NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – India’s drug regulatory authority has issued a public advisory cautioning users against two Pakistani-made skin whitening products after tests revealed high levels of heavy metals. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation identified Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream in a health alert issued on September 8. Both items are labeled as manufactured in Pakistan. The agency clarified that neither product had received authorization for import or sale within India. The warning highlighted that the elevated heavy metal content could induce toxic effects and pose significant health hazards.
The authorities pointed out that both cosmetics lacked registration certificates from the appropriate Indian regulatory body for import approval. Indian regulations mandate that imported cosmetics and their manufacturing facilities must be registered before entering the local market. This process is governed by the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, in conjunction with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Additionally, the Bureau of Indian Standards publishes standards applicable to cosmetic products. The public notice did not specify which heavy metals were detected or provide their exact concentrations.
Officials advised consumers to refrain from purchasing Goree Beauty Cream or Chandni Whitening Cream and to discard any already bought. The warning also extends to similar-sounding cosmetic products that might lack proper authorization. Sellers, distributors, and advertisers have been instructed not to market these items. Regulatory enforcement teams received directives to prevent the sale of unauthorized cosmetics within their jurisdictions. Consumers who observe labeling violations can report imported products to the Drugs Controller General of India.
Consumers encouraged to verify cosmetic labels before purchase
This public alert emphasizes the importance of choosing authorized cosmetics that display essential regulatory and product information. Labels should include manufacturer details, a manufacturing license number, batch codes, and manufacturing and expiry dates. For imported cosmetics, the registration number must also be visible. These labeling requirements enable consumers and authorities to confirm whether a product is approved for sale in India. The guidance from regulators focuses on proper registration, accurate labeling, and compliance, urging consumers to avoid the two creams named in the alert.
In addition, official records from Maharashtra highlight findings related to Goree Beauty Cream. The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration lists multiple samples of Goree Beauty Cream among products classified as not meeting quality standards. The agency’s database indicates that these samples failed to meet mercury content regulations and were also misbranded. These specific findings pertain to tested Goree Beauty Cream samples. The national alert, on the other hand, reports the presence of excessive heavy metals in both named creams but does not specify the individual metals or their levels for each product.
India’s cosmetic import regulations mandate registration before market entry
According to India’s regulatory framework, manufacturers must obtain a license from the relevant State Licensing Authority to produce cosmetics for sale. Importers are required to register with the Central Licensing Authority prior to bringing cosmetic products into the country. Applicants seeking import registration must use Form COS-1, and upon approval, the authorities issue the registration in Form COS-2. These rules, outlined under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, apply to both imported cosmetics and their manufacturing facilities.
The September 8 warning continues to prioritize consumer safety and adherence to regulations concerning the two specified products. It does not include batch numbers, importer details, distributor information, or specific heavy metal concentrations. Nor does it link the products to any individual cases of illness. Consumers are advised to avoid these products and verify their authorization details before purchasing imported cosmetics. The regulator has also instructed stores not to sell, distribute, or promote Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream within India.