Cosmetics are regulated by the Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BoMRA) under the Medicines and Related Substances (MRS) Regulations 2019 which were promulgated under the MRS Act 2013.

Currently, cosmetics do not need to be registered but do need to be listed and need to comply with other requirements as per the final Guideline for the Regulation of Cosmetics.

Cosmetics not listed with BoMRA by 31 March 2026 are likely to be subject to additional requirements.

Definition of cosmetics: (a) any substance or mixture of substances manufactured, sold or represented for use by rubbing, pouring, spraying, or applying by any other means to the human body, for the purpose of cleansing, beautifying or altering the appearance; or (b) any article intended for use as a component of a cosmetic;”

Cosmetics are defined on two aspects, the mode of application and the purpose. The mode of application implies and limits them to topical applications and the oral cavity. Therefore, cosmetics are not ingested; injected; fed intravenously or inhaled. They are also defined as substances; mixtures; or components of cosmetic products. This clearly separates cosmetics as products, and makes a distinction between cosmetic-based procedures and cosmetics. For example, an injectable can be used for cosmetic procedures, however the injectable itself will not be a cosmetic.

The final guideline can be downloaded below.

Please ensure you are using the latest version by visiting the BoMRA website.