NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – India’s drug regulatory authority has issued a warning to consumers regarding two whitening creams produced in Pakistan following tests that revealed dangerously high levels of heavy metals. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation identified Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream in a public health advisory released on September 8. Both items display labels indicating they were manufactured in Pakistan. The authority confirmed that neither product had received approval for import or sale within India. The agency further warned that the elevated heavy metal content could have toxic effects and threaten consumer health.
According to the regulator, these cosmetics are not registered with the appropriate Indian authorities for import. Indian regulations mandate that both imported cosmetics and their manufacturing facilities must be registered prior to market entry. The process is governed by the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, in conjunction with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The Bureau of Indian Standards also sets the standards applicable to cosmetic items. The central alert did not specify the types of heavy metals detected or their specific concentrations in each product.
Consumers are advised to refrain from purchasing Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream, and to discard any products already bought. The warning extends to other similarly named cosmetics that may lack proper authorization. Officials have instructed sellers, distributors, and advertisers to cease marketing these items. Enforcement agencies have been directed to prevent unauthorized cosmetics from being sold within their jurisdictions. Consumers who observe labeling violations are encouraged to report imported products to the Drugs Controller General of India.
Consumers urged to verify cosmetic labels before purchase
The public advisory emphasizes the importance of purchasing only authorized cosmetic products that display essential regulatory and product information. Proper labels should include details such as the manufacturer’s name, a manufacturing license number, batch information, as well as manufacturing and expiry dates. For imported cosmetics, the registration number must also be visible. These labeling requirements help consumers and authorities confirm that products are approved for sale in India. The guidance from regulators highlights the need for proper registration, clear labeling, and compliance, while cautioning the public against using the two creams named in the alert.
In addition, official records from Maharashtra mention findings related to Goree Beauty Cream. The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration lists multiple samples of Goree Beauty Cream among products deemed substandard. The database reports that these samples failed tests for mercury content and were also misbranded. These state-level results specifically concern tested samples of Goree Beauty Cream. Conversely, the national alert describes the presence of excessive heavy metals in both products but does not specify individual metals or their levels for each cream.
India’s cosmetic import regulations mandate licensing and registration
Under India’s legal framework, manufacturers must obtain a licence from the relevant State Licensing Authority to produce cosmetics for commercial sale. Importers are required to secure registration through the Central Licensing Authority before importing cosmetics into the country. Applicants must use Form COS-1 to request an import registration certificate, and once approved, the certificate is issued in Form COS-2. These procedures are mandated under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, which work alongside the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, for imported products and manufacturing facilities.
The alert issued on September 8 continues to prioritize consumer safety and regulatory adherence concerning the two specified products. It does not include batch numbers, names of importers or distributors, or detailed data on heavy metal concentrations. The notice does not report any specific cases of illness linked to the creams. Consumers are advised to avoid these products and verify their authorization status prior to purchasing imported cosmetics. Furthermore, authorities have instructed entities not to sell, distribute, or promote Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream within India.