Govt negligence hampers cosmetics sector

TIMES Report
2 Min Read
Speakers speaking at the seminar titled “Export Potential of Cosmetics and Skincare Industry: No More Adulterated and Low-Quality Products” on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Photo: Jannatul Ferdaus (TIMES)

Lack of clear product standards is putting the local cosmetics industry in trouble, business leaders said at a seminar in Dhaka on Thursday. 

They accused the government of failing to take responsibility and urged for stricter policies to ensure quality production and export growth.

The seminar, titled “Export Potential of Cosmetics and Skincare Industry: No More Adulterated and Low-Quality Products”, was organised by the Association of Skincare Beauty Products Manufacturers and Exporters of Bangladesh (ASBMEP).

Ali Zaman, president of SME Owners Association of Bangladesh, said the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) often overlooks irregularities, especially when approving foreign products. “Local consumers are being both financially cheated and physically harmed,” he said. “Smaller firms face legal pressure, but large companies often go unchecked.”

Fakir Mohammad Munawar Hossain, director at the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, said they regularly receive complaints about adverse skin reactions caused by low-quality skincare products. “We face challenges in resolving these complaints,” he said. “Cosmetics brought through unofficial channels like luggage parties avoid duty payments and enforcement, causing foreign currency loss.”

He urged local businesses to import and market products through proper channels and to focus on domestic production to help develop the local industry.

Director General of the Directorate, Mohammad Alim Akhter Khan, said, “While the rule of law is followed globally, we fail to implement it. The gap between Bangladesh and European countries continues to widen.” He called for improved product quality and greater investment to expand exports.

Other speakers included former FBCCI Director Ishak Hossain Sweet, actor Mamunur Rashid Emon, IBFB Vice President M S Siddiqui, and dermatologist Dr. Sharmina Haque.

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