A cosmetics importer who sold products containing potentially harmful banned chemicals has been prosecuted by Ealing Council.

Mohan Singh Dokal, of MS Distributors, Knowsley Avenue, Southall, pleaded guilty to 12 offences under the Consumer Protection Act at Ealing Magistrates’ Court on Friday 6 July 2012.

Dokal was fined £1,200 and ordered to pay the council’s £1,800 prosecution costs, plus a £15 victim surcharge – a total of £3,015.

This case was the result of a special investigation into the safety of imported hair dyes on sale in Ealing. Other prosecutions are expected as part of the crackdown by trading standards officers.

Laboratory tests revealed the Black Rose henna hair dye imported by Dokal contained barium salt, a heavy metal which is banned from being used in cosmetics in the UK and para-phenylenediamine (known as PPD) which can only be used in restricted circumstances. Both chemicals are absorbed through the skin and can cause skin irritation as well as allergic reactions.

All Black Rose Henna products were seized from any businesses Dokal had supplied and further shipments from India were intercepted to prevent any more of the potentially dangerous dye from reaching consumers.

Councillor Ranjit Dheer, cabinet member for community services and safety, said: "We launched a special investigation because we were concerned about some imported cosmetics."

"This is one of several cases we are expecting to bring to court this year as part of our major crackdown. I hope this sends a strong message to importers and distributors that they will pay the price if they take chances with the health of our residents."