The Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone has introduced new legal regulations affecting the importation of cosmetics containing whitening ingredient, hydroquinone.

Due to cancer concerns linked to the ingredient, the Pharmacy Board has issued a legal mandate that all products entering the country should contain no more than 2 percent hydroquinone content. The new guidelines outline that importers of cosmetic products must register their products with the Pharmacy Board and that all ingredients must be clearly indicated on labels.

A spokesperson for the Pharmacy Board commented, “All concerned are hereby reminded that excessive use of hydroquinone compound has the potential to increase the risk of being affected by cancer.

“The Board hereby informs the general public and importers of cosmetic products that stringent measures to regulate the product are currently being implemented in order to ensure that the right products are being distributed to the general public.”