FDA requires that talc used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals be free of asbestiform fibers. Importers in these channels should obtain certificates of analysis from accredited laboratories confirming asbestos absence, as FDA has taken enforcement action against contaminated cosmetic talc. Supplier qualification audits and batch-level testing are standard practice for compliant importers. Classification and admissibility for these end uses can be complex; consulting a licensed customs broker and reviewing FDA guidance is advisable.

Industrial-grade talc is valued primarily for particle size, brightness, and aspect ratio for use in plastics, paint, and paper — purity thresholds are less stringent than for personal-care applications. Cosmetic-grade talc must meet tighter specifications for heavy metals, microbial content, and asbestos absence, commanding a price premium and requiring more rigorous supplier documentation.