Green Or Red Dot: New Labelling Rules Put Veg And Non-Veg Marks On Personal-Care Products

Under the applicable Legal Metrology framework, personal-care products of vegetarian origin carry a green dot, while products of non-vegetarian origin carry a red or brown dot.

The amended rules require manufacturers to place the marking on the principal display panel, helping consumers identify the product category more easily.

The requirement applies to packaged soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, cosmetics and other toiletries. The visible symbol gives consumers a quicker way to identify the prescribed product origin instead of relying solely on lengthy ingredient lists.

This can particularly help shoppers who avoid animal-derived ingredients or follow specific dietary and personal-consumption preferences.

The labelling provision is not entirely new. The Department of Consumer Affairs records show that the green-dot and red/brown-dot requirement for soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, cosmetics and toiletries was made mandatory through the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Amendment Rules, 2014.

Therefore, descriptions suggesting that India has introduced such markings in 2026 would not accurately reflect the regulatory history.

The symbols are more familiar to consumers from packaged food, where green and non-vegetarian markings have long helped shoppers identify products. Their presence on bathroom essentials can similarly provide a quick visual reference.

The marking does not replace other mandatory package information. Consumers can still find details such as the manufacturer’s information, quantity, batch particulars, manufacturing details and other applicable declarations.

The requirement places particular information in a prominent position on the package, making it easier to notice while shopping.

For consumers comparing soaps, shampoos, toothpastes or cosmetics, the coloured symbol can therefore serve as an additional reference when deciding which product to purchase.

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