Pune: A major operation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has led to the seizure and destruction of unlicensed cosmetics allegedly imported from Pakistan and found for sale in a pharmacy in Pimpri-Chinchwad. The products, reportedly manufactured in Lahore by Horik Chemistry Company, did not carry the producer’s name, and the seller lacked valid import-export licenses.
Announcing the action in the legislative session on Monday, Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal confirmed that the seized stock had been destroyed. He added that legal proceedings would be initiated against those involved. The issue was brought up in the state budget session by Khadakwasla MLA Bhimrao Tapkir, who raised concerns over the sale of unlicensed beauty products.
Minister Zirwal also addressed a separate case in Dhayari, where suspicions arose regarding the production license of Ghar Soaps Pvt. Ltd. As a result, a stock worth ₹20.72 lakh was confiscated. The products had been sourced from Karnataka and Telangana.
Although the seller held a general license to sell cosmetics, the specific products from Karnataka and Telangana did not have the required approvals. Consequently, the state authorities imposed restrictions on them. Maharashtra currently has 740 licensed cosmetics traders, including 54 in Pune. The FDA has already notified the respective states about the unauthorized products, and legal cases against the vendors are expected to be filed before the end of the legislative session.
During the assembly session, MLA Tapkir also inquired about the number of cosmetic testing laboratories in Maharashtra, the number of manufacturers, and the regulatory actions taken so far. However, Minister Zirwal was unable to provide detailed responses.
An FDA official stated that investigations are still underway to confirm whether the seized products were indeed from Pakistan. However, the packaging clearly bore the label “Made in Pakistan.” When contacted, FDA Pune Division’s Joint Commissioner (Drugs Department), Girish Hukre, did not respond to inquiries.