from the Parisian headquarters, internationally, with a wide range of brands, in all categories: skin care, makeup, hair care and colouring, fragrances and hygiene. From formulation, throughout the product life cycle, to consumers.
Since the beginning of the regulatory transition in China, 2020, she has completely focused on understanding and solving the specific ins and outs of this rapidly growing market.
She graduated in Chemistry from the University of Salamanca, specialised in Cosmetology and Dermopharmacy at the Center for Higher Studies of the Pharmaceutical Industry, in Madrid, and in Health Law at Paris XI University.
Alessandra Chies
China IPR Expert, China IP SME Helpdesk
Alessandra lived and worked in China for nearly a decade, serving as Partner and General Director of an international law firm specialising in intellectual property protection. She has extensive experience advising international companies on IP prosecution and enforcement in China, managing administrative, civil and criminal actions with a focus on online counterfeiting and customs protection. For almost ten years, she led the development of “Landlord Liability” programmes that reduced counterfeit sales in major shopping malls across Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tianjin and Guangzhou, and coordinated local lawyers in successful civil actions against counterfeit producers on B2B platforms.
Since 2008, Alessandra has contributed to the EU-China IPR Dialogue, participating in high-level meetings and lobbying during China’s legal reform processes. She has served as an External Expert for the EU SME Helpdesk since 2011 and regularly lectures on IP protection in China and Southeast Asia, including at the 24ORE Business School and the Polytechnic University of Milan. She is also a member of INTA’s China Anti-Counterfeiting Committee and the Online Counterfeiting Global Project Team.
