The Food and Drug Department (FDD) has banned the import, sale, distribution, advertising, and use of five cosmetic brands after finding that they entered the Lao market without proper registration.
In a notice dated 4 September, the FDD named the banned brands as Vaseilina, Care Man, Lvx, Clsorup, and Leimiya & Shampoo.
Authorities said importers and sellers brought these products into Laos and promoted them on social media without notifying the FDD. This means the products did not go through the registration process required for cosmetics sold in the country.
The department said the five brands use packaging, labels, colors, and names that closely resemble legally registered cosmetics and well-known products in the market. Sellers also promoted them with unusually low prices, giveaways, exchanges, and bonus offers to attract buyers.
Because the products were not registered, authorities cannot confirm their origin, quality, or safety.
Halted Imports
The FDD has ordered businesses across Laos to stop importing, selling, distributing, or advertising the five brands. It also urged the public not to buy or use them.
People who find these products being sold are encouraged to report them to the FDD or to food and drug offices at the provincial or capital level so authorities can inspect and take action.
The ban is part of a wider effort to control unregistered goods in Laos.
In July 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce also banned the import and sale of unregistered food products, including beverages, energy drinks, and dietary supplements. These products are required to have Lao-language labels and FDD approval.
The FDD urged consumers to check product labels carefully before buying cosmetics or food products. Consumers should buy only from reliable sellers and choose products with Lao-language labels, clear manufacturer or importer information, and a valid notification number.
The ban comes as Laos continues to tighten controls on unregistered and improperly labeled consumer goods.
Authorities have previously moved against unregistered food products, beverages, energy drinks, and dietary supplements, requiring sellers to provide Lao-language labels, clear importer information, and FDD approval.
