NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – India’s drug regulator has issued a warning to shoppers regarding two whitening creams manufactured in Pakistan after tests 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 products display labels indicating they were produced in Pakistan. The authority confirmed that neither item has been authorized for import or sale within India. It further cautioned that the elevated heavy metal content could lead to toxic effects and health hazards.
According to the regulator, these two cosmetics lack registration certificates from the proper authorities for importation into India. Indian legislation mandates that imported cosmetics and their manufacturing facilities must undergo registration before entering the market. This process is governed by the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, alongside the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The Bureau of Indian Standards also provides the relevant standards applicable to cosmetic products. The overall notice did not specify which heavy metals were detected or provide details on their respective concentrations.
Consumers are advised not to buy Goree Beauty Cream or Chandni Whitening Cream and, if already purchased, to refrain from using them. The warning extends to similarly labeled cosmetics that may lack the necessary authorization. Officials have instructed vendors, distributors, and advertisers not to promote these products. Enforcement agencies have been directed to block unauthorized cosmetics from being sold within their jurisdictions. Any consumer encountering labeling violations can report such products to the Drugs Controller General of India.
Consumers should verify cosmetic labels carefully
The alert emphasizes the importance of selecting authorized cosmetics with complete regulatory and product information. Labels must include manufacturer details, a manufacturing license number, batch number, and manufacturing and expiry dates. For imported cosmetics, the registration number must also be visible. These labeling requirements help both consumers and authorities identify products approved for the Indian market. The regulatory guidance highlights proper registration, accurate labeling, and compliance, urging consumers to avoid the two creams mentioned in the alert.
In addition, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration’s records reveal findings related to Goree Beauty Cream. Several samples listed in their database were classified as non-standard quality products. The state agency reported that these samples failed mercury content tests and were also misbranded. These specific tests concern Goree Beauty Cream samples tested within Maharashtra. Conversely, the national alert refers to high levels of heavy metals in both products but does not specify individual metals associated with each cream.
India’s cosmetics regulations mandate import registration for safety
Under India’s legal framework, cosmetic manufacturers must obtain a license from the relevant State Licensing Authority to produce and sell products. Importers are required to register their products with the Central Licensing Authority prior to importation. The official procedure involves submitting Form COS-1 to seek an import registration certificate, which is issued in Form COS-2. These steps are part of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, which regulate imported cosmetics and their manufacturing sites.
The September 8 alert continues to focus on protecting consumers and ensuring regulatory compliance for the two products named. It does not include batch numbers, importer details, distributor information, or specific heavy metal concentrations. Nor does it mention individual cases of illness related to either cream. Consumers are advised to avoid these items and verify their authorization status before purchasing imported cosmetics. Authorities have also been instructed to prevent the sale, distribution, or promotion of Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream within India.