Your tube design isn’t complete until it’s compliant. India has specific labelling requirements for cosmetic products, and getting them wrong can mean product seizures, fines, or complete market withdrawal. Here’s every mandatory element.
Mandatory Label Information (BIS IS 6608:2004)
- Product name and description — The common or trade name of the product
- Net quantity/weight — In grams (g) or millilitres (ml), in metric units
- Name and address of manufacturer — Full legal name and registered address
- Country of origin — “Made in India” or the actual country of manufacture
- Batch/lot number — For traceability
- Manufacturing date — Month and year (MM/YYYY)
- Best before/expiry date — Or “use within XX months after opening” with the PAO symbol
- Full ingredient list — In INCI nomenclature, in descending order of concentration
- Directions for use — Application method and frequency
- MRP (Maximum Retail Price) — Inclusive of all taxes, as per Legal Metrology Act
- Consumer care details — Email, phone, or address for complaints
Packaging Symbols You Need
- PAO (Period After Opening): The open jar symbol with “12M” or “6M” indicating shelf life after first use
- Recyclability symbol: Mobius loop with resin identification code (if applicable)
- Green dot: Indicates participation in a waste collection system
- Cruelty-free / Vegan logos: Only if you hold valid certification
Common Compliance Mistakes
- MRP missing: The most common violation. MRP must be printed on the product, not just the outer box.
- Ingredients in trade names instead of INCI: “Vitamin E” should be listed as “Tocopheryl Acetate.”
- Font size too small: Legal text must be legible — minimum 1mm height for mandatory information on small packs.
- Missing manufacturer address: A brand name isn’t enough. You need the full address of the actual manufacturing facility.
Import Products
If you’re importing tubes or finished products, you also need:
- Importer name and address
- Country of origin prominently displayed
- CDSCO registration (for cosmetics sold in India)
A complete compliance checklist is included in the Masterclass PDF materials. Don’t risk non-compliance — it’s the fastest way to get your product pulled from market.