Pakistani cosmetics seized in Hyderabad traced to Mumbai’s Crawford Market

Items seized from Beauty Ladies Emporium, Beauty Queen Shop and S.J. Medical Shop in Habeeb Nagar and Nampally in Hyderabad. | Photo Credit: By Arrangement

Pakistan-made cosmetics that continued to find their way to Hyderabad more than a year after India shut the door on imports from the neighbouring country have now led investigators to Mumbai’s Crawford Market, pointing to a wider supply chain behind the banned products.

The development comes amid a separate public-health concern over some of the skin-whitening products. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) last month specifically warned consumers against two Pakistan-made creams after tests found excessive levels of heavy metals.

Both ‘Goree Beauty Cream’ and ‘Chandni Whitening Cream’, named in the September 8 CDSCO alert, were among the products found during raids on three shops in Hyderabad this week.

An officer involved in the investigation said the cosmetics seized in Hyderabad were allegedly being sourced from Crawford Market in Mumbai. “Investigators are now looking further up the chain to establish how the products entered India and reached wholesale and retail markets despite restrictions on their import.

Imports from Pakistan prohibited since May 2025

India prohibited the direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan on May 2, 2025. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade imposed the restriction through a notification, citing national security and public policy.