Pakistan’s beauty and cosmetics industry is set to face stronger regulation after the Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology approved the Pakistan General Cosmetics Bill, 2026, with two amendments.
The legislation aims to establish a stronger regulatory system for the manufacturing, import, sale and distribution of cosmetic products across the country. The move comes amid concerns over the growing availability of unregulated and potentially harmful beauty products in local markets.
The proposed framework will introduce clearer checks on cosmetics and seek to protect consumers from substandard products. Lawmakers also expressed concern about cosmetics entering Pakistan through informal channels and smuggling networks without proper regulatory checks.
The committee discussed the role of the proposed regulatory authority and its relationship with the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). Officials stressed the importance of clearly defining responsibilities to ensure effective monitoring and consumer protection.
During the meeting, lawmakers also raised concerns about potentially harmful ingredients used in some cosmetic products, including fairness creams. The committee was told that stronger standards could help improve the quality of locally manufactured cosmetics and support the industry’s potential for exports.
The Pakistan General Cosmetics Regulatory Authority had previously been established under the 2023 cosmetics law, but the federal cabinet approved its winding up in January 2025. The new bill seeks to provide a more effective regulatory structure.
The approval is expected to bring greater accountability to Pakistan’s rapidly growing beauty industry while giving consumers better protection against unsafe and substandard cosmetic products.
