Centre Mandates Veg & Non-Veg Labels for Toiletries and Cosmetics

New Delhi: The Central Government has updated the Legal Metrology Rules to make it easier for consumers to check what goes into their personal care items. Under the new guidelines, manufacturers must now place a clear vegetarian or non-vegetarian symbol on everyday products like soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, and cosmetics.

Products made entirely from plant-based or vegetarian ingredients will display a green dot, while those containing animal-derived ingredients will feature a red or brown dot. These symbols must be placed near the top on the front of the packaging so shoppers can easily spot them. This step is designed to help consumers make informed choices quickly without needing to read through complex chemical ingredient lists.

The government has updated its packaging rules for companies and under these rules the color-coded labeling system beyond food items to everyday personal care products, helping consumers know what ingredients are in a product before buying it. All manufacturers selling these items in India are now required to update their packaging to comply with the new rules.