New Delhi: Consumers buying everyday products such as soaps, shampoos and toothpaste will now be able to identify whether they are made from vegetarian or non vegetarian ingredients through markings on their packaging.
Under the new rules, products of vegetarian origin will have to carry a green dot, while products of non vegetarian origin will be required to display a red or brown dot. The marking must be placed prominently at the top of the package’s principal display panel.
The change has been introduced through an amendment to the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, bringing cosmetic and toiletry products within the new labelling requirement.
The amended provisions have come into effect following the issuance of a notification by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
The new system is intended to make information about the composition or origin of products more visible at the point of purchase. Consumers will be able to look for the designated symbol on the front portion of the package rather than relying only on detailed ingredient information.
The requirement covers a range of commonly used personal care products, including soaps, shampoos and toothpaste. Manufacturers and packagers will now have to ensure that the appropriate symbol is displayed according to the product’s classification.
The introduction of separate green and red or brown markings gives consumers a quick visual indication while shopping. The change also brings product labelling requirements in line with the government’s broader emphasis on providing clearer information on packaged goods.
With the rules now in force, consumers can expect to see the new markings on applicable products as manufacturers update their packaging to comply with the amended regulations.
