Nowadays, consumers face a variety of unknown opportunities on the market due to the vast selection of products and services and thus enable them to adapt to an individual lifestyle based on their own preferences. CERC is doing comparative testing of different consumer products- foods, pharmaceutical products and electrical appliances. Comparative testing means the subjecting of different products offered for the same purpose, the results of which tests provide consumers with unbiased information on the characteristics of these products. This helps the consumers to compare the products and take purchase decisions diligently.
Food Products
Is Your Wheat Flour – Okay or Not Okay?
Electrical Appliances
Hand blenders: useful kitchen gadget
Compact Fluorescent Lamp ( CFL )
Cosmetic Products
Health Hazards in Cosmetic Products
Cosmetics range from every day hygiene products such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, and toothpaste to luxury beauty items including perfumes and cosmetic products. These products are regulated by Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 and Rules 1945 in India to ensure consumer safety.
The Indian consumer has the ‘right to be protected against marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to life and property’ (Consumer Protection Act 1986). Regardless of the manufacturing processes or the channels of distribution, cosmetic products placed on the Indian market must be safe.
Ahmedabad based Consumer Education and Research Centre (CERC) conducted an online survey to understand consumer concerns and problems faced with respectto safety and level of awareness among consumers about the health hazards within the Indian context. CERC also tested cosmetics- kajal, lipsticks, nail polish and hair colour for heavy metals (Arsenic and Lead). Click for detailed report.
Safety of Consumer Products in India
Consumer Education and Research Centre (CERC) prepared a report on regulation and enforcement practices regarding safety of consumer products in India. It was approved by GIZ (GIZ is an international enterprise owned by the German Federal Government) and has been appreciated by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, New Delhi.
Find the report on ‘A Study of the Regulations and Enforcement Practices Regarding Safety of Consumer Products in India.’
