Grey Market Skincare in Sri Lanka – A Serious Consumer Warning

The demand for Korean skincare in Sri Lanka continues to grow. However, along with this positive trend comes a rising threat the grey market.

Grey market skincare products may appear genuine, but they are imported illegally and sold without following Sri Lanka’s strict regulations. This is not only unsafe for consumers but also harmful to the country’s economy.

What is Grey Market Skincare?

Grey market products are items brought into Sri Lanka without NMRA (National Medicines Regulatory Authority) registration or approval.

According to Sri Lankan law, only one authorized importer can register a cosmetic brand with the NMRA and import it legally. This sole distributor then ensures that all products pass safety checks and that wholesale is provided responsibly to other sellers.

If a product is sold outside this framework, it is considered illegal, unregulated, and unsafe.

Risks of Grey Market Products

Purchasing from the grey market carries significant dangers:

• No NMRA or SLSI Checks
  These products bypass both safety and quality testing.

• No Customs Duties Paid
  Grey market sellers avoid import taxes and duties, leading to revenue loss for Sri Lanka and damaging the national economy.

• Expired or Mishandled Stock
  Products are often stored or shipped without proper controls.

• Tampered Packaging
  Missing instructions, altered batch codes, or mislabeling are common.

• No Legal Protection
  If a product causes harm, there is no accountability or consumer protection.

Why NMRA-Approved Imports Matter

Officially imported cosmetics:

• Are registered with the NMRA under strict legal requirements,

• Pass SLSI quality and safety checks,

• Enter the country through transparent, taxed, and duty-paid channels,

• Contribute to Sri Lanka’s economy instead of undermining it.

At ORION XO, as the sole authorized distributor for several leading Korean skincare brands, we ensure every product is NMRA-approved and legally imported.

Every genuine ORION XO product comes with an official QR code that customers can scan after purchase to confirm authenticity.

How Consumers Can Protect Themselves

Before purchasing skincare products in Sri Lanka:

Ask your seller: “Is this NMRA-approved?

Always choose NMRA-approved products, and remember that all Korean skincare distributed by ORION XO comes with an official anti-counterfeit QR code you can scan after purchase to confirm authenticity.

Final Note

Grey market skincare in Sri Lanka is:

❌ Unsafe

❌ Unregulated

❌ Illegal

It undermines public health, causes revenue loss to Sri Lanka, and hurts the local economy.

By choosing NMRA-approved products from ORION XO, you protect your skin, support the country, and ensure every product you use meets the highest safety standards.

Be informed. Be safe. Choose official.