The label of cosmetic products is a mode of communication between the manufacturer and the consumer. As all the essential information is displayed on the label, no mistake is acceptable. Thus, to ensure consumer safety, the CDSCO in India has set standards for cosmetic labels to comply with.
CDSCO regulates cosmetic labelling through the Cosmetic Rules 2020. There are also other supplementary regulatory bodies like BIS.
Reading this blog further will provide you with a brief overview of the regulatory requirements of cosmetic labelling in India.
Regulations Governing Cosmetic Labelling in India
The rules that govern labelling of cosmetics in India are as follows:
Cosmetic Rules, 2020
CDSCO’s Cosmetic Rules 2020, Chapter VI, Rule 34. It provides the manner of labelling that manufacturers and importers must follow.
Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011
These prescribe mandatory declarations for pre-packaged commodities. They include the name and address of the manufacturer, packer or importer, country of origin for imported products, common or generic name of the commodity, net quantity, retail sale price and consumer-care details. This is subject to the Rules and their exemptions.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
The Cosmetics Rules, 2020, require cosmetics covered by the Ninth Schedule to comply with the relevant Indian Standards provided by BIS. It covers applicable labelling requirements. The Ninth Schedule covers specified finished cosmetics such as skin creams, shampoos, hair dyes, lipsticks, toilet soaps, lip balms, henna powder, face packs, kajal and other categories.
The labelling rules can get confusing, especially with imports. Talk to our cosmetics regulatory consultant in India and get clear, practical guidance.
Mandatory Labelling Requirements under Cosmetic Rules, 2020
Under Rule 34 of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, cosmetics must carry prescribed information on their inner and outer labels. The following declarations should be addressed according to the requirements applicable to the particular package:
Information Required on Both Inner and Outer Labels
The following information is required on both the inner and outer labels:
- Name of the cosmetic
- Name and complete address of the manufacturer and the premises where the cosmetic was manufactured. Where the product is manufactured outside the manufacturer’s own factory, the actual manufacturer’s details or the country of manufacture must be declared as specified under Rule 34.
- For very small packages, where the complete address cannot be accommodated, the manufacturer’s name and principal place of manufacture with PIN code may be provided, subject to the size limits specified in Rule 34.
- Ingredient declaration: Ingredients present at more than 1% must be listed in descending order of weight or volume at the time they are added, followed by ingredients present at 1% or less, which may be listed in any order. The list must be preceded by the word “INGREDIENTS”.
- Manufacturing licence number, where required under the Rules.
- Batch number or distinctive lot number, subject to the exemptions specified in Rule 34.
- Date of manufacture and use-before/expiry information, as prescribed under the Rules.
- Any other declaration required under the applicable provisions of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, or the relevant Indian Standard under the Ninth Schedule.
Information Required on the Inner Label
The inner label must additionally provide Directions for safe use and Warnings, cautions or special directions that the consumer must observe. Where a hazard exists, there should be names and quantities of hazardous or poisonous ingredients, as specified by the Rules. For cosmetics where a hazard exists, these safety-related declarations are specifically addressed under Rule 34(4).
Information Required on the Outer Label
The outer label must additionally include Net contents expressed in terms of weight, measure or volume, as appropriate. For semi-solid products, the applicable declaration may include weight/measure together with numerical count where the contents are subdivided.
The prescribed exemptions for small packs and certain perfume/toilet-water packages should be applied where the conditions in Rule 34 are met.
Additional Labelling Requirement for Imported Cosmetics
For cosmetics imported for marketing in India, the Import Registration Certificate number must be declared on the unit pack, preceded by “RC”, “RC No” or “Reg. Cert. No”, together with the name and address of the importer.
Cosmetic Claims and Misleading Representations
Under Rule 36 of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, a cosmetic must not purport or claim to convey any idea that is false or misleading to the intended user. Cosmetic labels and other product representations should therefore be consistent with the product’s intended cosmetic use and must not make false or misleading representations.
Also Read: Registration Process for New Cosmetics in India
Legal Metrology Labelling Requirements for Pre-Packaged Cosmetics
For pre-packaged cosmetics covered by the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, the package must also carry the declarations prescribed under the Legal Metrology framework. These can include the following:
- Name and address of the manufacturer, packer or importer
- Country of origin for imported packages
- Common or generic name of the commodity
- Net quantity in the prescribed unit
- MRP inclusive of all taxes
- Consumer-care details
- Other declarations prescribed for the particular package/category
The exact Legal Metrology requirements and exemptions should be assessed. The basis can be the package, product category and current version of the Rules. The Legal Metrology framework has undergone several amendments. So, you should not use older checklists without checking the latest Rules and notifications.
Important: Legal Metrology declarations should not be presented as substitutes for the cosmetic-specific declarations that are required under Rule 34 of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
BIS Requirements for Cosmetics Labelling
BIS requirements should be considered separately because the Cosmetics Rules specifically require cosmetics covered by the Ninth Schedule to comply with the relevant Indian Standards. The Ninth Schedule includes the following, among others:
- Skin powders
- Toothpaste
- Skin creams
- Hair oils
- Shampoos
- Hair creams
- Oxidation hair dyes
- Nail polish
- Lipstick
- Toilet soap
- Lip balm
- Powder hair dye
- Henna powder
- Bathing bars
- Liquid foundation makeup
- Face packs
- Kajal
- Cream bleach
- Baby hair shampoo
The applicable BIS standard may contain product-specific requirements concerning composition, safety, testing and labelling. Therefore, the applicable standard should be checked according to the cosmetic category rather than assuming that one BIS labelling checklist applies to all cosmetics.
For example, CDSCO’s June 10, 2026 circular on hair-colour cosmetics specifically reiterates the need to comply with relevant BIS standards, including IS 4707 (Part 1 and Part 2) and IS 8481, in addition to Rule 34 and Rule 37. It specifically identifies requirements relating to permissible hair-dye ingredients, declaration of ingredients, directions for use, mandatory caution/warning statements and patch-test instructions.
Labelling Requirements for Imported Cosmetics in India
Imported cosmetics in India must comply with the labelling requirements of Rule 34. In addition, the label of an imported cosmetic must bear the Registration Certificate number of the product and the name and address of the Registration Certificate holder for marketing the product in India under the CDSCO cosmetics import registration process.
Where India-specific labelling is required, Rule 34 permits such labelling to be stickered on the unit pack at bonded warehouses in the circumstances specified by the Rule. This is more precise than simply saying that imported cosmetics can be relabelled using stickers.
Special Labelling Requirements for Certain Cosmetics
Certain cosmetics, such as hair dyes containing specific dyes, are subject to special labelling provisions. Check the details here:
Hair Colour and Hair Dye Cosmetics
Hair dyes containing certain ingredients must carry cautionary legends warning users of potential skin irritation.
“Caution—This product contains ingredients which may cause skin irritation in certain cases, and so a preliminary test according to the accompanying directions should first be made. This product should not be used for dyeing the eyelashes or eyebrows; as such a use may cause blindness.”
Each package shall also contain instructions in English and local languages on the following lines for carrying out the test:
“This preparation may cause serious inflammation of the skin in some cases and so a preliminary test should always be carried out to determine whether or not special sensitivity exists. To make the test, cleanse a small area of skin behind the ear or upon the inner surface of the forearm, using either soap and water or alcohol. Apply a small quantity of the hair dye as prepared for use to the area and allow it to dry. After twenty-four hours, wash the area gently with soap and water. If no irritation or inflammation is apparent, it may be assumed that no hypersensitivity to the dye exists. The test should, however, be carried out before each and every application.
This preparation should on no account be used for dyeing eyebrows or eyelashes as severe inflammation of the eye or even blindness may result.”
Toothpaste with Fluoride in it
Special provisions for toothpaste containing fluoride include limiting the fluoride content to not exceed 1000 ppm, with the fluoride content specified in ppm on both the tube and carton packaging. Additionally, the expiry date must be clearly indicated on both the tube and carton packaging.
2025 Amendment to the Cosmetics Rules: Use Before and Date of Expiry
The Cosmetics (Amendment) Rules, 2025, gave a notification, G.S.R. 513(E), on 29 July 2025. It amended the definition of “use before” and “date of expiry” under Rule 3. Now, “Use before” means use before the first day of the month mentioned on the label. “Date of expiry” means that the cosmetic expires on the last day of the month stated on the label.
Conclusion
Compliance with labelling regulations prescribed under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, and the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 is important for manufacturers and importers operating in the Indian cosmetic market. Firms should adhere to these requirements if they want to prove their commitment to consumers. In fact, they can enjoy better trust and confidence from consumers that comes from accurate and informative labelling.
Ready to streamline your compliance process and ensure your cosmetics meet all regulatory standards in India? Contact Artixio today for expert guidance and tailored solutions. Let us help you navigate the complexities of regulatory requirements and labelling guidelines so you can focus on growing your business with confidence. Reach out to us now to get started!
FAQs
Can the label of cosmetics be updated using stickers in India?
Yes. Where imported cosmetics require India-specific labelling, the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, permit the India-specific labelling to be added by sticker on the unit pack at the bonded warehouse.
What punishments are imposed upon non-compliance with cosmetic labelling regulations?
If cosmetics are not in compliance, regulatory enforcement under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, may apply. It depends on the nature of the contravention. But, the regulatory action can include action against the relevant licence or registration and seizure or confiscation of cosmetics in circumstances provided under the law.
Is the manufacturing licence number required on imported cosmetics in India?
The manufacturing licence number is usually required on the inner or outer label under Rule 34(2)(b). However, where the manufacturing licence number is not mandatory for imported cosmetics in the country of origin, the product may be allowed without it. It is subject to compliance with the other import requirements under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
