India's drug regulator has cancelled all three import registrations of Korean beauty products importer Skintl Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. after finding multiple compliance violations. According to reports from Mint and DrugsControl Media Services, the order issued by Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi cancelled the company's import registrations and prohibited it from importing and selling cosmetic products across e-commerce platforms and retail stores with immediate effect. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) conducted an investigation on 30 March 2026 at the company's premises in Mahipalpur Extension, New Delhi, following a complaint regarding sale of cosmetic products through various e-commerce platforms and their own retail outlets.
The regulatory action was triggered by findings from an inspection conducted on 30 March 2026 at the company's premises, with the CDSCO issuing a show cause notice on 27 April 2026 and receiving the company's response dated 30 June 2026. As reported by Mint, the investigation revealed statutory defaults spanning labelling errors and physical warehouse operations. The company printed incorrect registration certificate details on product packaging and stocked imported products that did not have valid registration approvals. The CDSCO found that the firm mentioned incorrect registration certificate numbers on product labels, multiple products were found stocked without valid registration certificates, and the company had shifted its warehouse premises without prior intimation or approval from the licensing authority. The joint investigation team reported several other deficiencies and non-compliances in their investigation report dated 09 April 2026.
According to Mint, Skintl imports and distributes popular Korean beauty brands including Beauty of Joseon, Missha, A'Pieu, It's Skin, and Skinfood. The company held three registrations for import of cosmetic products, with one valid till October 24, 2029, another till December 16, 2030, and yet another one till November 17, 2025. The DCGI has asked port offices, zonal divisions, and digital portals to halt customs clearance and sale of affected cosmetic shipments across the country. However, Mint could not independently ascertain which specific brand was under scrutiny or whose import license was cancelled.
The action highlights the importance of compliance in India's rapidly growing beauty market, which is projected to reach ₹20 billion by 2030 according to the India Brand Equity Foundation. As reported by Mint, the organized sector's market share is expected to expand to 44% driven by a 25% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). The Indian Direct Selling Association (IDSA) 2025 Outlook report indicates that cosmetics and personal care products form the second-largest segment within the direct selling sector, contributing 26% to the industry's record-high turnover of ₹23,021 crore. The CDSCO has enhanced surveillance on cosmetic products following heightened vigilance against imports and distribution of unapproved cosmetics in the domestic market.
Industry experts emphasize the critical importance of regulatory compliance in the cosmetics sector. Deepak Tripathi, co-founder and director of Photonence India Pvt. Ltd., stated that proper documentation, transparent warehousing and accurate labelling are essential promises to customers. Dr. Ambika Kumar, dermatologist and cosmetologist at Bengaluru-based SPARSH hospital, noted that such lapses create issues of traceability, product authentication and consumer safety. The expert highlighted the need for companies to maintain complete regulatory compliance related to labelling, warehouses and import processes, while emphasizing that consumers should purchase products from authorized sellers and check labelling details.
