The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has issued a public health alert against two Pakistan-origin cosmetic products, Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream, warning that they may pose serious health risks due to the presence of excessive heavy metals.
In a notice issued on September 8, the national drug regulator advised consumers not to purchase or use the products and directed traders, distributors and other establishments to immediately stop selling, distributing or advertising them.
According to the CDSCO, both products were found to contain heavy metals beyond the specified limits, which could have toxic effects on consumers.
Products found non-compliant with safety standards
The regulator identified Goree Beauty Cream, manufactured by Goree Cosmetics in Lahore, and Chandni Whitening Cream, managed by SJ Enterprises in Lahore, as the products under scrutiny.
In its alert, the CDSCO stated that the creams contained “excessive heavy metals beyond the specified limits, which may pose health risk to the consumers, including toxic effects.”
Consumers who have already purchased the products have been advised to discontinue their use immediately.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over the circulation of unregistered cosmetic products, particularly fairness and skin-whitening creams, in the Indian market.
Sold without valid registration certificates
The CDSCO said the two imported cosmetic products were allegedly being sold in India without valid registration certificates, as required under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
Under Indian regulations, imported cosmetics must obtain registration from the Central Licensing Authority before being marketed in the country. Domestic cosmetic products require licences from the concerned state licensing authorities.
The latest alert has raised concerns over both consumer safety and compliance with India’s import regulations.
Surveillance drive on imported cosmetics
The action follows a directive issued in July 2026 by Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) Rajeev Raghuvanshi, who asked state drug regulators and CDSCO offices across the country to intensify surveillance of imported cosmetics being sold without valid registration approvals.
Authorities have been monitoring the sale of cosmetic products entering the market through unauthorised channels and online platforms.
Questions over availability of Pakistani products in India
The alert has also triggered questions about how Pakistan-origin products entered the Indian market despite restrictions on imports from the neighbouring country.
India imposed a ban on the direct and indirect import or transit of goods originating from or exported by Pakistan on May 2, 2025, following the Pahalgam terror attack.
The restrictions cover goods entering India directly as well as products routed through third countries.
Despite the ban, the two cosmetic products were reportedly available on several e-commerce platforms, including Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal. Some online listings allegedly identified India as the country of origin, raising concerns over possible mislabelling and regulatory violations.
One reported listing of Goree Beauty Cream allegedly named an Indian entity, Neha Organic, as the manufacturer, prompting questions about the authenticity of product information displayed on online marketplaces.
Regulatory scrutiny intensifies
The CDSCO has asked all stakeholders to ensure that the flagged products are removed from sale channels and has urged consumers to remain cautious while purchasing imported cosmetic products online.
The regulator’s action highlights increasing scrutiny of imported cosmetics amid concerns over consumer safety, product authenticity and compliance with Indian regulatory requirements.
