NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – India’s health authorities have issued an alert to the public concerning two whitening creams produced in Pakistan after tests revealed high levels of heavy metals. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation issued the health advisory on September 8, naming Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream. Both items are labeled as originating from Pakistan. The authorities clarified that neither product had approval to be imported or sold within India. They also warned that the elevated heavy metal content could lead to toxic health effects and associated risks.
The regulatory body highlighted that both cosmetics lack the necessary registration certificates from the authorized Indian agencies for importation. As per Indian regulations, imported cosmetics and their manufacturing facilities must be registered prior to market entry. This process is governed by the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Standards applicable to cosmetic products are published by the Bureau of Indian Standards. The public notice did not specify which heavy metals were detected or provide their specific concentrations.
Consumers are advised against purchasing Goree Beauty Cream or Chandni Whitening Cream and to cease use if they already have these products. The warning extends to similar cosmetic items with comparable names that may lack proper authorization. Officials have instructed sellers, distributors, and advertisers not to promote these products. Enforcement agencies have been directed to prevent unauthorized cosmetics from being sold within their jurisdictions. Those who detect labeling violations are encouraged to report the imported products to the Drugs Controller General of India.
Buyers urged to verify cosmetic labels carefully
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 identifiers, along with manufacturing and expiry dates. For imported cosmetics, the registration number must also be visible. These labeling standards help both consumers and authorities verify whether a product is approved for the Indian market. The guidance underscores the importance of product registration, proper labeling, and compliance, specifically warning against the two creams mentioned in the alert.
In Maharashtra, official records also document findings related to Goree Beauty Cream. The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration reports list multiple samples of Goree Beauty Cream as products that did not meet quality standards. Their database states these samples failed mercury content tests and were mislabeled. These specific findings concern tested Goree Beauty Cream samples. However, the nationwide alert refers generally to excessive heavy metals in both products without specifying individual metals for each cream.
Import registration mandatory under India’s cosmetics regulations
India’s legal framework requires manufacturers to obtain a licence from the relevant State Licensing Authority to produce cosmetics for commercial sale. Importers must also secure registration from the Central Licensing Authority prior to bringing products into the country. The official procedures involve submitting Form COS-1 to apply for an import registration certificate and receiving the approved certificate via Form COS-2. These rules govern imported cosmetics and their manufacturing sites as outlined in the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
The September 8 alert continues to focus on consumer safety and regulatory compliance for the two named products. It does not include batch numbers, importer or distributor names, or detailed heavy metal concentrations. No cases of illness linked to either product have been reported. Consumers are urged to avoid these creams and to verify authorization status before purchasing imported cosmetics. Authorities have also instructed retailers and vendors not to sell, distribute, or advertise Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream within India.