What Is the Government Doing?
India's top drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), has directed its state-level branches and port authorities to intensify surveillance on imported cosmetics. The goal is to stop products from entering and being sold
in the country without a valid import registration certificate. This isn't just about paperwork; it's a comprehensive push that involves checks at all entry points and raids on retail stores and warehouses across the country. Recent actions in states like Maharashtra have already led to significant seizures of counterfeit and illegally sold cosmetics, signaling a new era of enforcement.
The Rules of Legitimate Imports
For a cosmetic product to be legally imported and sold in India, it must be registered with the CDSCO. Importers must submit an application through the online SUGAM portal using Form COS-1. This process involves providing details about the manufacturer, the product's ingredients, and its composition. If the authorities are satisfied, they issue an Import Registration Certificate in Form COS-2, which is essentially a license to sell in India. Every legally imported product should have this registration number on its label, along with the name of the certificate holder responsible for its marketing in India. This process ensures that products meet Indian safety standards and are not tested on animals.
The Dangers of the 'Grey Market'
The crackdown targets the 'grey market,' a term for genuine products sold through unauthorized channels, and the black market for outright counterfeits. These unregistered products pose a significant health risk because they bypass mandatory safety checks. Fake or unregulated cosmetics can contain harmful substances like mercury, lead, arsenic, and industrial dyes. These can cause severe skin irritation, allergic reactions, acne, and long-term health issues. Because these products lack proper registration, there is no way to verify their ingredients, manufacturing processes, or storage conditions. According to industry reports, counterfeit and grey market goods may account for as much as 20-25% of India's entire cosmetics market.
How This Affects Consumers
This regulatory tightening is a major win for consumer safety. It means a higher likelihood that the imported products you find on shelves—both physical and virtual—are authentic and have been vetted for safety. For years, shoppers have been tempted by unusually low prices on premium products sold by unverified Instagram resellers or at local markets. While the crackdown might make some of those 'too good to be true' deals disappear, it provides greater confidence in the quality and safety of what you're buying. E-commerce platforms will also face increased pressure to verify that sellers are offering only properly registered products.
How to Be a Smart Shopper
In this changing landscape, vigilance is key. Always buy from a brand’s official website or authorized retailers. Be wary of prices that are significantly lower than the official MRP. Before buying, inspect the packaging closely for spelling errors, poor print quality, or flimsy materials, as these are common signs of fakes. Look for the importer's name and address and the CDSCO registration number on the label. Many brands are now adding security features like holograms or QR codes that you can scan to verify authenticity instantly. If a product lacks a batch number and expiry date, it's best to avoid it.
