One voice for Pakistan's general cosmetics importers.
The proposed All Pakistan General Cosmetics Importers Association will represent the businesses that bring colour cosmetics, skin care, hair care, fragrances and personal-care products into Pakistan. Its sponsors are registering prospective members from every province so that a licence can be applied for under the Trade Organizations Act, 2013.
Importers have worked together for more than fifteen years. Now they are seeking formal recognition.
Importers have worked together for years as the All Pakistan Color Cosmetics & Toiletries Import Association. In October 2026 they agreed to seek a licence under a new name, the All Pakistan General Cosmetics Importers Association, which matches the term used in the Pakistan General Cosmetics Bill, 2026 and covers the whole of general cosmetics.
A national regulator for cosmetics is being created. Importers bring in a large share of the cosmetics sold in Pakistan, and they need a recognised body to speak for them when the rules are written, when products are registered and when problems arise at the ports.
A licence under the Trade Organizations Act would give importers a formal place in that conversation. It starts with prospective members.
To represent lawful importers of general cosmetics with one voice, so that regulation protects consumers without shutting out genuine products.
A market where every cosmetic on the shelf is safe, genuine and properly registered, and lawful importers trade with confidence.
What the association will do for its members
A voice in regulation
Members' views go into submissions to Parliament, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the new cosmetics regulatory authority.
Product registration
Practical guidance on registering products, brand-owner authorisations and documents once the new law's rules come into force.
Customs and valuation
Collective representation on valuation rulings, duties and clearance problems at Karachi and other ports.
Protecting genuine brands
Action against counterfeit and smuggled cosmetics that put consumers at risk and undercut lawful importers.
Standards and testing
Liaison with PSQCA and PCSIR on testing, conformity assessment and Pakistan Standards for cosmetics.
Updates and network
Timely alerts on SROs, duties and labelling rules, and regular meetings with fellow importers.
Any business that imports general cosmetics into Pakistan
- Sole proprietors, partnerships and companies
- Distributors who import in their own name
- A valid National Tax Number (NTN) and Sales Tax Registration Number (STRN)
- Based anywhere in Pakistan, large or small
| HS heading | Products |
|---|---|
| 3303 | Perfumes and toilet waters |
| 3304 | Make-up, lip, eye, nail and skin-care preparations |
| 3305 | Hair-care preparations, including colour and shampoo |
| 3306 | Oral and dental hygiene preparations |
| 3307 | Shaving, deodorant and bath preparations |
| 3401 | Toilet soaps and skin-washing products |
Pharmaceutical cosmetic products regulated by DRAP fall outside the general cosmetics definition in the Bill.
How the association becomes a licensed trade organization
The steps below follow the Trade Organizations Act and Rules, 2013. This page will be updated as each one is completed.
-
1In progress
Register prospective members
At least 100 importers, drawn from across Pakistan, give their business details, NTN and their representative's CNIC, and agree to be listed.
TO Rules 2013 · rules 3(2)(d) and 4(1) -
2Next
Publish the proposal
The sponsors publish notice of the proposed association in two national dailies, one English and one Urdu.
TO Rules 2013 · rule 9 -
3To come
Apply for the licence
The application goes to the Directorate General of Trade Organizations, Ministry of Commerce, with the prospective members' list, draft memorandum and articles of association, a plan of activities and a financial feasibility statement certified by a chartered accountant.
TO Act 2013 · s. 3 · TO Rules 2013 · rule 4, Schedule A -
4To come
Incorporate with SECP
Within 30 days of the licence, the association applies to SECP to be incorporated as a not-for-profit company. Prospective members are then enrolled as members.
TO Rules 2013 · rule 6 · Companies Act 2017, s. 42 -
5To come
Hold the first elections
Members elect the Executive Committee under the election rules for trade organizations.
TO Rules 2013 · election rules
The Pakistan General Cosmetics Bill, 2026
The Bill was introduced in the Senate on 25 August 2026 and creates a national regulator for cosmetics. The importers' association has made written submissions and appeared before the Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology, asking for:
- A workable timetable for registering products already on the market
- Protection against counterfeit products at registration and at the port
- Fair safeguards in sealing, detention and enforcement
- A voice for importers on the new Authority
Sponsors
The Executive Committee will be elected by the members once the association is licensed and incorporated.
Latest news
Prospective member registration opens
Importers across Pakistan can now register online. At least 100 are needed before the licence application is filed.
Before the Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology
Importers' representatives appeared before the Committee on the Pakistan General Cosmetics Bill, 2026, and agreed to seek a licence for the association under its new name.
Cosmetics Bill introduced in the Senate
The Pakistan General Cosmetics Bill, 2026 proposes a national regulatory authority for cosmetics and registration of the products placed on the market.
Before you register
Is the association already licensed?
No. It is a proposed association. Its sponsors are registering prospective members so that a licence can be applied for under the Trade Organizations Act, 2013. Until a licence is granted it is not a licensed trade organization, does not enrol members and does not collect fees. This page will be updated at each step.
Is registering as a prospective member lawful?
Yes. The Trade Organizations Rules, 2013 require a licence application to include a list of prospective members with each firm's business details, NTN, sales tax number and a copy of its representative's CNIC (rule 4(1)). Collecting those details, with each firm's consent, is the first step the law sets out.
Is there a fee?
No. Nothing is charged to register. Membership fees will be set later by the members under the association's constitution, after it is licensed and incorporated.
Why do you need a CNIC copy?
The application to the Directorate General of Trade Organizations must include a copy of the CNIC of each prospective member's authorised representative. The copy is stored privately and used only for that application.
What happens to the information I give?
It is used, with your consent, to list your firm as a prospective member in the licence application to the Government, and to contact you about it. It is not published, sold or shared for any other purpose.
I buy from importers rather than importing myself. Can I register?
Registration is for businesses that import directly. If you import in your own name, even occasionally, you are welcome to register.
Do I need to be a member of a chamber of commerce?
No. Chamber membership is not required.
What happens after I register?
The sponsors confirm your details by phone or email. Before the licence application is filed, each prospective member will be asked to sign the members' list.