The government is taking steps to introduce new regulations where it becomes mandatory to seek prior approval from the authorities for importers and distributors of cosmetics and perfumes to advertise their products.

Prior approval had to be sought from the Cosmetic Devices and Drugs Authority of Sri Lanka (CDDA) to advertise the cosmetic product and perfume and only if it matched the required quality, would permission be granted to advertise the product Director of the CDDA Dr. Hemantha Benaragama told News Now.lk.

If the products are advertised without the approval of the Authority then legal action will be taken against the importer and distributor, Dr. Benaragama warned.

“Already we have filed action against some importers and distributors of cosmetic products as they have failed to register their products with the Authority. We warn the people to be vigilant of fake cosmetic products as these can lead to skin diseases if used,” Dr. Benaragama said.

He added that most of the cosmetic products and perfumes are shipped or airlifted to Colombo in large volumes despite their poor quality and are sold in the market at a cheap price.

Under new regulations to be introduced, the sale of such cosmetics and perfumes could lead to heavy fines being imposed on the trader, Benaragama added.

This matter has also been discussed with the Customs department to prevent such items from entering the country.