Green dot or red? What the new labeling means for your everyday toiletries, as the Center changes the rules of legal metrology

Consumers will now be able to tell whether everyday personal care products such as soaps, shampoos and toothpastes are vegetarian or non-vegetarian based on mandatory packaging symbols.

According to a report in India Today, the central government has amended the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 to introduce a labeling requirement for these products. The amendment entered into force on Monday.

Green dot for vegetarians, red or brown for non-vegetarians

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 placed at the top of the main display panel of the package so that consumers can identify the nature of the product at a glance when purchasing.

The notification specifically applies to soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, cosmetics and toiletries.

What does mandatory marking mean?

Mandatory labeling means that consumers will be able to check the vegetarian or non-vegetarian status of these personal care products directly from their packaging before purchasing.

Color-coded symbols are intended to provide a clear visual indication without consumers having to research detailed ingredient information.

With the amendment now in force, manufacturers and sellers of covered products will have to comply with the prescribed packaging labeling requirements, an India Today report said.

What are the rules of legal metrology?

The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules 2011 set out several information requirements that must appear on packaged goods sold to consumers.

The rules require packaging to bear statements containing the name and address of the manufacturer or packer, details of the importer for imported products, common or generic name of the commodity, net quantity, month and year of manufacture, packaging or import, and retail selling price.

Packages must also include the name, address, telephone number and e-mail address, if available, of the person or office to whom consumers can contact in the event of complaints.

Why are these rules important to consumers?

The rules are intended to ensure that consumers receive clear information about a packaged product before purchasing it.

The rules also prescribe how quantity and price information should be displayed. For example, the retail selling price is defined as the maximum price at which a packaged commodity can be sold to a consumer and is required to include taxes.

The rules also provide for inspections and testing of packaging. Officials can inspect packaging at manufacturers’ or packers’ premises and take samples to check compliance, including whether the actual quantity matches the quantity declared on the packaging.