Consumers buying everyday products such as soaps, shampoos and toothpaste will now be able to identify whether the product is of vegetarian or non-vegetarian origin from its packaging.
The Centre has introduced new labelling requirements for cosmetics and toiletry products, making it mandatory for manufacturers to indicate the nature of the product’s origin through specific symbols.
Green, red and brown dots to identify products
Under the amended rules, products of vegetarian origin will have to carry a green dot, while those of non-vegetarian origin will be identified with a red or brown dot.
The symbol will have to be displayed at the top of the package’s principal display panel, allowing consumers to spot the information while looking at the product.
The change covers commonly used personal care products, including soaps, shampoos and toothpaste.
Rules amended under Legal Metrology framework
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has brought in the change by amending the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.
A notification introducing the amendment has been issued, and the new requirements came into effect from Monday.
The move changes the information consumers will see on the packaging of these products, particularly for those who want to know whether a product is made from vegetarian or non-vegetarian sources.
What consumers will see on shelves
Under the new system, the colour-coded symbols are intended to provide a quick way of identifying the product’s origin.
A green dot will indicate products of vegetarian origin. Products classified as being of non-vegetarian origin will carry either a red or brown dot.
The marking is required to appear on the principal display panel rather than being placed elsewhere on the package.
This means shoppers checking products such as toothpaste, shampoo or soap will now have an additional piece of information available directly on the packaging.
The new requirement comes as part of the Centre’s latest changes to packaging and labelling rules under the Legal Metrology framework.