New Labelling Rules for Toothpaste, Shampoo and Soaps: What the 2026 Amendment Really Says

The Centre has amended the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, through the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Fourth Amendment Rules, 2026, notified on September 21. The amendment places vegetarian/non-vegetarian origin marking for soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, other cosmetics and toiletries under Rule 6(4A)(d), while omitting the earlier Rule 6(8). The change has also revived attention to a regulatory dispute that dates back to 2014.

Key Points on New Labelling Rules for Toothpaste, Shampoo and Soaps

• The amendment was notified on September 21, 2026.
• It applies to soap, shampoo, toothpaste, other cosmetics and toiletries.
• Green dot: products of vegetarian origin.
• Red or brown dot: products of non-vegetarian origin.
• The dot is specified for the top of the principal display panel.
• The provision has been inserted as Rule 6(4A)(d).
• The earlier Rule 6(8), introduced in 2014, has been omitted.
• The 2026 change took effect from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.

What the September 21, 2026 Amendment Says

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, through the Department of Consumer Affairs, notified the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Fourth Amendment Rules, 2026.

The notification, issued as G.S.R. 826(E), amends Rule 6 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. It inserts clause 6(4A)(d) covering soap, shampoo, toothpaste, other cosmetics and toiletries. It specifies a red or brown dot for products of non-vegetarian origin and a green dot for products of vegetarian origin, at the top of the principal display panel.

The notification also states that the Fourth Amendment Rules, 2026 come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. Since the notification was published on September 21, the amendment took effect from that date.

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Veg and Non-Veg Symbols at a Glance

The requirement covers packaged soap, shampoo, toothpaste, other cosmetics and toiletries.

Is This Actually a New Requirement?

The September 2026 amendment has been widely reported as a new labelling rule, but the underlying green and red/brown dot provision is not new.

A similar requirement was introduced in 2014 under Rule 6(8) of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. The provision required packages containing soaps, shampoos, toothpastes and other cosmetics and toiletries to carry the relevant dot at the top of the principal display panel.

The 2026 amendment changes the legal structure. The government has inserted the provision under Rule 6(4A)(d) and simultaneously omitted the earlier Rule 6(8).

This distinction is important because Rule 6(4A) begins by stating that nothing in the rule shall preclude a manufacturer, packer or importer from declaring specified information on the package in addition to the mandatory declarations. A September 25 legal-compliance analysis therefore interpreted the 2026 placement as making the vegetarian/non-vegetarian marking optional rather than retaining it as a standalone mandatory declaration.

Some news reports, however, have described the amendment as a mandatory labelling requirement. The difference stems from the relocation of the provision from Rule 6(8) to Rule 6(4A)(d), making the exact legal context important when describing the rule.

Why Did the Labelling Issue Reach the Delhi High Court?

The labelling requirement has been the subject of legal proceedings for several years.

In Reckitt Benckiser (India) Limited v. Union of India, the Delhi High Court considered a challenge to the 2014 amendment. The petition questioned the authority of the Legal Metrology Department to prescribe the vegetarian/non-vegetarian marking for cosmetics and toiletries, with arguments concerning the regulatory role of the Drug Controller General of India under the Drugs and Cosmetics framework.

On February 7, 2026, the Delhi High Court noted a conflict between the Legal Metrology Rules, which treated the dots as mandatory, and the position of the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), which had recommended that the marking could be voluntary.

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The Court noted that there was no clarity or established system for certifying vegetarian and non-vegetarian ingredients in the country. It directed the Legal Metrology authorities and the Drug Controller General of India to hold a joint consultation, including stakeholder views, and arrive at a comprehensive position.

What Other Information Must Cosmetics and Toiletries Carry?

The vegetarian/non-vegetarian marking is only one part of the information regulated on packaged cosmetics and toiletries.

Under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020 and Legal Metrology rules, packaging requirements include information such as the official name of the cosmetic or toiletry and the name and complete address of the manufacturing premises. Imported products must carry the name and address of the importer or authorised agent.

The packaging information also includes:

• Quantity by weight or volume in metric units
• Batch number
• Manufacturing licence number, preceded by “M”
• Manufacturing date
• Use-before or expiry date
• Maximum retail price, inclusive of applicable taxes
• Directions for safe use
• Applicable warnings or precautions
• Consumer-contact details for complaints

Ingredient declarations are also regulated. Ingredients present at more than 1 per cent are listed in descending order of weight or volume, while ingredients at 1 per cent or less may follow in any order under the heading “INGREDIENTS.” Very small packs below the specified size thresholds are exempt from the full ingredient list under the rules described in the reports.

What Do the Legal Metrology Rules Mean for Consumers?

The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 prescribe information that must be provided on packaged goods, including manufacturer or packer details, importer information for imported products, the common or generic name of the commodity, net quantity, manufacturing or pre-packing/import details and retail sale price.The rules also provide for inspections and testing. Officials can examine packages at manufacturers’ or packers’ premises and draw samples to check compliance, including whether the actual quantity corresponds with the quantity declared on the package.

For consumers, the latest amendment therefore needs to be understood alongside the existing packaging framework rather than as an entirely new system of cosmetic labelling.

Spiritual Values and Compassion for All

Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj teaches that all living beings are children of the Supreme God and that human beings should not take another living being’s life for food. His teachings encourage people of all religions to adopt compassion, good qualities and a vegetarian way of life. 

He explains that actions involving harm to living beings can carry spiritual consequences. His Satsangs also encourage people to understand complete spiritual Knowledge, Tatvagyan and the purpose of human life.

For more information visit website: www.jagatgururampalji.org
 

FAQs on New Labelling Rules for Toothpaste, Shampoo and Soaps

1. What are the new labelling rules for toothpaste and shampoo?

The 2026 amendment places vegetarian/non-vegetarian origin marking under Rule 6(4A)(d) for specified personal-care products.

2. What does a green dot mean on these products?

A green dot indicates that the specified product is of vegetarian origin under the amended provision.

3. What does a red or brown dot mean?

A red or brown dot indicates that the specified product is of non-vegetarian origin.

4. Which products are covered?

The notification specifically covers soap, shampoo, toothpaste, other cosmetics and toiletries.

5. Is the rule completely new?

No. A similar provision existed under Rule 6(8) from 2014; the 2026 amendment moves it to Rule 6(4A)(d) and omits Rule 6(8).