Indian government to tighten cosmetics regulations

The Union health ministry plans to amend Cosmetic Rules 2020 under the Drugs and Cosmetic Act 1940 to strengthen the regulatory mechanism for cosmetics. The move follows the rise of sub-standard products causing face allergies and skin infections. The government will designate a Central Cosmetics Laboratory for testing samples and maintain records of each batch and raw materials for three years after expiry. Imported cosmetic products will bear a code number approved by the State Licensing Authority. These rules are not applicable to soap manufacturers, but the procedure for testing raw materials and records must be maintained by a manufacturer.