Bangladesh has seen a rapid growth in its cosmetic industry over the last few decades because of rising disposable incomes, changing lifestyle habits, the influence of social networking sites and increased awareness of beauty by people of all ages. At present, cosmetics such as those of top-quality international cosmetic companies as well as inexpensive local brands are indispensable commodities to the lives of millions of people in the country. But with this growth in the industry emerges a worrying phenomenon ---counterfeit cosmetics that have flooded the market.
Counterfeit beauty products are easily accessible across various retail locations, including shopping malls, markets, roadside stalls and online websites. In some cases, they are sold to unsuspecting customers at the same prices as the original ones but in most cases at cheap prices that entice thrifty consumers.
The problem with counterfeiting is not only financial, it also involves public health risk. Counterfeit cosmetics are not made under any regulation and may have hazardous chemicals, poor-quality materials or even poisonous content like toxic mercury, lead or even steroids that can lead to infection and other complications. Beauty products, especially, skin lighteners, foundations, lipsticks and eye makeup pose a great risk due to their direct contact with sensitive parts of the skin. Burns, rashes, changes in skin colour, and infections are among the commonly reported problems associated with fake cosmetics. Mercury in cosmetics can result in damage to the nervous system, kidneys, liver and immune system.
Usually, a consumer becomes aware of the risks of using such cosmetics only after experiencing adverse effects from their use. Besides health implications, counterfeiting of beauty products undermines the reputation of honest manufacturers and traders, making the industry less attractive for investment.
The proliferation of counterfeit cosmetics is symptomatic of wider problems with the country's regulation system. Though there are laws to govern the importation, manufacturing and sale of cosmetics, their implementation is lax. Counterfeit cosmetics smuggled into the country spread through wholesale networks.
The advent of e-commerce and social media-based business has made matters worse. Online traders sell counterfeit cosmetics which feature appealing packaging and deceptive advertising materials. The consumers find it difficult to be sure about the authenticity of these products before making payment as they cannot see them before the delivery.
Another significant reason for the rise in fake cosmetic products is the inadequate knowledge about the safety of cosmetics among people. Many consumers prefer international brands but often choose to pay less and purchase products without checking authenticity, approval information and other pertinent information.
Lax market surveillance also contributes a lot to the proliferation of counterfeit cosmetics. Though regulatory authorities like Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) and Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection sometimes conduct drives against fake products and punish the offenders, they are irregular and have a limited effect as the network always reverts back to its operations immediately after such measures.
The Bangladesh cosmetics industry has the potential to expand in the future but the problem of counterfeit beauty products needs to be addressed in order to prevent their increasingly damaging effects. Stringent regulatory enforcement is needed. Closer monitoring of the markets, especially the larger wholesale markets and those using online platforms has no alternative. Punishments for manufacturing and selling counterfeit cosmetics should be made more severe. Without exemplary punishment, the illegal trade cannot be rooted out. Ensuring consumer safety against counterfeit beauty products is not only a commercial necessity but also a public service the authorities are duty-bound to perform.
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