“A multi-billion-dollar black market threatens public health and local Industry”

Bangladesh’s cosmetics market is in crisis, with a substantial portion of products in circulation being counterfeit or smuggled, undermining public health and economic stability. Experts estimate that the black market, which controls a large share of the cosmetics sector, has led to a rise in skin diseases, hair loss, and more serious conditions such as organ damage and infertility.

Health experts warned that the unchecked influx of counterfeit products is wreaking havoc on consumer health. The chemicals in these substandard products can be absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream, causing long-term damage to organs like the liver and kidneys. The growing number of health cases linked to these products is alarming.

The problem is exacerbated by the significant amount of foreign cosmetics entering Bangladesh. Many of these products are smuggled into the country through underground networks or concealed in personal baggage, evading customs inspection. Their aggressive advertising and appealing packaging often mislead consumers into believing they are purchasing legitimate, safe products.

Despite the introduction of the Medicines and Cosmetics Act 2023, which aims to regulate the sector and penalize counterfeit products, experts argue that enforcement remains weak.

Ishaqul Hossain Sweet, former director of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, criticized the lack of effective implementation of the law: “The regulations exist, but the enforcement is lacking. Without stronger action and more targeted interventions, counterfeit products will continue to dominate the market and harm consumers.”

The economic impact of the illegal cosmetics trade is also significant, with billions of dollars lost each year to smuggling activities.

Professor Muhammad Mahbub Ali, an economist, pointed out that strengthening local manufacturing could help curb reliance on imported products and retain crucial revenue: “By ramping up local production and reducing our dependency on low-quality imports, Bangladesh can not only protect public health but also recover valuable revenue that is currently lost to the illegal trade.”