New Delhi: Testing norms for cosmetic products are being tightened as part of government plans to strengthen the regulatory mechanism for cosmetics.
The move follows incidence of sub-standard cosmetic products found to be sold in the market, which have the potential to cause face allergies and skin infection.
In a notification issued on 17 May seen by Mint, the Union health ministry said it plans to amend Cosmetic Rules 2020 under the Drugs and Cosmetic Act 1940 after consultations with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board. The government has given 45 days time for suggestions and feedback from the public.
The government is planning to designate a Central Cosmetics Laboratory to test cosmetics samples, and may also designate any laboratory under its control for testing.
In addition, manufacturers will have to keep details and record of each batch and raw materials. Records are to be maintained for three years after the expiry of each batch. Imported cosmetic products shall bear a code number as approved by the State Licensing Authority. Queries sent to the health ministry spokesperson remained unanswered.
The government has further said that these rules are not applicable to the soap manufacturers, however, the procedure for testing of raw materials and the records have to be maintained by a manufacturer as approved by the Licensing Authority.
“The state Licensing Authority may issue show cause notice or suspend the license, if the authority thinks that the licensee has failed to comply with any of the conditions of the licence or with any provisions of the Act,” said the official.
Furthermore, cosmetics products which are meant for export then the labels on packages or container of cosmetics shall meet the specific requirements of law of the country to which the cosmetics is to be exported and incase the product is imported, the labels on packages or containers shall bear a code number as approved by the State Licensing Authority.
