Senate panel backs new cosmetics law to curb smuggling, tells PCMA to register

The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology has directed the Pakistan Cosmetics Manufacturers Association (PCMA) to register itself. The direction came while the committee reviewed the Pakistan General Cosmetics Bill 2026. The federal government has agreed in principle to bring in a new law for the cosmetics sector to curb smuggling.

The committee met on Monday under the chairmanship of Senator Kamil Ali Agha. He said no single association can be given exclusive rights. In his view, an association should register with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) once it has 100 members, and the law should not suggest that only one association can be registered.

Law Ministry officials said an association cannot be given a place in the law until it is registered.

Minister for Defence Production Raza Hayat Harraj said the bill would help curb smuggling in the cosmetics sector. He said the cosmetics manufacturers' association would be given representation on the board.

Officials told the committee that the Pakistan Cosmetics Manufacturing Association is registered with all relevant institutions. They added that the proposed law would widen the scope covering manufacturers and importers.

The chairman asked whether any proposals had been prepared for the amendment bill. Senator Afnanullah asked whether the relevant authorities were satisfied with the proposed law. Cosmetics officials replied that they were pleased with it. PCMA officials, however, objected to Sub-clause 4 of Clause 2 of the amendment bill.

Harraj said the name "All Pakistan General Cosmetics Association" had been finalised. He said that if the name was not agreed upon, the association would not be able to register. He added that the government does not want to affect the association's previous identity and legacy.