Skin lightening: UNBS seizes over 2,000kg of dangerous hydroquinone cosmetics in Kampala crackdown

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) successfully concluded a two-day targeted market surveillance operation at Jumbo Arcade in downtown Kampala, resulting in the seizure of over two metric tons of substandard and dangerous cosmetics containing the banned substance, hydroquinone.

The extensive inspection exercise, which followed prior intelligence reports, led to the confiscation of a staggering 2,087.8 kilograms of non-compliant cosmetic and personal care products. Out of the 25 shops inspected in the bustling arcade, 21 were found to be stocking and selling these illegal items.

Hydroquinone, a potent skin-lightening agent, has been prohibited by UNBS under Uganda’s compulsory standards due to its severe health implications.

Research consistently shows that long-term use of hydroquinone can lead to significant skin damage, including ochronosis (a permanent darkening of the skin), thinning of the skin, and an increased risk of various cancers.

UNBS emphasizes that this ban is a critical measure to ensure consumer protection and public health.

“Our commitment to protecting the health and safety of Ugandan consumers is unwavering,” stated a UNBS spokesperson, Sylvia Kirabo. “The presence of such a large quantity of products containing hydroquinone on the market is deeply concerning, and this operation underscores our dedication to enforcing national standards and removing harmful goods from circulation.”

The individuals implicated in the sale of these dangerous products are slated to be arraigned before the Standards and Utilities court and will face charges in accordance with Ugandan law.

The UNBS Act empowers the bureau with several mandates to safeguard consumers:

• Section 3 (1)(f) mandates UNBS to enforce standards to protect the public against harmful and substandard products.
• Section 22 (1) strictly prohibits the use of the UNBS Distinctive Mark without proper certification.
• Section 23 (1) forbids the importation, manufacture, or sale of any products that fail to meet compulsory Uganda standards.

UNBS urges consumers to exercise vigilance when purchasing cosmetic products. Shoppers are advised to only buy certified products that bear the authentic UNBS Quality (Q) Mark.

To report suspicious or unlabelled products, consumers can utilize the UNBS toll-free lines at 0800 133 133 or 233 233, or contact them via WhatsApp on 0713 112 133.

The bureau reiterated its commitment to continuous market surveillance, rigorous enforcement of compulsory standards, and comprehensive public awareness campaigns to ensure that only safe and quality products are available to the Ugandan populace.

For a full list of banned cosmetics containing Hydroquinone, the public is encouraged to visit the UNBS website at www.unbs.go.ug.