Law Updates

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified the Cosmetics (Amendment) Rules, 2025, under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. These rules amend several provisions of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. Key changes include definitions for "use before" and "date of expiry," clarifying that products should be used before the first day of the month mentioned, and expire on the last day. The term "controlling officer" is replaced with "Controlling Authority" throughout the rules.
Rule 7 now designates the Government Analyst under the Act as the analyst for cosmetics. The Central Drugs Laboratory will function as the Central Cosmetics Laboratory for testing, appeals, and other duties. Records for batches and raw materials must be kept for 3 years or 6 months after expiry, except for soap manufacturers, who follow Licensing Authority-approved procedures. Rule 31A introduces cancellation or suspension of licenses for violations, with appeal provisions to the State Government.
Labelling norms for export have been updated to meet destination country laws. "Licence" is replaced by "approval" in several rules, with changes reflecting regulatory clarity and alignment. Courier provisions have been removed. These amendments aim to strengthen compliance, transparency, and governance in the cosmetic manufacturing sector.