Staff Reporter
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has unveiled plans to introduce a comprehensive regulatory framework for cosmetic products sold within the country.
MCAZ Director General, Mr Richard T Rukwata, in a press statement yesterday said that this comes in response to mounting concerns over the prevalence of sub-standard, falsified, and potentially harmful cosmetics in Zimbabwe.
“The proposed regulations, formally titled Medicines and Allied Substances Control (Cosmetics) Regulations, aim to tackle various issues that have plagued the cosmetics market
Key among these are the use of hazardous ingredients, sub-par product quality, and the lack of traceability of cosmetic products. MCAZ’s proactive approach will involve setting stringent guidelines for the definition, registration, labelling, and testing of cosmetics,” said Mr Rukwata.
This regulatory overhaul is designed to ensure that only safe and high-quality products reach consumers.
“Under the new framework, all manufacturers, importers, and distributors will be mandated to comply with rigorous safety and quality standards. They will also need to submit detailed product information for evaluation and adhere to proper labelling and marketing practices,” Mr Rukwata noted.
Mr Rukwata also said, to refine these draft regulations, MCAZ has scheduled several stakeholder engagement meetings. By soliciting input from a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including industry players and consumers, the Authority aims to create a regulatory framework that is both effective and inclusive.
“The primary goal is to protect public health and the well-being of Zimbabwean consumers, aligning with the mandate of the Authority and international best practices.
“By regulating the cosmetics sector, we aim to restore confidence in the market, promote product innovation, and empower consumers to make informed choices about the products they use on their skin and bodies,” He said.
Prominent industry analyst, Dr Samantha Nyathi, praised the initiative, noting, “This move by MCAZ is long overdue and will significantly enhance the safety and quality of cosmetics in Zimbabwe. It will help weed out unscrupulous players who have been flooding dangerous products on the market.”
Another industry expert, Mr Tawanda Mukusha, echoed these sentiments, saying, “Introducing stringent regulations is a critical step towards ensuring consumer safety and building a trustworthy market. This will not only protect consumers but also encourage manufacturers to uphold high standards.”
Meanwhile, members of the public are advised to exercise caution when using cosmetic products and to stay informed about the safety and quality of the items they purchase.
