Indian Standards for Cosmetics Labels

Not many of us actually know what labels need to communicate and statutory guidelines that impact label communication.

To start with, lets take a look at the Indian Drug and Cosmetic Act 1940

Subject to other provisions of the rules, a cosmetic shall carry:

1. On both the inner and outer labels -
The name of the cosmetic.
The name of the manufacturer and complete address of the premises of the manufacturer where the cosmetic has been manufactured.

Provided that if the cosmetic is contained in a very small size container where the address of the manufacturer cannot be given, the name of the manufacturer and his principal place of manufacture shall be given along with pin code.

2. On the outer label – A declaration of the net contents expressed in terms of weight for solids, fluid measure for liquids, weight for semi-solids, combined with numerical count if the content is sub-divided.

Provided that this statement need not appear in case of a package of perfume, toilet water or the like the net content of which does not exceed 60 ml or any package of solid or semi-solid cosmetic the net content of which does not exceed 30 grams.

3. On the inner label, where a hazard exists –
Adequate direction for safe use.
Any warning, caution or special direction required to be observed by the consumer.
A statement of the names and quantities of the ingredients that are hazardous or poisonous.

4. A distinctive batch number, that is to say, the number by reference to which details of manufacture of the particular batch from which the substance in the container is taken are recorded and are available for inspection, the figures representing the batch number being preceded by the letter “B”, provided that this clause shall not apply to any cosmetic containing 10 grams or less if the cosmetic is in solid or semi-solid state, and 25 milliliters or less if the cosmetic is in a liquid state.

5. Manufacturing license number, the number being preceded by the letter ‘M’.

6. Where a package of a cosmetic has only one label, such label shall contain all the information required to be shown on both the inner and the outer labels, under these Rules.

Next Post will cover EU Standards for cosmetics.