Senate panel seeks deeper scrutiny of cosmetics bill to curb counterfeits
The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology has sought further scrutiny of the Pakistan General Cosmetics Bill, 2026, to address counterfeit cosmetic products, strengthen consumer protection and prevent misuse of regulatory powers.
The committee met in Islamabad on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Senator Kamil Ali Agha to consider the bill, which was referred back by the House during its sitting on October 14, 2026, along with amendments moved by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla for reconsideration and report.
The Ministry of Law and Justice will be invited to examine the proposed amendments before the legislation proceeds further.
Counterfeit cosmetics in focus
During deliberations, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla highlighted the importance of incorporating amendments to address the growing issue of counterfeit cosmetic products and strengthen the regulatory framework. He stressed that the legislation must address the concerns of importers and relevant industry associations.
Representatives of the industry association told the committee that the sector had been operating for about 15 years but continued to face challenges from counterfeit products. Several fake products were being marketed under the names of established brands, making effective regulation essential for protecting consumers and legitimate businesses.
Ministers weigh in
Federal Minister for Defence Production Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj briefed the committee on efforts to regulate cosmetic products and address public health concerns linked to unsafe and substandard products. He said an effective legal framework was necessary for consumer safety and better regulatory oversight.
Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi cautioned that the legislation must be carefully examined before enactment, warning that inadequate or impractical provisions could create serious difficulties in implementation. He called for a balanced law that protects consumers while supporting the growth and competitiveness of the domestic industry.
The meeting was attended by Senators Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, Husna Bano and Dr Afnan Ullah Khan, the mover Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, both federal ministers and senior officials of the science and technology ministry.
Board composition debated
The committee also discussed the proposed composition of the Board under Section 4 of the bill, including representation of stakeholders and government organisations. The Board comprises eight members, and Senator Mandviwalla proposed adding two more: one Senator and one representative of importers, to broaden stakeholder representation.
Members examined provisions on overlapping requirements under Section 10, the formulation of rules, and safeguards against possible misuse of regulatory powers. They stressed that the law should provide clarity on implementation and set an effective mechanism for regulating the sector, with an appropriate timeframe for framing rules and facilitating registration.
A long road for cosmetics regulation
The bill’s history explains the committee’s caution. A Pakistan General Cosmetics Regulatory Authority was established under the 2023 Act, but the federal cabinet approved its winding up in January 2025. The 2026 bill is meant to build a stronger replacement framework.
In September, the same committee had approved the bill with two amendments after being told that substandard fairness creams were linked to cancer cases and that mercury had been found in cosmetic products. The House then referred it back on October 14 with Mandviwalla’s amendments, leading to Tuesday’s reconsideration.
The stakes are significant for consumers. Counterfeit cosmetics sold under established brand names can contain harmful substances, and Pakistan currently lacks effective controls over the sector. For the industry, clear rules could also open export opportunities that the absence of standards has blocked.
What happens next
The committee decided the Ministry of Law and Justice would be invited for further deliberations on the proposed amendments at its next meeting. Only after that scrutiny will the bill move forward again.
Source: The Express Tribune
FAQs
What is the Pakistan General Cosmetics Bill, 2026?
It is proposed legislation to regulate the manufacture, import, export, sale and quality of cosmetics in Pakistan, replacing the wound-up 2023 authority with a stronger regulatory framework.
Why did the Senate panel seek further scrutiny?
To address counterfeit products, strengthen consumer protection, prevent misuse of regulatory powers, and ensure the bill addresses importer and industry concerns before enactment.
What did the industry representatives say?
They said the sector had operated for about 15 years but faced persistent challenges from counterfeit products marketed under established brand names, requiring effective regulation.
What happens next?
The Ministry of Law and Justice will be invited to examine the proposed amendments at the committee’s next meeting before the bill proceeds further.
