Licences must for vendors: FDA

In order to curb selling of fake or spurious cosmetic products in the state, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) have now planned to take an important step by registering the licence holder vendors and making license compulsory for unlicenced vendors. This move comes after FDA regeisrered many complaints regarding spurious cosmetic products were being sold under the name of renowned brands at a lesser price. FDA official said currently, they have right to keep a hold on the cosmetic companies only. Accordingly all licenced companies are registered with the FDA. But there is no restriction on cosmetic vendors. “Cosmetic industry is booming and there is an increase in the sale of its products. Often, fake products are sold under the name of a renowned brand at a lesser price. Though, the consumers buy, it can have a negative impact on health,” added an official. The central government also directed the states to be cautious about fake cosmetics entering the markets. In response to this the Maharashtra FDA has started the registration process. Due action will be taken against unregistered vendors. Under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, cosmetic manufacturing companies are registered by FDA and every year their contracts are been renewed. But FDA do not have any control over retailers selling cosmetics due to which they were freely selling the spurious products. There are approximately five to six lakhs cosmetic vendors in Mumbai, including beauty parlours.

Dr Pallavi Darade, commissioner, FDA Maharashtra said, India has a large market for cosmetic products and is still growing. Fake cosmetics also blend in easily in the market. Women prefer buying these fake products at cheaper rates which later causes several health and skin-related issues. “We have a control over the manufacturing process of cosmetics, but not on the sellers. So now we have made it compulsory for sellers to be registered and having a license. As people are preparing for the festive season, women tend to buy more cosmetics. In order to prevent any skin problems from these products, the FDA officers will carry out inspections at in public places,” added Darade. A few months ago, the Drug Controller General of India had carried out a countrywide campaign and ran checks on 300 branded cosmetic companies in India. In their campaign, they found that several sellers did not have licences.