NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – India has issued an urgent nationwide health alert regarding two Pakistan-produced skin whitening creams after laboratory tests revealed high levels of heavy metals. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation issued an alert on September 8, naming Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream. The regulatory body stated that both products were imported and sold without the necessary authorization in India. It also warned that the presence of excessive heavy metals could lead to toxic health effects. Consumers were advised to cease purchasing or using these cosmetics immediately.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation confirmed that neither product had valid registration certificates from the relevant Indian authorities. India mandates that imported cosmetics and their manufacturing facilities register with regulators before they can be legally sold domestically. These requirements are outlined in the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, alongside the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The alert did not specify which heavy metals were detected in each cream or provide details about laboratory concentration levels, tested batch numbers, or importers’ identities.
Authorities have instructed sellers, distributors, and advertisers to halt the marketing of Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream within India. Enforcement agencies are also tasked with taking action against unapproved sales in their jurisdictions. Consumers received guidance to carefully check product labels and registration documentation prior to purchasing imported cosmetics. Labels should display essential manufacturing and product details mandated by Indian regulations. Officials encouraged the public to report any suspected violations involving imported cosmetics to the relevant authorities.
Regulatory focus on import controls and product labeling
India’s cosmetics regulations require importers to obtain approval from the Central Licensing Authority before bringing products into the market. To do so, applicants submit Form COS-1 under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. Approved import certificates are issued via Form COS-2. These rules also stipulate that product information must be available for regulatory traceability throughout the supply chain. This includes details about the overseas manufacturing sites as well as the imported cosmetics themselves. The warning concerning Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream places these products within this comprehensive compliance framework.
In Maharashtra, independent testing revealed that Goree Beauty Cream samples did not meet quality standards. State records reported failures related to mercury content and classified the samples as misbranded. These findings specifically pertain to the tested samples and do not imply that every Goree product contains mercury at the same levels. The national alert broadly states that excessive heavy metals were found in the two creams, without identifying each metal individually.
Public advised to avoid two specific skincare products
The Indian health notice does not confirm any cases of illness associated with Goree Beauty Cream or Chandni Whitening Cream. It also does not specify which distributors, retailers, or sales channels are involved in their circulation. The focus remains on regulatory compliance, laboratory findings, and consumer safety measures. Authorities have instructed the public to avoid purchasing or using these creams. Retailers and distributors have also been directed not to sell, distribute, or promote them. These instructions are enforced across all Indian states, union territories, and central agencies.
This warning emphasizes increased scrutiny of imported skin whitening products sold without proper approval from Indian authorities. Consumers are advised to verify product labels and registration details before making purchases. They should particularly avoid the two creams named in the September 8 notice. The regulatory alert links the presence of excessive heavy metals and missing import authorization to these products. Both Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream are identified as unauthorized cosmetics within India’s domestic market, and authorities continue to treat them accordingly.