The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has taken goods worth nearly Rs. 1.5 million into its custody following 108 raids targeting imported cosmetics and footwear across Sri Lanka.
The special enforcement and market investigation programme was conducted on August 18 and 19, with 84 business premises found unable to produce proper receipts, bills or invoices to establish how the goods had been obtained, the CAA said.
The inspections covered imported skin-lightening creams, facial and body cosmetics, perfumes, hair-care products, sports shoes and other imported footwear.
According to the CAA, officers detected instances where businesses did not possess bills or invoices, suppliers could not be identified, or the manner in which the products entered the retail supply chain could not be established.
Goods with an estimated market value of nearly Rs. 1.5 million were taken into the custody of CAA officers, while legal action is being initiated against the relevant traders.
Further investigations have also been ordered to trace suppliers, distributors and other parties connected to imported goods whose sources could not be established.
The CAA said approximately 785 raids relating to creams and liquid products have been conducted so far in 2026, with legal proceedings initiated against relevant businesses.
Under CAA Direction No. 83, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, warehouse operators and traders are required to maintain documents establishing how goods in their possession were obtained.
The CAA said the requirement is aimed at ensuring product traceability, protecting consumers and maintaining fair competition for businesses operating legally.
Special raids and market investigations targeting imported cosmetics, footwear and other selected products will continue island-wide, the authority said. (Newswire)
