Pune: Illegal Pakistani Cosmetics Seized in Pimpri-Chinchwad Pharmacy
Pimpri Chinchwad, 17th March 2025: In a significant development, a stash of cosmetics manufactured in Lahore, Pakistan, without any import permits, has been discovered in a pharmacy in Pimpri-Chinchwad. The products lacked the manufacturer’s name and were found without any export-import licenses. The seized stock has been destroyed, and legal action is being initiated against those involved, as announced by Minister for Food and Drugs Administration of Maharashtra, Narhari Zirwal, during the state’s budget session today.
The issue came to light after Khadakwasla MLA Bhimrao Tapkir raised questions about the seized cosmetics during the legislative session. Minister Zirwal also addressed another case involving a cosmetics store in Dhayari, where a stock worth Rs 20.72 Lakh was confiscated due to doubts over its production licenses. The products, sourced from Karnataka and Telangana, were banned as they lacked the necessary permits for sale in those states.
The state has 740 licensed cosmetics vendors, with 54 in Pune. The confiscated products in Pune were from Karnataka and Telangana, and the respective states have been informed about the lack of permits. Cases against the vendors are expected to be filed before the end of the session. However, when questioned about the number of laboratories testing these products and the number of manufacturers, Minister Zirwal was unable to provide detailed information.
An FDA official noted that while the products were labelled “Made in Pakistan,” it is unclear if they were directly imported from there, and an investigation is ongoing. Despite attempts to contact Girish Hukare, Deputy Commissioner (Drugs) of the FDA’s Pune division, no response was received.
