Company fined £17K after guilty verdict on supplying illegal cosmetics
A cosmetics wholesaler which supplied illegal cosmetics has been prosecuted after a Trading Standards investigation.
In September, Janson Ltd and its director, Riyaz Janmohamed, were sentenced at Bexley Magistrates’ Court following a seizure of illegal cosmetics at Ade’s wholesale supplier in Nathan Way, Thamesmead.
The prosecution was brought by Greenwich council after an investigation found that Janson Ltd had imported some of the cosmetics from the USA and the EU, while others had been purchased within the UK.
None of the products met the essential safety requirement of being labelled with the name and address of a responsible person within the UK or EU.
Mr Janmohamed admitted he was aware of the requirement and had been negligent in not making sure all the products were checked by his staff.
He said there had been staffing problems due to Brexit. Janson has now appointed a full-time member of staff to make sure all products on sale for the UK are legally compliant.
Mr Janmohamed received a fine of £5,000 and had to pay costs of £1,000. In addition the company received fines of £10,000 and costs of £4,000.
The total fines, costs and victim surcharges came to £17,880, which must be paid within two months.
Greenwich councillor Ann-Marie Cousins said she was concerned to learn that a supplier to businesses in the borough failed to comply with safety standards requirements.
She said: “It’s important that all products for sale in our borough meet essential safety requirements, including correct labelling.
“The successful prosecution shows that we will seek prosecution of any company – even those outside of our borough – who do not comply with the regulations that are in place for the safety of our residents.”
A spokesman for Greenwich council said: “Anyone who suspects the sale of illegal or counterfeit cosmetics can report it anonymously online to London Trading Standards or to the national consumer helpline on 0808 2231133.
“Trading Standards are always happy to advise businesses on legal requirements and can be contacted at tradingstandards@
Pictured top: The seized illegal cosmetic goods Janson Ltd imported (Picture: Greenwich council)