The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has confiscated more than 2,000 kilograms of substandard and dangerous cosmetics from shops in Jumbo Arcade, downtown Kampala, in a targeted market surveillance operation aimed at protecting consumers from harmful beauty products.
The two-day enforcement exercise followed intelligence reports about illegal products on the market and resulted in the seizure of 2,087.8 kilograms of cosmetics containing hydroquinone, a banned ingredient linked to severe health risks.
According to UNBS, hydroquinone, commonly found in skin-lightening creams poses long-term dangers including skin damage and an increased risk of cancer. The chemical was prohibited under Uganda’s compulsory standards to safeguard public health and ensure compliance in the cosmetics industry.
“Hydroquinone has been banned in Uganda because of its harmful effects. Our role is to enforce these standards and protect consumers from exposure to such dangerous substances,” a UNBS enforcement officer said during the operation.
Out of 25 shops inspected, 21 were found selling banned products, and the suspects will be charged in the Standards and Utilities Court in accordance with the UNBS Act.
The Act empowers UNBS to enforce standards to protect the public from harmful and substandard goods. Section 3(1)(f) mandates the Bureau to safeguard consumers, while Section 22(1) and Section 23(1) prohibit unauthorized use of the UNBS Quality Mark and the sale or importation of uncertified products, respectively.
UNBS urged the public to buy only certified cosmetics bearing the UNBS Quality (Q) Mark and to report suspicious or unlabelled products.
The Bureau reiterated its commitment to consumer protection through continuous market surveillance, enforcement of compulsory standards, and public awareness campaigns.
“Our mission is to ensure that every product on the Ugandan market meets safety and quality standards. We shall not relent in the fight against substandard goods,” UNBS stated.
