POTASSIUM METABISULFITE

RestrictedCAS 16731-55-827 regulations across 16 markets

POTASSIUM METABISULFITE is a cosmetic ingredient classified as Hair Waving Or Straightening. Also known as CAS 16731-55-8. It is regulated in 16 markets including UAE, Bahrain, European Union.

Also Known As

CAS Number
10117-38-1, 10192-30-0, 10196-04-0, 16731-55-8, 7681-57-4, 7757-83-7, 7773-03-7, 4429-42-9, 7631-90-5

Market Overview — 29 Markets

European Union2
United Kingdom5
United States
California
Maryland
Washington
Canada
Brazil
South Korea1
Japan
Taiwan1
Australia
Singapore1
Malaysia1
Thailand1
Indonesia1
Vietnam1
Philippines1
UAE2
Saudi Arabia2
Qatar2
Oman2
Kuwait2
Bahrain2
Russia
Belarus
Kazakhstan
Armenia
Kyrgyzstan

Detailed Regulations

Europe7 regulations
European UnionRestrictedAnnex III #99
Chemical name
Inorganic sulfites and bisulfites (12)
CAS
16731-55-8
Max concentration
(a) 0.67% (as free SO2) (b) 6.7% (as free SO2) (c) 0.45% (as free SO2) (d) 0.40% (as free SO2)
Product type
(a) Oxidative hair dye products (b) Hair straightening products (c) Self-tanning products for the face (d) Other self-tanning products
Other conditions
For purposes other than inhibiting the development of micro-organisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product

Source: EC 1223/2009 Annex III

European UnionRestrictedAnnex V #9
Chemical name
Inorganic sulphites and hydrogensulphites (5)
CAS
7757-83-7 / 10192-30-0 / 10196-04-0 / 10117-38-1 / 7773-03-7 / 7631-90-5 / 7681-57-4 / 16731-55-8
Max concentration
0.2% (as free SO2)

Source: EC 1223/2009 Annex V

United KingdomRestrictedAnnex III #99
Chemical name
Inorganic sulfites and bisulfites
Max concentration
(a)0,67 % (as free SO2)
Product type
(a)Oxidative hair dye products
Conditions of use
Max: (a)0,67 % (as free SO2)
Other conditions
For purposes other than inhibiting the development of micro-organisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product

Source: UK retained EC 1223/2009 Annex III

United KingdomRestrictedAnnex III #99
Chemical name
Inorganic sulfites and bisulfites
Max concentration
(b)6,7 % (as free SO2)
Product type
(b)Hair straightening products
Conditions of use
Max: (b)6,7 % (as free SO2)
Other conditions
For purposes other than inhibiting the development of micro-organisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product

Source: UK retained EC 1223/2009 Annex III

United KingdomRestrictedAnnex III #99
Chemical name
Inorganic sulfites and bisulfites
Max concentration
(c)0,45 % (as free SO2)
Product type
(c)Self-tanning products for the face
Conditions of use
Max: (c)0,45 % (as free SO2)
Other conditions
For purposes other than inhibiting the development of micro-organisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product

Source: UK retained EC 1223/2009 Annex III

United KingdomRestrictedAnnex III #99
Chemical name
Inorganic sulfites and bisulfites
Max concentration
(d)0,40 % (as free SO2)
Product type
(d)Other self-tanning products
Conditions of use
Max: (d)0,40 % (as free SO2)
Other conditions
For purposes other than inhibiting the development of micro-organisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product

Source: UK retained EC 1223/2009 Annex III

United KingdomRestrictedAnnex V #9
Chemical name
Inorganic sulphites and hydrogen- sulphites
CAS
7757-83-7, 10192-30-0, 10196-04-0, 10117-38-1, 777
Max concentration
0,2 % (as free SO2)
Conditions of use
Max: 0,2 % (as free SO2)

Source: UK retained EC 1223/2009 Annex V

AmericasNo restrictions

No specific restrictions for POTASSIUM METABISULFITE in United States, California, Maryland, Washington, Canada, Brazil.

East Asia & Oceania2 regulations
South KoreaRestrictedAnnex restricted #M1382
Chemical name
Potassium Metabisulfite
Conditions of use
* 배합한도 : <보존제> ∙ 유리 SO2로 0.2% <기타배합한도> ∙ 산화염모제에서 유리 SO2로 0.67% ∙ 기타 제품에는 사용금지

Source: MFDS Korea Cosmetics Regulation

TaiwanRestrictedAnnex Preservatives List #26
Chemical name
Inorganic sulphites and hydrogensulphites(1)
CAS
7757-83-7/ 7631-90-5/ 7681-57-4/ 10117-38-1/ 16731-55-8/ 10196-04-0/ 10192-30-0/ 7773-03-7
Max concentration
0.2 % (以free SO2計)

Source: TFDA Cosmetics Regulations

ASEAN6 regulations
SingaporeRestrictedAnnex ACD Annex III (Restricted) #99
Chemical name
Inorganic sulphites and bisulphites
Max concentration
(a) 0.67 %expressed as free SO 2 (b) 6.7 %expressed as free SO 2 (c) 0.45 %expressed as free SO 2 (d) 0.40 %expressed as free SO 2
Product type
(a) Oxidative hair dye products (b) Hair straightening products (c) Self- tanning products for the face (d) Other self- tanning products
Conditions of use
For purposes other than inhibiting the development of microorganisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product As a preservative, see Annex VI, Part 1, No 9

Source: ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (HSA Dec 2025)

MalaysiaRestrictedAnnex ACD Annex III (Restricted) #99
Chemical name
Inorganic sulphites and bisulphites
Max concentration
(a) 0.67 %expressed as free SO 2 (b) 6.7 %expressed as free SO 2 (c) 0.45 %expressed as free SO 2 (d) 0.40 %expressed as free SO 2
Product type
(a) Oxidative hair dye products (b) Hair straightening products (c) Self- tanning products for the face (d) Other self- tanning products
Conditions of use
For purposes other than inhibiting the development of microorganisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product As a preservative, see Annex VI, Part 1, No 9

Source: ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (HSA Dec 2025)

ThailandRestrictedAnnex ACD Annex III (Restricted) #99
Chemical name
Inorganic sulphites and bisulphites
Max concentration
(a) 0.67 %expressed as free SO 2 (b) 6.7 %expressed as free SO 2 (c) 0.45 %expressed as free SO 2 (d) 0.40 %expressed as free SO 2
Product type
(a) Oxidative hair dye products (b) Hair straightening products (c) Self- tanning products for the face (d) Other self- tanning products
Conditions of use
For purposes other than inhibiting the development of microorganisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product As a preservative, see Annex VI, Part 1, No 9

Source: ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (HSA Dec 2025)

IndonesiaRestrictedAnnex ACD Annex III (Restricted) #99
Chemical name
Inorganic sulphites and bisulphites
Max concentration
(a) 0.67 %expressed as free SO 2 (b) 6.7 %expressed as free SO 2 (c) 0.45 %expressed as free SO 2 (d) 0.40 %expressed as free SO 2
Product type
(a) Oxidative hair dye products (b) Hair straightening products (c) Self- tanning products for the face (d) Other self- tanning products
Conditions of use
For purposes other than inhibiting the development of microorganisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product As a preservative, see Annex VI, Part 1, No 9

Source: ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (HSA Dec 2025)

VietnamRestrictedAnnex ACD Annex III (Restricted) #99
Chemical name
Inorganic sulphites and bisulphites
Max concentration
(a) 0.67 %expressed as free SO 2 (b) 6.7 %expressed as free SO 2 (c) 0.45 %expressed as free SO 2 (d) 0.40 %expressed as free SO 2
Product type
(a) Oxidative hair dye products (b) Hair straightening products (c) Self- tanning products for the face (d) Other self- tanning products
Conditions of use
For purposes other than inhibiting the development of microorganisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product As a preservative, see Annex VI, Part 1, No 9

Source: ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (HSA Dec 2025)

PhilippinesRestrictedAnnex ACD Annex III (Restricted) #99
Chemical name
Inorganic sulphites and bisulphites
Max concentration
(a) 0.67 %expressed as free SO 2 (b) 6.7 %expressed as free SO 2 (c) 0.45 %expressed as free SO 2 (d) 0.40 %expressed as free SO 2
Product type
(a) Oxidative hair dye products (b) Hair straightening products (c) Self- tanning products for the face (d) Other self- tanning products
Conditions of use
For purposes other than inhibiting the development of microorganisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product As a preservative, see Annex VI, Part 1, No 9

Source: ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (HSA Dec 2025)

GCC12 regulations
UAERestrictedAnnex III #99
Chemical name
Inorganic sulfites and bisulfites (12)
CAS
16731-55-8
Max concentration
(a) 0.67% (as free SO2) (b) 6.7% (as free SO2) (c) 0.45% (as free SO2) (d) 0.40% (as free SO2)
Product type
(a) Oxidative hair dye products (b) Hair straightening products (c) Self-tanning products for the face (d) Other self-tanning products
Other conditions
For purposes other than inhibiting the development of micro-organisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product

Source: GSO 1943:2024 (based on EU 1223/2009 III)

UAERestrictedAnnex V #9
Chemical name
Inorganic sulphites and hydrogensulphites (5)
CAS
7757-83-7 / 10192-30-0 / 10196-04-0 / 10117-38-1 / 7773-03-7 / 7631-90-5 / 7681-57-4 / 16731-55-8
Max concentration
0.2% (as free SO2)

Source: GSO 1943:2024 (based on EU 1223/2009 V)

Saudi ArabiaRestrictedAnnex III #99
Chemical name
Inorganic sulfites and bisulfites (12)
CAS
16731-55-8
Max concentration
(a) 0.67% (as free SO2) (b) 6.7% (as free SO2) (c) 0.45% (as free SO2) (d) 0.40% (as free SO2)
Product type
(a) Oxidative hair dye products (b) Hair straightening products (c) Self-tanning products for the face (d) Other self-tanning products
Other conditions
For purposes other than inhibiting the development of micro-organisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product

Source: GSO 1943:2024 (based on EU 1223/2009 III)

Saudi ArabiaRestrictedAnnex V #9
Chemical name
Inorganic sulphites and hydrogensulphites (5)
CAS
7757-83-7 / 10192-30-0 / 10196-04-0 / 10117-38-1 / 7773-03-7 / 7631-90-5 / 7681-57-4 / 16731-55-8
Max concentration
0.2% (as free SO2)

Source: GSO 1943:2024 (based on EU 1223/2009 V)

QatarRestrictedAnnex III #99
Chemical name
Inorganic sulfites and bisulfites (12)
CAS
16731-55-8
Max concentration
(a) 0.67% (as free SO2) (b) 6.7% (as free SO2) (c) 0.45% (as free SO2) (d) 0.40% (as free SO2)
Product type
(a) Oxidative hair dye products (b) Hair straightening products (c) Self-tanning products for the face (d) Other self-tanning products
Other conditions
For purposes other than inhibiting the development of micro-organisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product

Source: GSO 1943:2024 (based on EU 1223/2009 III)

QatarRestrictedAnnex V #9
Chemical name
Inorganic sulphites and hydrogensulphites (5)
CAS
7757-83-7 / 10192-30-0 / 10196-04-0 / 10117-38-1 / 7773-03-7 / 7631-90-5 / 7681-57-4 / 16731-55-8
Max concentration
0.2% (as free SO2)

Source: GSO 1943:2024 (based on EU 1223/2009 V)

OmanRestrictedAnnex III #99
Chemical name
Inorganic sulfites and bisulfites (12)
CAS
16731-55-8
Max concentration
(a) 0.67% (as free SO2) (b) 6.7% (as free SO2) (c) 0.45% (as free SO2) (d) 0.40% (as free SO2)
Product type
(a) Oxidative hair dye products (b) Hair straightening products (c) Self-tanning products for the face (d) Other self-tanning products
Other conditions
For purposes other than inhibiting the development of micro-organisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product

Source: GSO 1943:2024 (based on EU 1223/2009 III)

OmanRestrictedAnnex V #9
Chemical name
Inorganic sulphites and hydrogensulphites (5)
CAS
7757-83-7 / 10192-30-0 / 10196-04-0 / 10117-38-1 / 7773-03-7 / 7631-90-5 / 7681-57-4 / 16731-55-8
Max concentration
0.2% (as free SO2)

Source: GSO 1943:2024 (based on EU 1223/2009 V)

KuwaitRestrictedAnnex III #99
Chemical name
Inorganic sulfites and bisulfites (12)
CAS
16731-55-8
Max concentration
(a) 0.67% (as free SO2) (b) 6.7% (as free SO2) (c) 0.45% (as free SO2) (d) 0.40% (as free SO2)
Product type
(a) Oxidative hair dye products (b) Hair straightening products (c) Self-tanning products for the face (d) Other self-tanning products
Other conditions
For purposes other than inhibiting the development of micro-organisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product

Source: GSO 1943:2024 (based on EU 1223/2009 III)

KuwaitRestrictedAnnex V #9
Chemical name
Inorganic sulphites and hydrogensulphites (5)
CAS
7757-83-7 / 10192-30-0 / 10196-04-0 / 10117-38-1 / 7773-03-7 / 7631-90-5 / 7681-57-4 / 16731-55-8
Max concentration
0.2% (as free SO2)

Source: GSO 1943:2024 (based on EU 1223/2009 V)

BahrainRestrictedAnnex III #99
Chemical name
Inorganic sulfites and bisulfites (12)
CAS
16731-55-8
Max concentration
(a) 0.67% (as free SO2) (b) 6.7% (as free SO2) (c) 0.45% (as free SO2) (d) 0.40% (as free SO2)
Product type
(a) Oxidative hair dye products (b) Hair straightening products (c) Self-tanning products for the face (d) Other self-tanning products
Other conditions
For purposes other than inhibiting the development of micro-organisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product

Source: GSO 1943:2024 (based on EU 1223/2009 III)

BahrainRestrictedAnnex V #9
Chemical name
Inorganic sulphites and hydrogensulphites (5)
CAS
7757-83-7 / 10192-30-0 / 10196-04-0 / 10117-38-1 / 7773-03-7 / 7631-90-5 / 7681-57-4 / 16731-55-8
Max concentration
0.2% (as free SO2)

Source: GSO 1943:2024 (based on EU 1223/2009 V)

EAEUNo restrictions

No specific restrictions for POTASSIUM METABISULFITE in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is POTASSIUM METABISULFITE banned in any country?

POTASSIUM METABISULFITE is not banned in any of the 26 markets tracked by Formpli. However, it may be subject to restrictions or conditions of use in some markets.

What are the restrictions on POTASSIUM METABISULFITE in cosmetics?

POTASSIUM METABISULFITE is restricted or has conditions of use in UAE, Bahrain, European Union, Indonesia, South Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Vietnam. Restrictions may include maximum concentration limits, product type limitations, or mandatory labeling requirements. See the detailed regulations above for specifics.

Can I use POTASSIUM METABISULFITE in cosmetics?

POTASSIUM METABISULFITE is regulated in 16 markets. It has restrictions in UAE, Bahrain, European Union, Indonesia, South Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Vietnam. Use Formpli's free screening tool to check your full ingredient list against all 26 markets at once.

Screen POTASSIUM METABISULFITE with your full formula

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This information is for reference only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Regulations change — always verify with official sources and consult a regulatory specialist before exporting cosmetic products. Data sourced from EU COSING, US FDA, Health Canada, MHLW Japan, MFDS Korea, ASEAN ACD, GCC SFDA, TGA Australia, ANVISA Brazil, EAEU TR CU, and Taiwan TFDA.