Heavy-Metal Alert Exposes Gaps in India’s Ecommerce Compliance

India’s drug regulator has warned consumers against two Pakistan-made cosmetics after testing found them unauthorised for sale in the country and containing heavy metals above prescribed limits. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) named Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream in a September 8 public health notice and advised consumers not to purchase or use them.

According to CDSCO, neither product had received the registration certificate required for imported cosmetics. Goree Beauty Cream is manufactured by Lahore-based Goree Cosmetics, while Chandni Whitening Cream is made by SJ Enterprises. The regulator said excessive heavy-metal content could pose health risks, including toxic effects.

The issue has also exposed potential weaknesses in ecommerce product verification. Business Standard found the creams listed across platforms including Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, Tata 1mg and Snapdeal. Some listings reportedly described the products as “Made in India”, while certain manufacturer, seller or packer details were incomplete. Amazon later removed a Goree listing after identifying incorrect origin information, while sources at Flipkart and Meesho said non-compliant listings were being reviewed or removed.

The listings are particularly notable because India has prohibited the direct or indirect import or transit of goods originating in or exported from Pakistan since May 2025. Regulatory experts cited by Business Standard suggested products could potentially be rerouted through third countries or misdeclared, though the exact route used by these particular creams has not been established publicly.

CDSCO has instructed sellers, distributors and advertisers not to deal in the two products and asked enforcement authorities to prevent their sale. The episode now raises a broader ecommerce question: as marketplaces host millions of third-party listings, verifying country of origin, import registration and product safety may require stronger checks before a product reaches consumersnot only removal after regulators flag it.