All imported cosmetics to be regulated for safety

Health Ministry approves draft guidelines which bar sales of imported personal care products

Safety of all your favourite imported cosmetics, ranging from skin lighteners to hair care products, will now be ensured, with the government ready to make their registration compulsory in India.

In a first-time move to legally regulate the multi-crore imported personal care product industry, the Health Ministry has approved draft guidelines which bar the sales of imported cosmetics in India unless their manufacturers get the products registered with the apex drug regulator Central Drug Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO).

For this purpose, the government is setting up a dedicated wing under the CDSCO’s Drug Controller General of India, which will act as the registration authority for imported cosmetics.

The wing will be set up at CDSCO’s Noida complex.

“The wing will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to monitor the range of imported cosmetics for their safety. At present, there is no system to regulate such imports. The step will ensure the safety of consumers using these products,” a senior Health Ministry official told PTI.

Registration required

The government has notified amendments to the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules making it compulsory for global cosmetic manufacturers or their authorised agents and subsidiaries in India to seek registrations of cosmetic brands before sale in the country.

The Guidelines for Import and Registration of Cosmetics mentions, “Each cosmetic category — like lipstick, mascara, tooth pastes, soaps etc – will carry a registration fee of $250. Any violation will evoke penalties in the form of fines and even jail term.”

At the time of registration, manufacturers of imported cosmetics will be required to declare the chemical composition of raw materials used and finished products.

“The strength of raw materials and the shelf life of cosmetics must also be provided and all these should be in conformity with the specifications laid down by the Bureau of Indian
Standards,” the Draft Guidelines for Import of Cosmetics says.

A study by the World Health Organisation (WHO) warns  against the use of skin lightening soaps, creams and cosmetics like eye make-ups, cleansing products and mascaras saying these could contain mercury.

Imported cosmetic products to fall under regulation from October 1 include all skin care and make up products like soaps, face washes and masks, eye and lip care products, skin lightening and chemical exfoliation products, lipsticks and mascaras.

Also covered will be skin cleansing cosmetics, body hair removal products, bleaches, anti-perspirants, shaving ranges, perfumes, sun-protection products, hair care and colouring products.

Oral hygiene products including tooth and mouth care products, and also nail care products will have to be compulsorily registered with CDSCO if they are to be sold in India.Earlier, a global consulting and research firm estimated that Indian women were increasingly using anti-ageing and skin-whitening products to seek younger, fairer complexion.

The study titled ‘Global Cosmetics and Toiletries’ said India was the 13th largest market in the world for cosmetics and toiletries. The share is estimated to have grown since then.