Senate panel seeks scrutiny of Pakistan General Cosmetics Bill, 2026

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology has sought further scrutiny of the Pakistan General Cosmetics Bill, 2026, to address counterfeit cosmetic products, strengthen consumer protection and prevent misuse of regulatory powers, with the Ministry of Law and Justice to be invited to examine proposed amendments before the legislation proceeds further.

The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology met here on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Senator Kamil Ali Agha, to consider the Bill titled “The Pakistan General Cosmetics Bill, 2026,” referred back by the House during its sitting held on October 14, 2026, along with amendments moved by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla for reconsideration and report.

The meeting was attended by Senators, Senator Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, Senator Husna Bano, Senator Dr Afnan Ullah Khan, Mover Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi, Federal Minister for Defence Production Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj, and senior officials from M/o Science and Technology.

During the deliberations, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla highlighted the importance of incorporating appropriate amendments to address the growing issue of counterfeit cosmetic products and strengthen the regulatory framework. He emphasized the need to ensure that the legislation adequately addresses the concerns of importers and relevant industry associations.

Representatives of the concerned association informed the Committee that the sector had been operating for approximately 15 years and continued to face challenges arising from counterfeit products. They explained that several counterfeit products were being marketed under the names of established brands, making effective regulation and enforcement essential for protecting consumers and legitimate businesses.

Federal Minister for Defence Production Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj apprised the Committee of the efforts being made to regulate cosmetic products and address public health concerns associated with unsafe and substandard products. They emphasized that an effective legal framework was necessary to ensure consumer safety and improve regulatory oversight.

The Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi stressed that legislation must be carefully examined before its enactment, cautioning that inadequate or impractical provisions could create serious difficulties in implementation. He underscored the importance of developing a balanced law that protects consumers while supporting the growth and competitiveness of the domestic industry.

The Committee also discussed the proposed composition of the Board under Section 4 of the Bill, including the representation of relevant stakeholders and relevant government organizations. .

The Committee discussed the nomination of the Chairperson of the Board by the Federal Government and further briefed that the Committee discussed the composition of the Board, which comprises eight members. Senator Saleem Mandviwalla proposed the addition of two further members, including one Senator and one representative of importers to ensure broader representation of relevant stakeholders.

The Committee further examined provisions relating to overlapping requirements under Section 10, the formulation of rules, and safeguards against possible misuse of regulatory powers. Members stressed that the legislation should provide clarity regarding implementation and establish an effective mechanism for regulating the sector. The importance of providing an appropriate timeframe for framing rules and facilitating registration under the proposed law was also discussed.

The Committee emphasized the need for comprehensive deliberations to ensure that the proposed legislation establishes a practical, transparent, and effective regulatory framework. It was underscored that the law should discourage counterfeit products, protect consumers from unsafe cosmetics, and support legitimate businesses through clear and enforceable regulatory standards. The committee decided that he Ministry of Law and Justice be invited for further deliberations on the proposed amendments in the next meeting.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026