Imported Cosmetics May Be Fewer With Stringent Control On Animal Testing

You may soon find it difficult to lay your hands on imported cosmetics. Tightening regulatory controls on such brands, the government has asked importers to give an undertaking that their products sold in India have not been tested on animals anywhere in the world.

Last year, India banned testing of cosmetic products and their ingredients on animals in India. However, companies were still found importing products, which had been tested on animals abroad.

The latest move seeking no objection from the supplying country and an undertaking from the original manufacturer of such imported products is to ensure that these products are not tested on animals at all, said an official with the office of the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).

DCGI, which regulates pharmaceuticals as well as cosmetics sold in the country, has recently directed all port officers, beauty and hygiene associations as well as state controllers to keep a close check on such products and ensure that importers submit original undertaking from the manufacturer.

Companies flouting the norms are likely to face hefty penalty and punishment, including cancellation of licences for a period of 3-10 years.

In fact, the new rule is applicable even for already registered products. However, in such cases, the undertaking has to say that cosmetics products imported to India "have not been tested on animals on and after 12 November 2014", a recent communication from the DCGI office said.

New applicants for importing cosmetic products to India will also have to submit import registration dossiers to the regulatory agency. "The acknowledgement copies can be produced at the port offices for clearing their consignments," the circular from DCGI office said.

Of late, the penetration of imported brands in the cosmetic segment has increased significantly with many of them commanding huge market share in their categories. While most of these brands are placed in the premium category, many are also available for regular users at reasonable prices.

Source:- timesofindia.indiatimes.com