NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – India’s drug regulator has issued a public health advisory cautioning consumers about two creams manufactured in Pakistan after laboratory tests revealed high levels of heavy metals. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation identified Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream in its notice dated September 8, warning that both products display labels indicating their origin in Pakistan. The agency clarified that neither product has official approval for import or sale within India. It further cautioned that the elevated heavy metal content could result in toxic health effects and potential risks to consumers.
According to the regulator, these two cosmetic items lack registration certificates from the appropriate authority, which is mandatory under Indian law for products imported for sale. The Cosmetics Rules, 2020, enforced alongside the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, stipulate that imported cosmetics and their manufacturing facilities must obtain registration before entering the Indian market. The Bureau of Indian Standards publishes standards relevant to cosmetic safety. The central alert did not specify which heavy metals were detected or provide their exact concentrations.
Consumers are advised against purchasing Goree Beauty Cream or Chandni Whitening Cream and to avoid using them if they already own these products. The warning also extends to similarly named cosmetics that might lack proper authorization. Authorities have instructed sellers, distributors, and advertisers not to promote or market these items. Enforcement units have been directed to prevent the sale of unauthorized cosmetics within their jurisdictions. Consumers discovering labeling violations are encouraged to report imported products to the Drugs Controller General of India.
Consumers advised to scrutinize cosmetic labels
This public warning emphasizes the importance of selecting authorized cosmetic products with clear regulatory and product information on their labels. Essential details should include manufacturer identification, a manufacturing license number, batch numbers, and manufacturing and expiry dates. Imported cosmetics must also display their registration number. These labeling requirements help consumers and authorities verify whether a product is authorized for sale in India. The guidance underscores the importance of proper registration, accurate labeling, and compliance, urging consumers to steer clear of the two creams mentioned in the alert.
In Maharashtra, official records from the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration mention findings related to Goree Beauty Cream. The state agency lists multiple samples of Goree Beauty Cream among products that failed quality standards, specifically citing non-compliance regarding mercury content and misbranding. These local findings pertain exclusively to tested samples of Goree Beauty Cream. The nationwide alert, however, reports excessive heavy metals in both named creams without specifying which metals were present in each product.
India’s cosmetics regulations mandate import registration
Under Indian law, companies involved in manufacturing cosmetics for sale must obtain a license from the relevant State Licensing Authority. Importers are required to secure registration from the Central Licensing Authority prior to bringing cosmetic products into the country for commercial distribution. Applicants seeking import registration must submit Form COS-1, and approved certificates are issued in Form COS-2, in accordance with the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. These procedures apply to both imported products and their manufacturing sites.
The alert issued on September 8 primarily aims to protect consumers and uphold regulatory standards for the two specified creams. It does not include details such as batch numbers, importer names, distributor information, or precise heavy metal concentrations. Nor does it link the products to any specific cases of illness. Consumers are urged to verify authorization before purchasing imported cosmetics and to avoid the two creams highlighted. Authorities have also instructed businesses not to sell, distribute, or promote Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream within India.