The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has issued a public health alert against the use of two unauthorised cosmetic products manufactured in Pakistan — Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream.
According to the regulator, both products are unauthorised and contain excessive levels of heavy metals beyond the specified limits, which may pose health risks to consumers, including toxic effects.
The manufacture and import of cosmetic products in India are regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. Standards for cosmetic products are prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Manufacturers are required to obtain a licence from the State Licensing Authority to manufacture cosmetics for sale and distribution. Imported cosmetics must be registered with the Central Licensing Authority in accordance with the prescribed rules.
Following testing and analysis, CDSCO has verified that the two products are unauthorised and have not been issued registration certificates for import by the competent authority for sale in India.
In light of the findings, consumers have been advised not to purchase or use the above-mentioned cosmetic products, or similar products sold under the same or similar names.
The public has also been advised to:
- Purchase and use only authorised cosmetic products that carry details such as the manufacturing licence number, manufacturer’s details, batch number, date of manufacture and expiry date, and registration number in the case of imported cosmetics.
- Report any violations or discrepancies observed on product labels to the respective State Drugs Controller for cosmetics manufactured in India and to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for imported cosmetic products.
CDSCO has also warned all concerned establishments and individuals not to sell, distribute or advertise the aforementioned products.
The regulator has directed all regulatory enforcement units to ensure that these unauthorised cosmetic products are not sold within their respective jurisdictions.
