India mandates vegetarian or non-vegetarian symbols on personal-care product packaging

The Centre has amended the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, introducing a mandatory symbol on the packaging of soaps, shampoos, toothpastes and other toiletries to indicate whether the product is vegetarian or non-vegetarian. A green dot denotes vegetarian origin, while a red or brown dot signals non-vegetarian content, and the symbol must be placed at the top of the principal display panel. This amendment, issued as the Fourth Amendment Rules, 2026 and published in the Official Gazette, supersedes a 2014 rule that previously covered the same requirement under a different clause.

The revision aligns with a February 2026 Delhi High Court order that asked regulators to provide a clear stance on cosmetic labeling. The broader regulatory framework also mandates detailed ingredient lists, manufacturer information, and pricing details on such products.