Consumers will now be able to identify whether their soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, cosmetics and toiletries are made from vegetarian or non-vegetarian ingredients by simply checking the packaging. In order to make it easy for the consumers, Centre has amended the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.
Under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Fourth Amendment Rules, 2026, products of vegetarian origin must carry a green dot, while products of non-vegetarian origin must carry a red or brown dot.
It said the symbol must appear at the top of the principal display panel of the package. The requirement applies to soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, other cosmetics and toiletries. The amendment came into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
The labelling requirement had also been the subject of legal proceedings as in February 2026, the Delhi High Court dealt with a challenge to the provision and directed regulatory authorities to arrive at a clear position on the labelling of cosmetics and toiletries.
The rules also talk about the imported goods as it said that the package must carry the name and address of the importer or authorised agent. It must also mention the quantity by weight or volume in metric units, the batch number and manufacturing licence number, preceded by ‘M’, as well as the manufacturing date and use-before or expiry date, with the month and year.
The package must also display the maximum retail price (MRP), inclusive of all taxes, along with directions for safe use and any applicable warnings or precautions.
This is an issue that Times Now Digital’s “E-Comms Hiding Health Info” campaign has been highlighting and reporting. Whether it is consumer complaints, what health experts and legal experts believe or the measures the FSSAI has taken so far. The campaign has highlighted how India’s quick commerce and e-commerce boom cannot undermine consumers’ right to information and how consumer awareness and transparency is critical going forward.
Veg Or Non-Veg? Check Your Soap, Shampoo, Toothpaste Pack As Centre Rolls Out New Rules
