Consumer Safety through Cosmetics Labeling Regulation – What’s New?

A report by TechSci Research states that the Indian cosmetics market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6% in the period from 2019 to 2024.

There is growing demand for cosmetics from people of all walks of life, belonging to either gender. The demand is equally strong and pervasive in Tier 2 and 3 cities.

Naturally, hordes of people are entering into this industry to grab a share of the market but many are ignorant about the ingredients or the possible health risks from spurious products.

The Indian government, envisaging the raging demand for products and acknowledging the presence of manufacturers, importers and distributors of cosmetics; has come up with sweeping changes in regulation.

It is now more consumer – oriented and aimed at empowering them with product safety information prior to use.

If you are a manufacturer or importer of cosmetics and intend to sell in India, here is what you need to know about labeling of cosmetics:

• Imported products must be registered prior to selling in India
• Licensed manufacturers can sell but only with proper labeling and compliant packing
• Comply with guidelines for inner and outer labeling. Apart from name and manufacturer name, the use before or expiry date is mandatory.
• All possible hazards (including directions for safe use) must be printed on the inner label. This includes names of hazardous or poisonous substances and all other ingredients with concentration.
• Manufacturing batch and lot numbers are mandatory for traceability.
• The Ninth and Tenth schedule are most important for specification.
• Specification for arsenic, lead, mercury and heavy metals are critical and must be complied with.
• Use of Hexachlorophene (anti-bacterial) is prohibited.

To know more about the finer aspects labeling, packing and other regulatory compliance as per the Act for cosmetics, feel free to connect with us and we will be delighted to assist.