NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – India’s drug regulatory authority has issued a warning to the public regarding two skincare products originating from Pakistan after tests revealed high levels of heavy metals. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation issued a public health alert on September 8, citing Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream. Both items are labeled as manufactured in Pakistan. The agency confirmed that neither product holds authorization for import or sale within India, and warned that the presence of excessive heavy metals could lead to toxic effects and health hazards.
According to the regulator, both cosmetics lacked the necessary registration certificates from the appropriate authorities to be imported into India. Indian regulations mandate that imported cosmetics and their manufacturing facilities undergo registration prior to market entry. This process is governed by the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, under the overarching Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, with standards published by the Bureau of Indian Standards. The central notice did not specify the exact heavy metals detected or provide details on their concentration levels.
The authorities have urged consumers to refrain from purchasing Goree Beauty Cream or Chandni Whitening Cream and to dispose of any already bought if they possess them. The warning also extends to similar-looking cosmetic products that may lack proper authorization. Officials have instructed sellers, distributors, and advertisers not to market these items. Enforcement agencies have been directed to prevent unauthorized cosmetics from being sold within their jurisdictions. Consumers noticing labeling violations are encouraged to report such products to the Drugs Controller General of India.
Consumers advised to verify cosmetic labels for authenticity
This public alert emphasizes the importance of purchasing only authorized cosmetics that display essential regulatory and product information. Proper labels should include manufacturer details, a manufacturing license number, batch number, as well as manufacturing and expiry dates. For imported products, registration numbers are also required. These labeling standards enable consumers and authorities to verify whether a product is approved for sale in India. The regulator’s guidance highlights the significance of proper registration, correct labeling, and compliance, while specifically warning consumers to avoid the two creams mentioned in the alert.
Additionally, official records from Maharashtra reveal findings related to Goree Beauty Cream. The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration lists several samples of Goree Beauty Cream among products that failed to meet quality standards. The state database reports these samples as misbranded and containing mercury levels that did not meet safety requirements. These specific findings concern the tested samples within Maharashtra. In contrast, the national alert mentions excessive heavy metals in both creams but does not specify the individual metals or their concentrations for each product.
India’s cosmetics regulations mandate import registration
Under India’s legal framework, companies involved in cosmetic manufacturing must obtain a license from the relevant State Licensing Authority to produce and sell their products. Importers are required to register their products with the Central Licensing Authority before bringing cosmetics into the country for sale. The application process involves submitting Form COS-1 to request an import registration certificate, which is then issued in Form COS-2. These procedures are outlined under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, and apply to both imported cosmetics and their manufacturing units.
The alert issued on September 8 continues to focus on consumer safety and regulatory adherence for the two products named. It does not specify batch numbers, importer or distributor names, or detailed heavy metal concentrations. Nor does it mention any specific cases of health issues linked to these creams. Consumers are advised to avoid these products and to verify their authorization before purchasing imported cosmetics. The authorities have also instructed businesses not to sell, distribute, or promote Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream within India.