CDSCO Directs Telangana to Crack Down on Unregistered Imported Cosmetics

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has directed state-level Drug Control Administrations, including Telangana, to enhance surveillance and crack down on foreign cosmetic products being sold without mandatory registration and safety checks. The directive follows an order from Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, issued after officials identified a surge in uncertified imported skincare, haircare, and makeup items circulating in retail shops across Hyderabad as well as on e-commerce platforms.

A majority of foreign beauty products currently circulating in local stores bypass India’s legal registration framework entirely. By skipping mandatory regulatory evaluations, these products enter the market without crucial safety tests designed to screen for hazardous ingredients, unsafe preservatives, and toxic heavy metals, including lead and mercury.

In his notice to state-level regulatory agencies and CDSCO zonal heads, Dr Raghuvanshi highlighted that imported cosmetics are actively being sold in the domestic market without a valid registration certificate, mandating immediate heightened surveillance across jurisdictions.

Senior officials familiar with the development stated that over the past year or so, an increasing number of foreign cosmetic brands have entered physical retail markets and online stores through the grey market without completing registration. Beyond posing severe health risks to consumers—such as skin allergies, chemical burns, and organ toxicity—these unauthorized sales undermine legitimate importers who spend time and money to follow CDSCO regulatory standards.

To protect themselves, consumers buying foreign serums, sunscreens, or cosmetics are urged to check product labels carefully before purchase. Standard legitimate imports must display back-side import labels featuring clear ingredient lists written in English and official registration details. Regulators also warned buyers against purchasing high-end luxury cosmetics offered at deep discounts, noting that such offers frequently signal unauthorized or counterfeit products. Consumers are advised to stick to reputed sellers and official brand channels.