NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – India’s drug regulator has issued a caution to consumers concerning two whitening products originating from Pakistan after tests revealed dangerously high levels of heavy metals. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation issued a public health alert on September 8, naming Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream. Both items list their country of manufacture as Pakistan. The regulatory authority clarified that neither of these products had received authorization for import or sale within India. It further emphasized that the elevated heavy metal content could be toxic and pose serious health hazards.
The authorities pointed out that both cosmetics lacked the necessary registration certificates from the appropriate agencies for import into India. Under Indian regulations, all imported cosmetic products and their manufacturing facilities must be registered before they can be marketed. This process is governed by the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, with standards issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards. The central notice did not specify which heavy metals were detected or provide their exact concentration levels in the products.
Consumers were advised against purchasing Goree Beauty Cream or Chandni Whitening Cream, and if already acquired, to cease their use. The alert also extends to similar products with comparable names that might lack proper authorization. Authorities instructed sellers, distributors, and advertisers to refrain from promoting these products. Enforcement units have been instructed to prevent the sale of unauthorized cosmetics within their jurisdictions, and consumers encountering labeling violations are encouraged to report imported items to the Drugs Controller General of India.
Consumers advised to scrutinize cosmetic labels carefully
This public advisory underscores the importance of purchasing only authorized cosmetics that display comprehensive regulatory and product details. Labels should include the manufacturer’s information, a manufacturing license number, batch identification, as well as manufacturing and expiration dates. Imported cosmetics must also feature the appropriate registration number to enable consumers and authorities to verify their legitimacy in the Indian market. The focus of the regulator’s guidance is on ensuring proper product registration, accurate labeling, and adherence to standards, while specifically warning consumers to avoid the two creams highlighted in the alert.
In addition, Maharashtra’s official records reveal findings related to Goree Beauty Cream, listing multiple samples of the product among those classified as not meeting quality standards. The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration reports that these samples failed tests for mercury content and were also misbranded. These specific state-level findings involve tested Goree Beauty Cream samples, whereas the national alert references excessive heavy metals in both named products without distinguishing the particular metals in each one.
India’s cosmetics regulations mandate import registration for compliance
Within India’s regulatory structure, cosmetic manufacturers are required to obtain a license from the relevant State Licensing Authority for production intended for sale and distribution. Importers, in turn, must secure registration through the Central Licensing Authority before bringing cosmetics into the country. The process involves applicants submitting Form COS-1 to request an import registration certificate, with approved certificates issued on Form COS-2. These rules apply to imported cosmetic products and their manufacturing facilities under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
The September 8 alert primarily aims to protect consumers and ensure regulatory compliance concerning the two specific products. It does not include details such as batch numbers, importer or distributor information, or specific heavy metal concentrations. The alert also does not confirm any individual cases of health issues related to the creams. Consumers are strongly advised to verify the authorization status of imported cosmetics before purchase, and authorities have ordered that the sale, distribution, or advertising of Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream cease immediately within India.