Counterfeit cosmetics electric appliances flood Dhaka market

Counterfeit cosmetics in Dhaka markets_11zon

By Shafikul Islam

Dhaka, March 2 – Counterfeit products falsely claiming Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution's (BSTI's) certification are flooding the market, posing severe public health risks.

From food to cosmetics and electrical appliances, unscrupulous traders are deceiving consumers with fake BSTI seals, exploiting regulatory loopholes.

Despite frequent raids by BSTI and law enforcement agencies, the illegal trade continues, especially during peak shopping seasons, raising urgent concerns over consumer safety.

Dhaka has become a hotspot for fake products, causing major economic losses. Cosmetics trader Rafiqul Islam warns that counterfeit goods hurt legitimate businesses and put consumers at risk.

"As Ramadan has begun, ensuring consumer safety is crucial. Counterfeit cosmetics are a persistent challenge," he said.

According to a study by the Anti-Counterfeiting Group, fake products cost the government Tk 3,170 crore in lost tax revenues annually, while legitimate businesses lose Tk 13,680 crore in sales.

Rampant Sale of Fake BSTI-Sealed Products

Investigations reveal widespread sale of counterfeit edible oil, powdered milk, bottled water, soft drinks, cosmetics and electrical goods with fake BSTI labels. Many of these are produced in unauthorised factories in Dhaka, Chattogram and other cities.

Traders attract consumers with low prices and misleading packaging. Some even print counterfeit BSTI stickers and holograms, making it difficult to identify fake products.

Serious Health Risks

Fake BSTI-certified products are not just fraud—they pose real dangers:

Food Contamination: Counterfeit food and beverages may contain harmful chemicals, excessive preservatives, and poor-quality ingredients, causing food poisoning, stomach issues, and long-term health risks.

Fire Hazards: Fake electrical goods, including bulbs, fans, and wires, often fail safety standards. The fire service reports that 38% of last year’s fire incidents were caused by electrical short circuits due to low-quality wiring.

Toxic Cosmetics: Counterfeit beauty products often contain harmful substances like mercury, steroids, and lead, which can cause severe skin reactions, allergies, and long-term health complications.

Futile Crackdown

BSTI and law enforcement agencies “frequently raid” counterfeit factories and markets. Between October and January, 471 mobile court operations led to 428 cases, Tk 2.47 crore in fines and the sealing of 23 factories.

On February 19, a BSTI-led mobile court raided a Dhaka factory producing fake cosmetics branded as Johnson’s, Sunsilk, Dove, Head & Shoulders and Pantene. A large quantity of counterfeit goods was destroyed, but no arrests were made as factory representatives were absent.

BSTI officials urge consumers to stay vigilant. “We are working with law enforcement agencies to shut down illegal businesses. Consumers should verify BSTI numbers and report suspicious products,” a BSTI spokesperson said.

Tougher Laws Needed

Experts stress the need for stricter penalties and public awareness campaigns. Suggested measures include QR codes for easy product verification and stricter legal action against counterfeiters.

“The BSTI certification should guarantee product safety. Unfortunately, many certified products turn out unreliable,” said Moumita Khan, a shopper in Mouchak’s Fortune Market.

Fake license numbers and BSTI seals on products make it hard for consumers to differentiate between genuine and counterfeit items, increasing public health risks.

Nationwide Drive

To curb food adulteration, BSTI has launched a nationwide crackdown on iftar items, fruits, baby food and cosmetics.

Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan said that BSTI’s surveillance is being intensified. In Dhaka, three mobile courts will operate daily in collaboration with law enforcement agencies such as the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

Similar operations will take place across the country with district and upazila administration support, he said.

Despite so-called drives by BSTI, traders continue to produce and distribute counterfeit goods, often using fake BSTI seals to deceive consumers. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has also been investigating BSTI for internal collusion and unauthorised certification.

Consumers express frustration over BSTI’s inability to prevent counterfeit sales, citing corruption and weak enforcement. Some knowingly buy fake goods due to lower prices, while others are misled by deceptive packaging.

Legitimate Importers Suffer Huge Losses

Counterfeit products harm genuine importers and businesses, who struggle to compete against low-cost fake goods.

According to the Bangladesh Importers Association, counterfeit-related losses amount to billions of takas annually.

“We are losing a massive market share to counterfeiters. Consumers buy fake products unknowingly and blame original brands for poor quality,” said Rahman Hossain, a Dhaka-based electronics importer.

BSTI Director General SM Ferdous Alam reassured that their drive would prioritise the quality of iftar items, baby food, fruits and cosmetics to protect consumers from health risks. - UNB