The Consumers Association of Pakistan (CAP) has welcomed the approval of the Pakistan General Cosmetics Bill 2026 by the Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology, calling for its swift finalisation and effective enforcement to protect consumers from counterfeit, substandard and potentially hazardous cosmetic products.
Kaukab Iqbal, Chairman of CAP, urged the government and relevant regulatory authorities to accelerate the legislative process and ensure that the proposed law is implemented across the country without unnecessary delay.
Counterfeit Cosmetics Pose Risks to Women’s Health
Kaukab Iqbal said counterfeit and substandard cosmetics pose a serious public health concern, particularly for women who often spend substantial amounts on products marketed under established brand names. Consumers may unknowingly purchase fake or inferior-quality products that can cause skin irritation, burns, dark patches and other skin disorders.
He noted that unsafe cosmetics can affect not only skin health and physical appearance but also consumers’ confidence and quality of life. Buyers, he added, should not have to pay premium prices for products that may put their health at risk.
CAP Seeks Stronger Penalties for Violations
The CAP chairman described the proposed legislation as a step towards stronger consumer protection and greater accountability in the cosmetics industry. The bill provides for imprisonment of up to seven years and fines of up to Rs. 5 million for offences involving substandard cosmetics.
However, he stressed that penalties should reflect the seriousness of each offence and the harm caused to consumers. He also called for consideration of substantially higher fines, potentially reaching tens of millions of rupees, alongside stricter punishment for those involved in the deliberate, large-scale manufacture and distribution of counterfeit or hazardous cosmetic products, subject to the law.
Regulatory Inspections and Online Market Monitoring Urged
Kaukab Iqbal emphasised that legislation alone would not be sufficient without effective enforcement. He urged the relevant authorities to carry out regular inspections of manufacturing facilities, wholesale markets, retail outlets and imported cosmetic products.
He also called for stronger monitoring of online marketplaces to identify counterfeit goods and prevent them from reaching unsuspecting consumers.
According to the CAP chairman, authorities should strengthen product testing, verify the authenticity of branded cosmetics, improve market surveillance and initiate prompt legal action against individuals and companies found violating applicable safety and quality standards.
Consumer Protection Also Supports Legitimate Businesses
Kaukab Iqbal said effective implementation of the proposed law would benefit both consumers and legitimate manufacturers that produce safe, authentic and high-quality cosmetics.
Counterfeit products, he explained, undermine consumer confidence, damage the reputation of genuine brands and create unfair competition for responsible businesses. Enforcing safety and quality standards would help establish a fairer marketplace where companies compete on the basis of product quality, safety and authenticity.
CAP Calls for Timely Implementation
Reaffirming CAP’s commitment to consumer welfare, Kaukab Iqbal expressed the association’s full support for the proposed legislation and urged the concerned authorities to finalise and implement the law without unnecessary delay.
He concluded that protecting consumers from counterfeit and hazardous cosmetics is not merely a regulatory obligation but a public health priority. Strong legislation, consistent enforcement and effective market monitoring are essential to safeguarding consumer health, rights and confidence across Pakistan.