Indonesian food and drug authorities (BPOM) have announced the seizure of millions of pieces of illegal cosmetics during intensified inspections in May 2026, targeting production facilities, distribution networks, and online platforms. According to official statements, more than 90 per cent of the confiscated products were imported, and 86.8 per cent lacked the required marketing authorisation. The operation uncovered items containing banned substances such as mercury, hydroquinone, and tretinoin, which can cause skin damage, organ toxicity, and birth defects.

In Argentina, the national medicines regulator ANMAT issued a blanket prohibition on the use, sale, and advertising of all cosmetics from four brands—Ushas, Fayankou, Kakaziyan, and Chovemoar—after inspectors found the products in Buenos Aires shops and online listings without sanitary registration. The agency stated the items likely entered the country outside legal import channels and could not guarantee their safety or hygienic manufacturing conditions. The ban remains in force until the brands regularise their status.

The value of the Indonesian haul is subject to conflicting official figures. One BPOM release cited illegal cosmetics sales totalling Rp260 billion (approximately £13 million) throughout 2026, while a separate statement from the same agency detailed a specific enforcement action netting Rp35.8 billion. The discrepancy has not been publicly explained. Meanwhile, the Lebanese Pharmaceutical Importers Association reported a perceived increase in counterfeit and illegally imported medicines in recent months, though it provided no volume estimate and noted the country’s rate remains below global averages.

The regulatory actions underscore the challenge posed by unregistered beauty and health products in markets where e-commerce growth has outpaced oversight. In Indonesia, skincare and beauty items rank as the top-selling category on TikTok Shop, with estimated revenues of Rp35.61 trillion. By contrast, in the United Kingdom, regulated direct-to-consumer platforms are expanding access to prescription-strength retinoids under dermatologist supervision, illustrating a parallel market where safety controls are maintained through mandatory questionnaires and medical review.

Indonesian authorities have recommended closing import access for violators and are coordinating with customs and e-commerce associations to remove thousands of non-compliant online listings. Argentine officials have notified provincial health authorities and consumer protection agencies to enforce the withdrawal. All agencies urged consumers to verify product registrations and report suspicious items. Investigations remain active, and no final toll of affected consumers has been established.