NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – India’s drug regulator has issued warnings to shoppers about two whitening creams from Pakistan after tests detected high levels of heavy metals. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation identified Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream in a public health alert issued on September 8. Both products list their origin as Pakistan. The regulator clarified that neither item has proper authorization for import or sale within India. It warned that the elevated heavy metal content could lead to toxic effects and health hazards.
The authority stated that these cosmetics lack registration certificates from the appropriate agency for import into India. Indian regulations mandate that imported cosmetics, as well as their manufacturing facilities, must be registered before entering the local market. The Cosmetics Rules, 2020, alongside the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, govern this process. The Bureau of Indian Standards provides standards relevant to cosmetic products. The official notice did not specify which heavy metals were detected or their concentration levels in each product.
Authorities advised consumers to refrain from buying Goree Beauty Cream or Chandni Whitening Cream. They should also avoid using these products if already purchased. The warning extends to similar cosmetic items with similar names that may lack proper authorization. Officials urged sellers, distributors, and advertisers not to promote these creams. Enforcement agencies have been instructed to prevent the sale of unauthorized cosmetics in their jurisdictions. Consumers spotting labeling violations can report them to the Drugs Controller General of India.
Consumers urged to verify cosmetic labels
The alert emphasizes the importance of buying only authorized cosmetics. Proper labels should include manufacturer details, a manufacturing license number, batch information, and manufacturing and expiry dates. Imported products must also display their registration number. These labeling standards help consumers and authorities identify products approved for the Indian market. The focus is on product registration, clear labeling, and compliance. Consumers are advised to stay away from the two creams named in the alert.
Maharashtra’s official records show findings related to Goree Beauty Cream. The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration reports several samples labeled as not meeting quality standards. These samples failed tests for mercury content and were misbranded. The state’s data specifically concerns Goree Beauty Cream samples tested. The national alert mentions excessive heavy metals in both named creams but does not specify which metals or their levels for each product.
Import registration is mandatory under India’s cosmetics rules
India’s regulations require manufacturers to obtain a license from the relevant State Licensing Authority before producing cosmetics for sale and distribution. Importers must also register with the Central Licensing Authority prior to bringing cosmetics into the country. Applicants must submit Form COS-1 to request an import registration certificate. Approved certificates are issued using Form COS-2. These procedures apply to both imported cosmetics and their manufacturing facilities under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
The September 8 alert centers on protecting consumers and ensuring regulatory compliance for the two products. It does not include batch numbers, importer names, distributor details, or specific heavy metal concentrations. Nor does it connect the creams to any reported cases of illness. Consumers are advised to verify authorization details before purchasing imported cosmetics. The regulator has also ordered that these creams not be sold, distributed, or advertised in India.