India’s DCC Reviews Cosmetic Labeling Proposal

India's DCC Reviews Cosmetic Labeling Proposal

Image used for illustrative purposes only

Early this year, , India’s Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) reviewed a proposal to mandate the inclusion of International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) names on cosmetic product labels. The aim was to improve ingredient identification and enhance label transparency.

After thorough deliberation, the DCC concluded that incorporating INCI names on cosmetic labels would not be feasible due to space constraints. Instead, the committee recommended that the cosmetics industry continue to follow the existing Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) standards for ingredient labeling.

Current Cosmetic Labeling Requirements in India

Under the Cosmetics Rules 2020, key product information such as the product name, manufacturer details, expiry date, batch number, and manufacturing license number must be displayed on both inner and outer labels. Additionally, the outer label must declare the net contents of the product. If a cosmetic product poses potential hazards, the inner label must provide clear directions for safe use, warnings, and details about the hazardous ingredients.

For imported cosmetics, the label must include the import registration certificate number. The full ingredient list should be preceded by the word “INGREDIENTS”, with ingredients above 1% concentration listed in descending order of weight or volume, followed by those in lower concentrations.

Furthermore, cosmetics must comply with the labeling requirements specified in the relevant Indian standard set by the BIS, as outlined in the Ninth Schedule of the 2020 Rules. Currently, the Schedule includes standards for 37 cosmetic products, including skin powders, shampoos, hair oils, nail polish, and lipstick.
This decision underscores the DCC’s commitment to maintaining transparency and safety in cosmetic labeling while adhering to practical constraints.

Sheela Iyer

Author : Sheela Iyer 

sheela@cosmetech.co.in

Sheela Iyer is an observer of the Indian Cosmetics & personal care industry and the editor of ‘Cosmetech’. She regularly video interviews industry experts on Cosmetech TV and has her fortnightly podcast ‘Cosmetics Today’

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