Pakistan's Ongoing Violation of Global Mercury Cosmetics Ban Raises Alarm
Synopsis
In a striking revelation, the EcoWaste Coalition has urged Pakistan to confront its ongoing violations of the international ban on mercury-laden cosmetics. With alarming mercury levels found in multiple products, the health risks to women and children are significant. Will action be taken before it's too late?
Key Takeaways
EcoWaste Coalition calls for action against Pakistan's violations of the mercury cosmetics ban.
Alarming mercury levels found in numerous skincare products.
Health risks are significant for women and children.
Urgent enforcement of the Minamata Convention is needed.
Public awareness and government action are critical.
Manila, April 6 (NationPress) - The EcoWaste Coalition, an organization focused on toxic substances, urged the Pakistani government on Monday to take action regarding its noticeable inability to uphold the international ban on cosmetics containing mercury. This call to action coincides with the upcoming World Health Day on Tuesday.
This group, based in the Philippines, has been actively revealing the hazards associated with skin-lightening products containing mercury since 2011, criticizing Pakistan for its ongoing disregard for the worldwide prohibition on such cosmetics.
They highlighted alarming mercury levels, reaching as high as 33,970 parts per million (ppm), found in 18 of 20 newly acquired products labeled as made in Pakistan, including eight that displayed the Pakistan Standards mark.
“The continuous production of these so-called beauty creams in Pakistan, which conceal mercury, is both illegal and intolerable. These highly contaminated items, sold without consequence in the marketplace, pose significant health risks to women and their families, particularly young children,” stated Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of EcoWaste Coalition.
“We stand with over 20 international health and environmental organizations that have previously urged Pakistan to halt the local production and international distribution of these hazardous cosmetics containing mercury. If action is not taken now, when will it be?” she questioned.
According to the coalition, between March 1 and 31 of this year, they acquired 20 products from 14 Pakistani cosmetic manufacturers claiming to lighten skin tones and eliminate signs of aging as part of their observance of National Women’s Month.
Thirteen of these products were sourced from third-party online vendors on two major Philippine e-commerce platforms - Lazada and Shopee - while seven were bought from beauty product stalls in Pasay City.
Five products were labeled as “export quality.”
“Out of the 20 items analyzed with a handheld Olympus Vanta M Series X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) device, 18 exhibited mercury levels up to 33,970 ppm, with 11 exceeding 20,000 ppm. All the 18 items surpassed the 15 ppm limit for mercury-contaminated waste and should be classified as hazardous waste. Additionally, 13 of the mercury-laden products were manufactured in 2025, two in 2024, and three in 2023, significantly beyond the phase-out deadlines of 2020 and 2025,” the coalition reported.
EcoWaste Coalition emphasized that the discovery of these highly contaminated skin-lightening products highlights the urgent need for all parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, including Pakistan, to strictly enforce the prohibition on mercury in cosmetics.
Point of View
I see this situation as a significant failure in public health policy. The continuous production and sale of mercury-laden cosmetics in Pakistan not only violates international agreements but also endangers the health of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. It is imperative for the government to take immediate action to rectify this situation and protect its citizens.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dangers of mercury in cosmetics?
Mercury in cosmetics poses serious health risks, including skin damage, neurological issues, and developmental problems in children.
What is the Minamata Convention on Mercury?
The Minamata Convention on Mercury is an international treaty aimed at protecting human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury.
What actions have been taken against mercury-laden products in Pakistan?
Despite the global ban, there has been insufficient enforcement in Pakistan, leading to the continued production and sale of harmful cosmetics.
How can consumers protect themselves from harmful cosmetics?
Consumers should be cautious, check product labels, and avoid items that do not comply with safety standards.
What should the Pakistani government do about this issue?
The Pakistani government needs to enforce existing laws against mercury in cosmetics and educate the public about the dangers of such products.
