In the wake of a series of raids that were conducted in Mumbai, and many other parts of the state, the Maharashtra Government is ready with an action plan. The state government is looking at issuance of fresh licenses to all retailers who are into cosmetic product sales. The new licenses are aimed at discouraging the sale of counterfeit cosmetic and personal care products as found prevalent in different parts of the state, reports The Tribune.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (MhFDA) has submitted a proposal to the state government in this regard. According to the proposal terms, only the retailers that have acquired the correct license should be permitted to sell cosmetic products. The proposal also seeks to impose a ban on the sale of cosmetic products through door-to-door sales persons. The unauthorised sale of cosmetics, thus, is intended to be banned throughout the state of Maharashtra.
The licenses issued to retailers will, in effect, bring cosmetic products under the purview of MhFDA. Following the issuance of such licenses, MhFDA can exercise its powers to confiscate fake cosmetic products and also initiate legal proceedings against the entities caught selling cosmetic products without duly acquiring a license to sell.
In addition to these licensing move, the Maharashtra government is also looking at collaborating with companies involved in production of cosmetic goods to ensure that their products are distributed in tamper-proof packaging.
Currently, the druggists and chemists in Maharashtra are permitted to sell drugs and cosmetic products. The products are also widely sold by general provision stores. Many individuals, especially housewives also are permitted to sell cosmetic products within their informal business networks.
Readers would recall that following a series of raids and thorough investigation MahFDA had busted a counterfeit cosmetics racket and also arrested the kingpin. The culprits were found selling fake products of renowned international labels at dirt-cheap prices in various parts of the country.
The Tribue reports that the fake product sellers were found to be buying semi-finished and discarded cosmetic products, packing them illegally, and selling those products in recycled packaging material.