Medicated cosmetics in Pakistan: DRAP rules

Creams, lotions and other cosmetics that contain an active ingredient for a skin or hair problem.

What counts

Medicated cosmetics are cosmetic products that contain an active ingredient for a problem such as acne, dandruff, pigmentation or fungal infection. Ordinary cosmetics without a medical purpose are not covered by this notification.

What S.R.O. 1688 changed

The DRAP Act lists medicated cosmetics among health and OTC products and gives DRAP a Division of Medical Devices and Medicated Cosmetics for their assessment, enlistment or registration. S.R.O. 1688(I)/2026 now notifies them as therapeutic goods.

Who regulates it

DRAP Division of Medical Devices and Medicated Cosmetics (DRAP Act, section 4). We could not find separate published rules for medicated cosmetics, so ask DRAP which forms and fees apply.

What companies should do

• Check that your firm (manufacturer or importer) is enlisted with DRAP and that each product is enlisted. Under the 2014 Enlistment Rules a manufacturer applies on Form 1, an importer on Form 2, and products on Form 3 (general or nutritional claims), Form 4 (disease-reduction or therapeutic claims) or Form 5 (imported products).
• Do not run any advertisement, including on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok or WhatsApp, until DRAP's Advertisement Board has given written approval for that advertisement. One application is needed for each advertisement and each product, and an approval is valid for two years.
• Remove claims that a product treats or cures a disease unless DRAP has approved that claim. Advertisements may not compare with other products, call a product "the most effective", or encourage self-medication.
• Watch DRAP for a notice on timelines and fees. DRAP revised its regulatory fees for therapeutic goods on 1 October 2026 (S.R.O. 1660(I)/2026).

Pharmacies, hospital buyers and the public

• Pharmacies and distributors: buy from firms that can show their DRAP enlistment, and keep invoices that name the firm.
• Hospital and public-sector buyers: ask bidders for the DRAP enlistment (or registration) of the firm and the product in the tender.
• Public: a supplement or medicated product is not a replacement for medicine your doctor prescribed. Be careful with products that claim to cure diseases such as diabetes or cancer; DRAP does not allow such advertising.

Other health and OTC product types

ProbioticsDisinfectantsNutritional productsFood supplementsSpecialised baby milk for medical conditionsMedicated soapsMedicated shampoos

Sources

1. DRAP: Notification of Health and OTC Products as Therapeutic Goods, S.R.O. 1688(I)/2026, 6 October 2026
2. Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan Act, 2012 (as amended till February 2022), sections 2(xv), 2(xxxvi) and 4
3. Therapeutic Goods (Advertisement) Rules, 2025 (27 January 2025)

Prepared by the MedInfoBase team of pharmacists, physicians and academics. Last checked 14 October 2026. This page explains public DRAP documents in plain English; it is not legal advice. Always check DRAP's official notices before acting.