If you’re planning to open a cosmetic business in India, it is essential to know the labeling requirements for cosmetics in India if you’re a manufacturer, importer or distributor. Checking labels on cosmetics is specifically mandatory as it helps show that you’re buying genuine products with the correct ingredients. It helps ensure the product’s quality and helps check the shelf life and expiry date of the product.
For all skin lovers, it is necessary to have a skin-friendly product that doesn’t harm their skin in the long run. So basically, all need to check the Labels, and as a manufacturer, importer, and distributor, you should follow the labeling requirements for cosmetics in India. You can check this article to learn all the essential details about cosmetics labeling requirements in India.
Laws Applicable to Labeling Requirements for Cosmetics in India
- Drug & Cosmetic Act, 1940 – This is the fundamental law governing the regulation of drugs in India. This cosmetic act ensures that all products are manufactured or sold with accurate labeling standards.
- Cosmetic Rules, 2020 – These rules apply to the cosmetic industry mapping the packaging, labeling, and regulatory standards marketed in India.
- Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2020 – All these laws apply to the labeling of packaged goods, including packaged goods, Including cosmetics, guaranteeing transparency and correct information for consumers.
General Labeling Requirements for Cosmetics Under The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 And Drugs & Cosmetics Rule
- Name and Address of the Importer/Manufacturer – It is important to mention the name of the product and include the address of the importer/manufacturer on the packaging label of the product.
- Name of the Product – Cosmetic products should be true to their name so, you must mention the product name on the label, as it comes under the general requirements of drugs & cosmetics rules.
- Batch No./Manufacturing Date/Expiry Date – for product traceability it is necessary to provide the batch no./manufacturing date/expiry date on the product label.
- Net Weight and Volume – It is a must to mention the Net Weight and volume as per the legal metrology standards to match the exact quantity of the product.
- Direction for Use – Users should know the correct way to use the product so you should mention the proper direction on the label like how to use the product in simple understandable words.
- Ingredients Used In Product – All ingredients used in cosmetic products should be mentioned on the product in descending order (weight & Concentration) should be mentioned on the product. If it consists of any ingredients that can cause allergy it must be written on the label in clear words.
- Country Origin – All imported cosmetics must secure the country of origin on the label of the product.
- Warning & Cautions – Warnings such as “for external use only” should be written on the product.
- Manufacturing License No. – You have to secure the manufacturing license no. if you’re a manufacturer.
- Certification Marks – Certification marks like “ISO” OR “BIS” should be mentioned on the label if required.
Dos And Don’ts While Making The Declarations Of Labeling Requirements for Cosmetics
| Do’s | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Make Sure that all Needed Details are Correct – The font should be visible to the users. | Don’t mislead consumers – It advised to not advertise any kind of health claims unless there is some evidence of the same. |
| Check if it has all the specific Product Claims – Such as dermatologically tested or hypoallergic, on the label. | Update Labeling – If there are changes in the concentration of the ingredients or any other thing you should mention it on the label by updating the information. |
| Ensure all the Ingredients Used in the Product – make sure all the ingredients are mentioned on the label. | Do Not Interrupt with Key Information – Key information like expiry dates or batch no. of the product must be printed on the product. |
Assistance For Labeling Requirements for Cosmetics
If you are working in the industry as an importer, manufacturer, or distributor you must take assistance from regulatory consultancy or any third-party service providers who are specifically specialised in cosmetic compliance.
Difference in Regulatory Requirements for India vs the World
Ingredients Listing
In India, cosmetic products should be listed on the label of the product. This assists consumers with understanding what’s inside the cosmetic product and check for any fixings that could cause allergic reactions or can be unsafe. In numerous nations all over the planet, this is likewise a requirement, however the particular list of ingredients can vary and depend on the local regulations. For instance, in certain countries, the ingredients are arranged according to the concentration (highest to lowest), while in others, it might simply be a general listing.
Local Language Requirements
The label of cosmetic products should be written in English and furthermore in a regional language (like Hindi or any provincial language). This is to guarantee that everybody, paying the part they belong from, it can comprehend the product details. In different countries, the need of local language marking can differ. For instance, in the EU, labels should be in the official language of the part states where the cosmetic item is sold.
Exemptions For Small Packages
Under the Cosmetic Rules, 2020 in India, little cosmetic packages (those weighing under 5 grams or 5 millilitres) are permitted to skip some labeling requirements like the full fixings list. In any case, certain key information like the item name, manufacturing date, and expiry date should be mentioned.
Understanding Inner Label and Outer Label Of Cosmetics
The inner label is the name that is tracked down on the actual product container (like a cylinder or container), while the outer label refers to the outside item (like the box it comes in). The two labels should meet explicit administrative necessities, yet the outer label frequently incorporates more detailed data, similar to the item’s full ingredients list, manufacturing information, and any cautionary assertions.
Under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, cosmetics that are brought into India must include certain information.
If you are importing cosmetic products into India, they need to keep the cosmetic products Guidelines, 2020, which are essential for the guidelines to guarantee the safety and quality of cosmetic products. The imported cosmetic products should carry every one of the necessary information on the label, like fixings, use directions, manufacturer data, and expiry dates, among others. They should likewise satisfy Indian security guidelines and guidelines.
Exemptions for small-size cosmetic packages under Cosmetics Rules, 2020
As referenced previously, small-sized packages(under 5g or 5ml) are permitted some exclusions from the full labeling requirements. They shouldn’t list each ingredient, for instance, however the fundamental details like the item’s name, the manufacturers name and address, and the expiry date should in any case be plainly stated.
Requirements for Hair Dyes containing dyes, colors and pigments under Cosmetics Rules, 2020
Hair colors that contain any sort of fake colors, tones, or shades are directed strictly in India under the Cosmetic Rules, 2020. These items should have a particular warning on the label, for example, “Contains coal tar color,” since a portion of these shades can cause hypersensitive responses. The item may likewise require extra information, depends on the chemical used in the cosmetic product.
Conclusion
In the end, India has some specific rules under the Cosmetic Rules, 2020 that manage all that from labeling to safety standards for Cosmetic products, particularly for imports. The key distinctions contrasted with the world are the extra requirements for local language labeling and specific guidelines around little bundle exceptions and hair color warnings. manufacturers and importers should know about these guidelines to guarantee their cosmetic products are compliant and safe for the Indian market.
FAQ
Do I Need to Add Expiry Date on All the Cosmetic Products in India?
Yes, you have to add an expiry date on all the cosmetic products in India.
Are There Any Specific Labeling Requirements for Cosmetics In India?
Yes, there are some specific labelling requirements for cosmetics in India like small-sized products have some relaxed labelling rules but should consist of all the key information on the label.
Are Cosmetic Products Required to Meet Any Certification Standards In India?
Yes, cosmetics products should meet certification standards, such as they should have BIS certification if required.
Is It Mandatory to Have the Label in Multiple Languages?
Yes, the product labels should be provided in different languages so that consumers can easily understand the language they know.
