MPs push for stricter penalties on illegal skin-lightening products

Parliamentarians have urged the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to regulate the skin-lightening product market more effectively by imposing stricter penalties on manufacturers and retailers who distribute banned or non-compliant products.

This call comes amid growing concern over the widespread use of skin-lightening creams across Zimbabwe.

Speaking in Parliament recently, legislators emphasised the urgent need for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to implement stringent penalties on manufacturers, importers and retailers involved in the distribution of unregulated skin-lightening products.

Harare East constituency legislator Kevin Mutimbanyoka highlighted the alarming increase in the clandestine sale of hazardous skin-bleaching products, which exploit the vulnerabilities of consumers.

“The Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in collaboration with relevant authorities, must take decisive action to regulate the skin-lightening product market by imposing stricter penalties on manufacturers, importers, and retailers who distribute banned or non-compliant products.

“Simultaneously, they should strengthen the monitoring and enforcement of product safety standards.

“This should include implementing more rigorous licencing requirements, conducting regular inspections of manufacturing and retail outlets, and collaborating with law enforcement to prosecute violators through substantial fines, import bans, and business licence revocations,” he stated.

Mr Mutimbanyoka further asserted that by implementing these robust regulatory measures, the ministry can effectively disrupt the supply chain of dangerous skin-lightening products that continue to endanger public health despite existing prohibitions.

He also lamented the necessity of enacting a comprehensive policy framework to hold manufacturers and advertisers accountable, ensuring they do not mislead consumers or exploit societal insecurities for profit.

Masvingo South legislator Tanatswa Mukomberi echoed these sentiments, emphasising the need for robust regulatory frameworks, public education campaigns, and cultural initiatives that affirm the beauty and dignity of all Zimbabweans, regardless of their skin tone.

Hon Mukomberi also pointed out the significant role social media personalities and influencers play in normalising and promoting skin bleaching in the country due to their large followings.

He stated that they have become powerful vectors for spreading harmful beauty standards and dangerous practices.

“These influencers rarely disclose the horrific health consequences, which include increased cancer risks, hormonal disruptions in women, skin damage, and compromised immune systems,” he warned.

Legislators also recommended that the Ministry of Health and Child Care strengthen the monitoring and enforcement of existing laws concerning the importation, sale, and distribution of harmful skin-lightening products.

They further urged the Government to launch a robust nationwide awareness campaign to educate the public on the health risks associated with these products.

Mr Mutimbanyoka noted that despite regulatory frameworks by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) and advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the illegal sale and use of banned skin-lightening creams remain widespread due to weak enforcement mechanisms and limited public awareness.

In Zimbabwe, statistics indicate that 31.15 percent of women use skin-lightening products, despite strict regulations against harmful ingredients such as hydroquinone, corticosteroids, and mercury commonly found in these creams.-herald