Centre notifies new rules for cosmetic products

In a major move to enhance the safety, quality and regulatory oversight of cosmetics sold in India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has amended the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, with sweeping changes that came into effect from July 29 this week.

The amendments aim to improve consumer confidence, streamline labelling standards and align regulatory practices with global norms, sources said.

One of the most notable changes pertains to the clarity in labelling regarding product shelf life.

Manufacturers must now clearly distinguish between the terms "use before" and "expiry date".

According to the amended rules, a "use before" date will refer to the first day of the mentioned month, implying the product should not be used from that day onwards.

In contrast, an "expiry date" will mean the last day of the mentioned month, until which the product is considered safe for use.

"This change addresses consumer confusion about how long products remain usable and enhances transparency in labelling practices," officials said.

They add that in a push for higher quality standards, the rules now also mandate batch-wise testing of both raw materials and finished cosmetic products.

"This ensures that each batch released into the market meets consistent safety and efficacy benchmarks. The change underscores the government’s intent to hold manufacturers accountable for product quality at every stage of production," the notification says.

Failure to adhere to these requirements could result in licence suspension or cancellation, as the licensing authorities have been granted broader powers to take punitive action against non-compliant companies.

The amended rules also emphasise documentation and traceability.

Cosmetic manufacturers are now required to maintain records of every product batch for a minimum of three years, or longer if the product's expiry extends beyond that period.

These records must include details of testing, ingredients, packaging and other relevant data, which regulatory inspectors may review during inspections or audits.

Another significant development is the designation of the Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) as the Central Cosmetics Laboratory, which will now officially handle the testing of cosmetic samples.

This move strengthens the institutional framework for cosmetic regulation in India by providing a centralised, government-backed testing facility capable of enforcing the new standards uniformly across the country.

Furthermore, the government has provided flexibility for companies involved in the export of cosmetics.

"Export-oriented units may manufacture products that comply with the regulatory requirements of the importing country, provided that such deviations are documented and reported to Indian regulators. This clause is expected to boost India’s competitiveness in the global cosmetics market by reducing regulatory friction for exporters," government officials said.

The reforms, Health Ministry sources note, mark a significant shift in the Indian cosmetic regulatory landscape, balancing consumer protection with industry needs.

"By enforcing stricter testing, clearer labelling and improved regulatory infrastructure, the government aims to ensure that cosmetic products in India are not only safe and effective but also produced and marketed with transparency and accountability," said a senior official.