U.S. market entry · Beauty & personal care
Bringing cosmetics to the U.S. market.
SMC sources selected products from Korean and global beauty brands for U.S. import and distribution. We also work with brands on import preparation, U.S. supply-chain coordination, inventory, and distribution planning, with the scope agreed around each product.
What should you prepare first?
Before choosing a sales channel or shipping inventory, assemble a clear product brief. These four areas help define the next steps.
Product & intended use
Share your product range, full ingredient information, manufacturer details, and proposed claims. Skincare, sheet masks, cosmetics, and haircare need assessment by product and intended use.
Labels & regulatory status
Provide current packaging and proposed U.S. labels. Review applicable MoCRA facility registration and product listing requirements, including any exemptions. Registration or listing does not mean FDA approval.
Import documentation
Identify the intended importer and provide available invoice, packing, origin, and shipment information. SMC coordinates preparation; customs entry and specialist determinations are handled by the appropriate licensed broker or professional.
Inventory & sales plan
Outline launch quantities, existing U.S. sales, destinations, and expected order types. These details guide transport, storage, fulfillment, and channel replenishment planning.
How import, inventory, and channels connect
Import & inbound planning
Coordinate shipment timing, documentation handoffs, and warehouse receiving around product readiness.
U.S. inventory & delivery
Plan storage, order handling, domestic delivery, and replenishment for the agreed operating scope.
Sales-channel fit
Evaluate Amazon, TikTok Shop, Shopify/DTC, wholesale, or retail opportunities against product readiness, pricing, customer needs, and available inventory. A channel listing here does not imply a partnership or guaranteed acceptance.
What does SMC take on?
Alongside our own product-sourcing and distribution business, we coordinate import and U.S. operations for brands within the agreed scope. Regulatory assessments and customs filings are allocated to the relevant qualified parties. Purchase, consignment, and channel-operation arrangements are discussed case by case.
Two questions before you launch
Does an FDA registration number make a cosmetic ready to sell?
No. FDA states that a facility registration or product listing number does not indicate approval. Applicable product, labeling, and other requirements still need review.
Must every brand start on TikTok Shop or Amazon?
No. A first U.S. launch, an established seller, and a wholesale-focused brand may need different starting points. We review your current position before discussing channels and operating support.
Start with your product and your U.S. plans.
Share your brand or product introduction, current markets, available label information, planned quantities, and the support you need. We can then clarify missing information and discuss scope and supply terms.