Regulatory Ban Issued
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has issued a public health notice warning consumers against the purchase and use of two specific cosmetic products: Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream. The regulator stated that testing revealed the products contained heavy metals at levels exceeding prescribed safety limits, posing potential toxic health risks. Additionally, CDSCO confirmed that neither product held the necessary registration certificates for import into India, classifying them as unauthorised.
The notice, dated September 8, explicitly advises consumers who have already purchased these items to discontinue their use. CDSCO has also directed regulatory enforcement units to ensure the products are not sold, distributed, or advertised within their jurisdictions.
Manufacturer and Origin Details
According to a report by Business Standard, the two products are manufactured by entities based in Lahore, Pakistan. Goree Cosmetics is identified as the manufacturer of Goree Beauty Cream, while SJ Enterprises produces Chandni Whitening Cream. The discovery of these specific manufacturers highlights the ongoing challenge of tracking the origin of imported cosmetics entering the Indian market.
Ecommerce Listings and Compliance Gaps
Despite India’s broader trade restrictions, the banned creams were available on several major Indian ecommerce marketplaces, including Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, Tata 1mg, and Snapdeal. Business Standard noted that some listings incorrectly declared India as the country of origin or omitted manufacturer details entirely. For instance, an Amazon listing for Goree Beauty Cream, which was later removed, listed 'Neha Organic' as the manufacturer and packer.
Platform responses have varied. An Amazon spokesperson stated that independent third-party sellers are required to comply with Indian laws and that non-compliant listings are removed upon regulatory direction. A source familiar with Flipkart’s operations said the company flagged the seller and is reviewing the case. Meesho officials indicated that the product may have bypassed earlier delisting efforts due to the misdeclared country of origin, though it has since been removed.
Broader Enforcement Context
This action is part of a wider enforcement push by CDSCO against imported cosmetics lacking regulatory clearance. Under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, imported cosmetics must be registered with the Central Licensing Authority before entry. In July, the Drugs Controller General of India, Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, urged state licensing authorities and port officials to intensify surveillance after finding unregistered imported cosmetics in the market.
The case also intersects with India’s foreign trade policies. On May 2, 2025, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade prohibited the direct or indirect import of all goods originating in Pakistan, a move implemented five days before Operation Sindoor. Experts suggest that such goods may be routed through third countries like the UAE or Nepal to evade detection, a practice previously uncovered by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence in other commodity sectors.
Consumer Advisory
CDSCO has urged consumers to verify product details, including manufacturer information, batch numbers, expiry dates, and registration numbers for imported cosmetics. Suspected violations involving imported products can be reported to the Drugs Controller General of India, while issues with domestically made products should be directed to state drugs controllers.