Chronicle Editor
Michelle Moyo, [email protected]
THE Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) will soon introduce a comprehensive regulatory framework for cosmetic products sold within the country.
This move is expected to safeguard consumer health and enhance product quality. The regulations, known as Medicines and Allied Substances Control (Cosmetics) Regulations, seek to address growing concerns over the proliferation of sub-standard, falsified, and potentially harmful cosmetic products in Zimbabwe.
In a statement, MCAZ director general Mr Richard Rukwata indicated several issues requiring stricter oversight, including the use of harmful ingredients, poor product quality, and lack of traceability.
“Under the proposed regulatory framework, we will establish guidelines for defining, registering, labelling, and testing cosmetic products. Manufacturers, importers, and distributors will be required to comply with stringent safety and quality standards, submit detailed product information for evaluation, and adhere to proper labelling and marketing practices.”
He said MCAZ has lined up stakeholder engagement meetings to solicit input from various stakeholders to finalise the draft regulations. The collaborative approach aims to ensure the final framework effectively addresses the needs and concerns of the industry and consumers.
“Our primary goal is to protect the public health and well-being of Zimbabwean consumers in line with the mandate of the Authority and international best practices.
“By regulating the cosmetics sector, the aim is to restore confidence in the market, promote product innovation, and empower people to make informed choices about the products they use on their skin and bodies,” said Mr Rukwata.
Mr Rukwata said the proposed cosmetics regulations are expected to be implemented soon, subject to the necessary legislative and administrative processes.
He urged stakeholders, including manufacturers, importers, retailers, and consumers, to stay informed and engage the Authority during this critical process, adding that members of the public should take precautionary measures in “using some of these cosmetics.”
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