The Risk of Parallel Imports in Skincare
In Sri Lanka’s fast-growing skincare market, finding authentic, high-quality products is more important than ever. But while demand rises, so does the risk of parallel imports, products brought into the country through unofficial or unauthorized channels.
At Orion Inmotion, we are the sole authorized distributor for several NMRA-approved Korean skincare brands. It’s important for retailers and consumers to understand the real risks of parallel imports and why it’s safer to source through verified channels.
What Are Parallel Imports?
Parallel imports (or grey-market goods) are products imported and sold outside of the brand’s official distribution network.
They may be real in origin but are not registered, not traceable, and not legally imported in Sri Lanka.
Why Are Parallel Imports Risky?
2.1 🚫 No NMRA Approval – Products aren’t registered with Sri Lanka’s regulatory body, meaning they don’t meet required safety standards.
2.2 ❌ No Brand Support – If the item is faulty, damaged, or causes a reaction, there is no responsible local distributor to handle it.
2.3 🧪 Poor Quality or Expired – Parallel imports are often close to expiry or stored under poor conditions during transport.
2.4 😔 Loss of Customer Trust – Selling unofficial items can harm your store’s reputation and long-term sales.
2.5 ⚠️ Legal Consequences – Retailing non-NMRA-registered cosmetics is illegal and could result in penalties or product seizure.
How to Avoid the Risks
3.1 Always purchase from NMRA-registered distributors like Orion Inmotion.
3.2 Look for the ORION XO anti-counterfeit QR code on all official stock.
3.3 Be cautious of sellers offering unusually low prices or vague brand claims.
3.4 Contact us anytime to verify if a product or seller is officially authorized.
Why Choose ORION
4.1 Sole Authorized Distributor for SKIN1004, Beauty of Joseon, TIAM, NACIFIC, Haruharu Wonder, AXIS-Y and Purito Seoul in Sri Lanka.
4.2 All products are legally imported, NMRA-approved, and stored locally under proper conditions.
4.3 All packaging meets regulatory labeling standards: INCI list, expiry date, batch number, and origin.
4.4 Fast, 2–3 day delivery with tracking and direct support.
Final Word
Parallel imports might look cheaper upfront, but the long-term risks far outweigh the savings.
If a product does not carry our ORION XO anti-counterfeit QR code, it was not officially distributed by the brand through Orion Inmotion.
To ensure safety, trust, and compliance, always buy from verified sources.