Green for veg, red for non-veg: New labelling rule for soap, shampoo, toothpaste

The Centre has amended packaging rules to require vegetarian and non-vegetarian symbols on soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, cosmetics and toiletries. The move is meant to help consumers identify a product's origin more easily while shopping.

In Short

• Central government amends Legal Metrology Rules, 2011 for labelling
• Green dot for vegetarian, red/brown dot for non-vegetarian products
• Symbol to appear on top of principal display panel for easy identification

From soaps and shampoos to toothpaste and other cosmetics and toiletries, consumers will now be able to identify whether a product is vegetarian or non-vegetarian through a mandatory symbol on its packaging.

The Central Government has amended the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, to specify the labelling requirement for these products.

The amendment came into effect on Monday.

Under the amended rules, products of vegetarian origin will have to carry a green dot, while products of non-vegetarian origin will have to carry a red or brown dot.

The symbol must be displayed at the top of the main display panel of the package, making it easier for consumers to identify the nature of the product while shopping.

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

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