Archive · 22 Sep 2026
India Tightens Cosmetic Labels to Reveal Animal-Derived Ingredients
India is changing the labels on soaps, shampoos, toothpastes and other beauty products.
Packages will show whether the product is vegetarian or contains ingredients from animals.
A green symbol means the product does not contain animal-derived ingredients.
Another symbol means it does contain such ingredients.
Ingredients such as glycerin, collagen, keratin and squalane can sometimes come from animals.
However, some of these ingredients can also come from plants or be made synthetically.
Companies must check where their ingredients come from before changing their packages.
Businesses that do not follow the rules could face penalties.
India now requires pre-packed toiletries and cosmetics to display vegetarian or non-vegetarian symbols prominently on their packaging.
A green symbol indicates that a product is vegetarian, while another symbol identifies products containing animal-derived ingredients.
The rules cover products such as soaps, shampoos, toothpastes and cosmetics sold in India.
Manufacturers and importers must review formulations and supply chains, including additives, oils and other components.
Companies that fail to follow Legal Metrology packaging rules may face penalties or regulatory action.
- Who
- Manufacturers, importers, beauty brands, FMCG companies and direct-to-consumer labels in India.
- What
- New packaging requirements will make vegetarian and non-vegetarian symbols mandatory on pre-packed toiletries and cosmetics.
- When
- The rules have been announced and are now applicable to packaging requirements; the article does not specify an implementation date.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- To give consumers clearer information about whether personal-care products contain animal-derived ingredients, supporting dietary, ethical and religious preferences.
- Products covered
- Pre-packed toiletries and cosmetic products, including soaps, shampoos, toothpastes and cosmetics.
- Vegetarian symbol
- A green symbol indicates that a product does not contain animal-derived ingredients.
- Non-vegetarian symbol
- A separate symbol identifies products containing ingredients sourced from animals.
- Required location
- The applicable symbol must appear prominently on the package's principal display panel.
- Ingredients requiring review
- Potentially animal-derived ingredients include glycerin, tallow, collagen, keratin and squalane.
- Affected businesses
- Large FMCG and beauty companies, smaller direct-to-consumer brands, cosmetic manufacturers and importers.
- Enforcement
- Non-compliance with Legal Metrology packaging rules may lead to penalties and action by authorities.