The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology has approved two bills targeting health and safety concerns in Pakistan. One bill proposes strict penalties for manufacturing and importing substandard cosmetics. The second seeks to ban energy drinks in educational institutions.
The committee approved both bills unanimously during a meeting chaired by committee head Kamal Ali Agha.
Bill Proposes Seven-Year Jail Term
The committee discussed the General Cosmetics Bill 2026 in detail during the meeting.
Federal Minister Raja Hayat Harraj said Pakistan currently lacks effective government control over the cosmetics sector.
He warned that mercury used in some beauty creams could contribute to skin cancer. He also linked weak regulation and poor quality standards to Pakistan’s inability to export cosmetics.
According to the minister, the cosmetics industry has generated significant wealth for manufacturers. He identified Chichawatni as a major centre of cosmetics production.
He also said individuals bring cosmetics from abroad in bags and sell them through major retail stores.
Proposed Cosmetics Authority and Import Duty
The proposed legislation would introduce a duty on imported cosmetics.
It also recommends severe penalties for companies involved in producing or importing substandard products. Such violations could result in up to seven years in prison.
The proposed fine could reach Rs10 million.
The bill also calls for establishing an authority to regulate the sector. The authority would work to prevent the production and sale of substandard cosmetics.
Committee Approves Both Bills
Alongside the cosmetics legislation, the committee approved a bill seeking to prohibit energy drinks in educational institutions. Members unanimously approved both proposed laws.
The measures aim to strengthen consumer protection and address potential health concerns linked to poorly regulated cosmetics and energy drinks.
If enacted, the cosmetics legislation would introduce stronger oversight of an industry that currently faces limited regulatory control.
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