China: Import of cosmetics containing Triethanolamine will require license for dual-use items and technologies

It has come to notice that customs agencies in China have been strictly scruitinizing the shipments of cosmetics containing Triethanolamine (a.k.a. tris(2-hydroxyethylamine) or TEA) (used as an emulsifier, moisturizer, humidifier, thickener, and pH balancer in cosmetics), which can only be imported into China after obtaining an import or export license for dual-use items and technologies. Triethanolamine belongs to the third category of controlled chemicals in China, which makes it a useful raw material for the production of chemical weapons like nitrogen mustard gas and is included in the International Convention against chemical weapons, of which China is a signatory.