PGCRA shut down after two years as Senate moves for fresh cosmetics rules

Islamabad: The Pakistan General Cosmetics Regulatory Authority was established under a 2023 law but the Federal Cabinet approved its winding up in January 2025, as the Senate now pushes a fresh regulatory framework to control cosmetics and protect consumers from unsafe products.

The issue was discussed by the Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology, chaired by Senator Kamil Ali Agha, during its meeting at Parliament House on September 9, 2026.

The committee was briefed on the background and working of the Pakistan General Cosmetics Regulatory Authority, known as PGCRA. Officials told the committee that the authority had been created under the Pakistan General Cosmetics Act, 2023.

However the Federal Cabinet later approved the authority’s winding up in January 2025. A committee formed by the Prime Minister reviewed the matter and submitted its report. During the meeting, Senator Kamil Ali Agha stressed that the growing use of cosmetics, especially unregulated and potentially harmful products, required an effective system to protect the public.

The committee also raised concerns about the informal trade and smuggling of cosmetics. Members discussed products entering Pakistan through different channels without proper regulatory checks.

Another major issue was the division of responsibilities between the proposed cosmetics regulatory system and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan. The committee stressed that clear checks and balances would be needed to make regulation effective.

Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi said smuggling was a separate but related challenge and that effective enforcement of the new law would be essential.

He said cosmetics are widely used by the public, including young girls and women making consumer safety and proper regulation especially important.

The committee was told that a clear mechanism was needed to regulate cosmetic products and stop unsafe products from reaching the market.

After detailed discussion and consideration of proposed changes, the committee approved the Pakistan General Cosmetics Bill, 2026 with two amendments.

The latest move comes after the earlier establishment and subsequent winding up of the PGCRA with the committee now backing a new legal framework for cosmetics regulation in Pakistan.