NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – India has issued a nationwide public health advisory regarding two Pakistan-originated skin whitening products following laboratory tests that detected excessive heavy metals. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation issued an alert on September 8, identifying Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream. The authority clarified that both items lacked the necessary authorization for import and sale within India. Additionally, it warned that the high levels of heavy metals found could potentially induce toxic effects. Consumers were advised to cease purchasing or using these cosmetics immediately.
According to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, the two products did not possess valid registration certificates from the competent Indian authority. Importing cosmetics into India, along with their manufacturing facilities, mandates prior registration under the country’s legal framework. This requirement is stipulated by the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, which are aligned with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The public alert did not specify which heavy metals were detected in each cream, nor did it provide details such as laboratory concentrations, tested batch numbers, or the names of importers involved.
Enforcement authorities have been instructed to prohibit the sale of Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream within India. They are also directed to take action against unauthorized sales within their jurisdictions. Consumers are encouraged to scrutinize product labels and registration information before making a purchase, ensuring the labels include essential manufacturing and product details as mandated under Indian regulations. Authorities further urged the public to report any suspected violations involving imported cosmetics to the relevant regulatory bodies.
Regulatory emphasis on import procedures and accurate labeling
India’s cosmetics import process requires companies to obtain approval from the Central Licensing Authority prior to bringing foreign cosmetics into the country. To do so, applicants must submit Form COS-1 under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, to seek an import registration certificate. Once approved, authorities issue the certificate via Form COS-2. The regulations also mandate specific information to enable traceability through the supply chain, covering both imported products and their manufacturing origins overseas. The recent alert concerning Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream reflects this comprehensive compliance framework.
Maharashtra’s official records separately identified tested samples of Goree Beauty Cream as failing to meet quality standards. These reports cited issues related to mercury content and classified the samples as misbranded. It is important to note that such findings pertain solely to the tested samples and do not imply that all products bearing the Goree label contain the same mercury levels. The broader national warning mentions excessive heavy metals in the two specific creams without specifying each metal involved, adopting more generalized language.
Public urged to avoid the two specified creams
The Indian regulatory notice does not link the creams to any confirmed health issues or illnesses. It also does not specify distributors, retailers, or particular points of sale involved in circulating these products. The focus remains on the regulatory status, laboratory findings, and safeguarding consumers. Authorities have instructed the public to refrain from purchasing or using these creams, and businesses have been advised not to sell, distribute, or promote them. These directives are enforceable nationwide through state, union territory, and central agencies.
This alert underscores ongoing scrutiny of imported skin whitening products that are marketed without the necessary Indian approvals. For consumers, the advice is straightforward: always verify labels and registration documentation prior to purchasing. The specific mention of Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream in the September 8 notice highlights concerns about high heavy metal concentrations and lack of import authorization. Both products are considered unauthorized cosmetics in India’s market, and the drug regulator continues to treat them as such.