Soap, Shampoo and Cosmetics to Get Veg or Non Veg Labels Under New Rules
Consumers may soon notice a familiar symbol on products beyond the food aisle. Soaps, shampoos, toothpastes and other cosmetics and toiletries will have to indicate whether they are vegetarian or non-vegetarian through a clearly visible mark on their packaging.
The change follows the central government's amendment to the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules. The notification was issued on September 21, 2026, and changes how this information is covered under the packaging regulations.
The symbol will be displayed at the top of the main display panel of the package. This is intended to make the information easy for consumers to spot while checking a product.
The requirement covers a range of packaged cosmetics and toiletries, including products such as soaps, shampoos and toothpastes.
A similar provision for personal care products was introduced in 2014 under Rule 6(8) of the Legal Metrology Rules. The latest amendment changes the legal placement of this requirement.
The provision has now been incorporated under Rule 6(4A)(d), while the earlier Rule 6(8) has been removed.
Under the applicable packaging and cosmetics regulations, the package must carry the name of the product along with the full name and address of the manufacturer's manufacturing premises.
For imported products, the name and address of the importer or authorised agent must also be provided.
The quantity must be mentioned in metric units, such as weight or volume. The packaging must also carry details including the batch number, manufacturing licence number, manufacturing date and expiry date.
The maximum retail price (MRP), inclusive of applicable taxes, must also be displayed.
With the latest amendment, the familiar green and red/brown dots will therefore become another piece of information consumers can check while buying everyday personal care products.
Disclaimer:Packaging and labelling requirements may change according to government notifications and applicable rules. Consumers should check the product packaging and official regulations for the latest information.
The change follows the central government's amendment to the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules. The notification was issued on September 21, 2026, and changes how this information is covered under the packaging regulations.
Green And Red Dots On Product Packs
Under the amended rules, vegetarian products will carry a green dot, while non-vegetarian products will carry a red or brown dot.The symbol will be displayed at the top of the main display panel of the package. This is intended to make the information easy for consumers to spot while checking a product.
The requirement covers a range of packaged cosmetics and toiletries, including products such as soaps, shampoos and toothpastes.
The Requirement Is Not Entirely New
The move does not introduce the concept of identifying personal care products as vegetarian or non-vegetarian for the first time.A similar provision for personal care products was introduced in 2014 under Rule 6(8) of the Legal Metrology Rules. The latest amendment changes the legal placement of this requirement.
The provision has now been incorporated under Rule 6(4A)(d), while the earlier Rule 6(8) has been removed.
What Else Must Be Mentioned On Cosmetic Packaging?
The vegetarian or non-vegetarian mark is only one part of the information required on packaged cosmetics and toiletries.You may also like
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Under the applicable packaging and cosmetics regulations, the package must carry the name of the product along with the full name and address of the manufacturer's manufacturing premises.
For imported products, the name and address of the importer or authorised agent must also be provided.
MRP, Quantity And Expiry Details
Consumers will also find key information about the product's quantity, pricing and shelf life on the package.The quantity must be mentioned in metric units, such as weight or volume. The packaging must also carry details including the batch number, manufacturing licence number, manufacturing date and expiry date.
The maximum retail price (MRP), inclusive of applicable taxes, must also be displayed.
Safety Instructions Are Also Important
Cosmetic packaging is also required to provide instructions for safe use wherever necessary. Relevant warnings and precautions must be mentioned so consumers can understand how the product should be used safely.With the latest amendment, the familiar green and red/brown dots will therefore become another piece of information consumers can check while buying everyday personal care products.
Disclaimer:Packaging and labelling requirements may change according to government notifications and applicable rules. Consumers should check the product packaging and official regulations for the latest information.
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