India requires veg/non-veg origin dots on soap, shampoo and toothpaste packs
Effective 21 September 2026, packaged cosmetics and toiletries must display a green dot for vegetarian-origin ingredients or a red/brown dot for non-vegetarian origin on the principal display panel.
What happened
retail-company · India has mandated green dots for vegetarian-origin and red or brown dots for non-vegetarian-origin cosmetics and toiletries, including soaps,
Key facts
- 21 September 2026
- Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011
- Rule 6
What changed
India has mandated green dots for vegetarian-origin and red or brown dots for non-vegetarian-origin cosmetics and toiletries, including soaps, shampoos and toothpaste. The symbol must appear at the top of the package’s principal display panel.
Why this matters
Audit ingredient-origin classifications now and redesign India pack artwork, supplier documentation and compliance workflows ahead of the 21 September 2026 labeling deadline.
What to watch
- Publication of detailed government guidance defining treatment of synthetic ingredients, mixed-origin inputs, fermentation-derived materials, fragrances, enzymes and processing aids.
- Clarification on depletion or sell-through rules for inventory packed before 21 September 2026.
- Enforcement notices, penalties or inspection activity from Legal Metrology authorities after the effective date.
- Major FMCG brand reformulations, vegetarian-origin sub-brand launches, or front-of-pack marketing campaigns.
- Changes in prices or availability for animal-derived versus plant-derived personal-care inputs.