NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – India’s drug regulatory authority has issued a warning to consumers regarding two Pakistani-origin whitening creams following testing that revealed elevated levels of heavy metals. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation announced in a public health alert dated September 8 that Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream were involved. Both products bear labels indicating they were manufactured in Pakistan. The authority clarified that neither product was authorized for import or sale in India. Additionally, it warned that the high levels of heavy metals could lead to toxic effects and health hazards.
The regulatory body explained that these cosmetics lacked proper registration certificates from the relevant authority for importation into India. Indian regulations mandate that both imported cosmetics and their manufacturing facilities must be registered before entering the domestic market. This process is governed by the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, which operate alongside the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The Bureau of Indian Standards also publishes standards applicable to cosmetic products. The central notification did not specify which heavy metals were detected or include their measured concentrations.
Authorities recommend consumers refrain from purchasing Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream, and to discontinue use if they have already bought these products. The warning also extends to similarly named cosmetics that may lack proper authorization. Officials have instructed sellers, distributors, and advertisers to cease marketing these products. Enforcement agencies have received orders to prevent the sale of unauthorized cosmetics within their jurisdictions. Consumers reporting labeling violations are advised to contact the Drugs Controller General of India.
Consumers encouraged to verify cosmetic labels
The alert emphasizes the importance of purchasing only authorized cosmetic products that display essential regulatory and product details. Labels should include manufacturer information, a manufacturing license number, batch number, manufacturing and expiry dates. For imported cosmetics, the registration number must also be visible. These label requirements enable consumers and authorities to confirm whether products are approved for the Indian market. The guidance underscores the significance of proper product registration, labeling, and compliance, urging consumers to avoid the two creams highlighted in the alert.
In addition, official records maintained by Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration highlight findings related to Goree Beauty Cream. The state agency reports several samples of Goree Beauty Cream as not meeting quality standards. Their database indicates these samples failed mercury content requirements and were also misbranded. These specific findings concern tested samples of Goree Beauty Cream. Conversely, the national alert discusses the presence of excessive heavy metals in both named creams without identifying particular metals for each product.
Import registration required under India’s cosmetics regulations
India’s legal framework mandates that manufacturers obtain a license from the relevant State Licensing Authority to produce cosmetics intended for sale and distribution. Importers are required to register their products with the Central Licensing Authority prior to bringing cosmetics into the country. Applicants seeking import registration must submit Form COS-1, and approved certificates are issued in Form COS-2. These procedures apply to imported cosmetics and their manufacturing units under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
The alert issued on September 8 continues to focus on consumer safety and regulatory compliance for the two specified products. It does not include batch numbers, details of importers or distributors, or specific heavy metal concentration levels. Nor does it cite any individual cases of health issues linked to either cream. Consumers are advised to avoid purchasing these products and to verify authorization details prior to buying imported cosmetics. The regulator has instructed establishments not to sell, distribute, or promote Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream within India.