India May Introduce Mandatory BIS Certification for Cosmetics: What Global Brands Need to Know

News Brief

India is poised to tighten quality control in its rapidly expanding beauty and personal care (BPC) market. According to a recent Economic Times report, the Indian government is considering adding cosmetics to the list of products requiring mandatory certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). If implemented, this move will apply to both domestically manufactured and imported cosmetic products.

Why Is India Pushing for BIS Certification in Cosmetics?

India’s BPC industry has experienced significant growth, expanding from USD 21 billion to USD 34 billion in recent years. With projections indicating continued expansion through 2028, India is now one of the fastest-growing cosmetic markets in the world. However, the influx of substandard, low-cost products, particularly through imports, has raised serious concerns about consumer safety and product quality.

To mitigate these risks and improve market standards, the Indian government aims to implement BIS certification as a mandatory quality assurance measure. This shift is expected to boost consumer confidence and elevate the overall competitiveness of the Indian cosmetics sector.

Key Regulatory Changes for Cosmetic Businesses

Shift in Regulatory Authority

Under the proposed changes, regulatory oversight of cosmetics will transition from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). All products sold in the Indian market would need to comply with Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued by BIS, ensuring adherence to safety and performance benchmarks.

Integration with Existing Rules

Industry stakeholders have raised concerns about potential overlap between the new BIS requirements and the existing Cosmetic Rules, 2020. A clear demarcation between the regulation of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals is essential to avoid regulatory redundancies and delays in product launches.

Strategic Responses from Global Brands

Leading multinational companies such as Hindustan Unilever (HUL) and L’Oréal are already evaluating the implications of the proposed mandate. Industry experts urge policymakers to consider the impact on innovation and time-to-market for new products, advocating for a balanced implementation strategy that maintains regulatory rigor without stifling growth.

Resources for Compliance Planning

To support businesses in adapting to potential regulatory shifts, tools like the Reach24H CHEMCHECK Database offer comprehensive access to BIS standards, including:

• Indian Standards
• Effective dates for mandatory implementation
• Original standard documents
• Translated versions for easier understanding

These resources can help cosmetic companies proactively plan for compliance, avoiding disruptions once the new rules take effect.

Early Preparation Is Key

REACH24H suggests that the BIS certification plan may mirror India’s previous QCO mandates for chemicals, where sudden implementation caused widespread industry adjustments. Recently, the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) granted extensions for certain chemical QCO deadlines, giving businesses additional time to comply. A similar phased approach for cosmetics would help ease the transition.