Errant cosmetics manufacturers beware

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) will file cases against 48 leading cosmetics traders for not obtaining prior approval from the CAA to advertise their products.

"We have made it compulsory that all advertisements related to cosmetics get prior approval. Since our main task is to ensure the safety, efficacy and efficiency of all consumer products including cosmetics, we need to ensure that these advertisements don't mislead the public and have adverse effects on those using them. Hence they have to get our approval first.

However, 48 companies have failed to do so. Eleven cases have already been heard at the Magistrate's Courts at Avissawella and Maligawatte and they have been fined Rs. 11,500 each," a spokesman for the CAA told the Sunday Observer.

He said the products advertised were mostly skin lotions and creams to make the skin fair and beautiful. "All these products have been registered with us. But they need to get prior permission from us and the Cosmetics Devices and Drugs Authority (CDDA) to advertise these products for public use", he said.