Illegal Pakistani Cosmetics Seized in Pimpri-Chinchwad last year, Investigation Underway
Illegal Pakistani Cosmetics Seized in Pimpri-Chinchwad last year, Investigation Underway
State FDA Minister Narhari Jhirwal revealed the seizure during Monday’s assembly session.
Last year, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uncovered a large stash of illegal cosmetics in Pimpri-Chinchwad. These products, reportedly imported from Lahore, Pakistan, were not subject to proper regulations and posed a serious health risk. State FDA Minister Narhari Jhirwal revealed the seizure during Monday’s assembly session. He assured the public that those found selling these unregulated beauty products would face consequences. Jhirwal was responding to a question from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Bhimrao Tapkir, who expressed concern about the potential dangers of these unapproved products in the market.
Tapkir brought up the issue of cosmetic seizures in Dhayari and Pimpri-Chinchwad. “A stock valued at ₹20.72 lakh was confiscated in Dhayari, sourced from Karnataka and Telangana. How did it end up there? Was it authorized by the Pune FDA for transportation? In August 2024, another stock was seized in Pimpri-Chinchwad, but its origin remains unknown. Under what brand was it being sold?” he questioned. He also demanded information about the number of FDA-approved cosmetic testing labs in Maharashtra, the number of cosmetic manufacturers and clinics in Pune, and the actions taken against illegal businesses.
In reply, Minister Jhirwal stated, “The seized stock in Pimpri-Chinchwad is a serious matter. It was imported from Lahore, Pakistan, by Horik Chemistry, and the sellers did not have an import-export license. An investigation is underway to find out how it entered India, and legal action will be taken before the assembly session ends.”
On the Dhayari stock, Jhirwal added, “The vendors were permitted to sell cosmetics, but the products from Karnataka and Telangana lacked the necessary approvals, so they were banned.”
Tapkir further pointed out that consumers often purchase beauty products without knowing if they are properly tested or safe. “Are there FDA-approved cosmetic testing labs in Maharashtra? If so, how many? How many manufacturers operate in Pune, and what actions have been taken against any illegal operations?” he asked.
While Jhirwal couldn’t provide exact numbers of labs or manufacturers involved, he assured the assembly that action would be taken against those illegally selling these products in Pimpri-Chinchwad before the session ends.
