NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – India’s drug authority has issued a caution to consumers regarding two whitening creams originating from Pakistan after tests revealed high levels of heavy metals. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation issued a public health alert on September 8, naming Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream. Both items bear labels indicating they were produced in Pakistan. The authority clarified that neither product had received authorization for import or sale within India. It further warned that the elevated heavy metal content could lead to toxic effects and health hazards.
According to the regulator, the two cosmetics lacked registration certificates from the appropriate authorities for import into India. The country’s regulations mandate that imported cosmetics and their manufacturing facilities undergo registration prior to market entry. This process is governed by the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, in conjunction with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The Bureau of Indian Standards provides the applicable standards for cosmetic products. The central notice did not specify which heavy metals were detected or their exact concentrations.
Authorities recommended consumers refrain from purchasing Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream, and to avoid using them if already bought. The warning extends to similarly named cosmetic products that might lack proper authorization. Officials instructed sellers, distributors, and advertisers not to market these items. Enforcement agencies received directives to prevent the sale of unauthorized cosmetics within their jurisdictions. Consumers spotting labeling violations can report imported products to the Drugs Controller General of India.
Consumers advised to verify cosmetic labels
The public alert emphasizes the importance of selecting authorized cosmetics that display key regulatory and product details. Such labels should include manufacturer information, a manufacturing licence number, batch number, and manufacturing and expiry dates. For imported cosmetics, the registration number must also be visible. These labeling requirements help consumers and authorities identify products approved for the Indian market. The regulator’s guidance underscores the need for proper product registration, labeling, and compliance, while urging consumers to avoid the two creams mentioned in the alert.
In addition, official records from Maharashtra reveal findings related to Goree Beauty Cream. The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration lists several samples of Goree Beauty Cream among products classified as not of standard quality. Their database notes that these samples failed tests for mercury content and were also misbranded. These state-level findings specifically concern tested Goree Beauty Cream samples. However, the national alert describes excessive heavy metals in both of the named creams without specifying which individual metals are present in each product.
India’s cosmetic import regulations mandate registration
Under India’s regulatory framework, manufacturers must obtain a licence from the relevant State Licensing Authority to produce cosmetics for sale and distribution. Importers are required to register through the Central Licensing Authority before bringing cosmetics into the country for sale. The official procedure involves applicants submitting Form COS-1 to request an import registration certificate. Once approved, the authorities issue an import registration in Form COS-2. These rules apply to imported cosmetic products and their manufacturing sites under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
The September 8 alert continues to prioritize consumer safety and regulatory compliance for the two products named. It does not include batch numbers, importer details, distributor information, or specific heavy metal levels. Nor does it report any individual cases of illness linked to either product. Consumers are advised to verify authorization details before purchasing imported cosmetics and to avoid the products altogether. The authorities have also instructed establishments not to sell, distribute, or promote Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream within India.