Consumers will now be able to identify whether everyday personal care products such as soaps and shampoo are vegetarian or non-vegetarian with the Centre’s new labelling rules. The mandate came into effect on Monday under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, to specify the labelling requirement for these products.

The new rule implies that products of vegetarian origin must carry a green dot on their packaging. Products of non-vegetarian origin will have to display a red or brown dot. The symbol shall be placed at the top of the main display panel of the package.

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What does the mandate aim for?

The new mandate is aimed at making it easier for consumers to identify the nature of a product while shopping, according to a report. The rule covers particularly soaps, shampoos, toothpaste and other cosmetics and toiletries.The mandatory marking will therefore apply to a range of commonly used personal-care products, enabling consumers to check the product's vegetarian or non-vegetarian status directly from its packaging before purchasing them.

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The amendment brings these products under a specific packaging disclosure requirement under the Legal Metrology framework. The colour-coded symbols are intended to provide a clear visual indication without requiring consumers to go through detailed ingredient information.

With the changes now in effect, manufacturers and sellers of the covered products will need to follow the prescribed labelling requirements on their packaging, India Today reported.