NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – India’s drug regulatory authority has issued a caution to the public regarding two whitening creams imported from Pakistan following test results indicating high levels of toxic heavy metals. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation issued a public health advisory on September 8, naming Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream. Both products bear labels indicating production in Pakistan. The regulator clarified that neither product was authorized for import or sale within India. It further warned that the detected heavy metal concentrations could lead to toxic effects and pose significant health hazards.
The authority emphasized that these cosmetic products lack proper registration certificates required for import into India. Indian regulations mandate that imported cosmetics, along with their manufacturing facilities, must undergo registration prior to market entry. This process is governed by the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, under the broader framework of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Additionally, the Bureau of Indian Standards provides the standards applicable to cosmetic products. The official notice did not specify the exact heavy metals detected nor their concentration levels.
Officials strongly advised consumers against purchasing Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream and recommended discontinuing use if already purchased. The warning also extends to similarly branded cosmetic products that may lack appropriate authorization. Authorities instructed vendors, distributors, and advertisers to cease marketing these items immediately. Enforcement agencies have been tasked with preventing the sale of unauthorized cosmetics within their jurisdictions. Consumers who encounter labeling discrepancies or suspect counterfeit products are encouraged to report such issues to the Drugs Controller General of India.
Consumers should scrutinize cosmetic product labels carefully
The alert emphasizes the importance of verifying that cosmetics are properly authorized by checking for key regulatory information. Labels should include manufacturer details, a manufacturing license number, batch codes, and manufacturing and expiration dates. For imported cosmetics, the registration number must also be clearly displayed. These labeling requirements enable consumers and authorities to identify products legally approved for the Indian market. The regulator’s guidance underscores the significance of product registration, accurate labeling, and compliance, advising consumers to avoid the two creams mentioned in the alert.
Additional records maintained by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration have revealed findings related to Goree Beauty Cream. The state authority’s database lists multiple samples of Goree Beauty Cream as products that do not meet quality standards. Specifically, these samples failed to meet limits for mercury content and were found to be misbranded. The Maharashtra findings focus solely on tested samples of Goree Beauty Cream. In contrast, the nationwide alert reports excessive heavy metals in both named products without specifying which metals were involved in each case.
India’s cosmetics import rules mandate proper registration
According to Indian regulations, manufacturers must obtain a license from the relevant State Licensing Authority to produce cosmetics for commercial sale and distribution. Importers are required to secure registration via the Central Licensing Authority before bringing cosmetics into India. When applying for an import registration, applicants should submit Form COS-1, and approved certificates are issued in Form COS-2. These procedures are mandated under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, and apply to both the imported products and their manufacturing facilities.
The September 8 alert continues to focus primarily on protecting consumers and ensuring regulatory compliance concerning the two specific products. It does not list batch numbers, importer names, distributor details, or specific heavy metal concentration levels. Nor does it document any individual cases of health issues linked to the creams. Consumers are advised to verify the authorization status of imported cosmetics before purchase and to avoid using products that lack proper approval. The authorities have also directed retail outlets and online platforms not to sell, distribute, or promote Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream within India.