Green For Veg, Red For Non-Veg: Centre Brings New Packaging Rules For Soaps, Shampoos, Toothpastes

Last Updated:September 22, 2026, 12:19 IST

The Central Government has amended the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, to introduce the change, which came into effect on Monday

The Central Government has amended the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, to introduce the change (Image for representation)

The Centre has introduced new packaging rules for a range of products, including toiletries and cosmetics, making it mandatory for manufacturers to display a symbol to allow consumers to identify whether the product is vegetarian or non-vegetarian.

The Central Government has amended the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, to introduce the change, which came into effect on Monday.

Under the fresh rules, products of vegetarian origin will be required to carry a green dot, while commodities of non-vegetarian origin will carry a red or brown dot, according to multiple media reports.

As per rules, manufacturers will require to place the mark at the top of the package’s principal display panel. This implies that while purchasing a product, consumers will be able to identify whether it is of vegetarian or non-vegetarian origin.

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What new packaging rules have been introduced for soaps, shampoos, and toothpastes?

The Centre has amended the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, to make it mandatory for manufacturers of toiletries and cosmetics to display symbols identifying whether products are vegetarian or non-vegetarian. Under these rules, vegetarian products require a green dot, while non-vegetarian commodities require a red or brown dot placed at the top of the package’s principal display panel.

When did the new packaging rules for toiletries and cosmetics come into effect?

The new packaging regulations requiring vegetarian and non-vegetarian identification symbols on personal care products came into effect on Monday.

Where must manufacturers display the new vegetarian and non-vegetarian symbols on packaging?

Manufacturers are required to place the green dot for vegetarian items or the red/brown dot for non-vegetarian items at the top of the package’s principal display panel.

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Meemansa ShekhawatSub-editor

A Journalism graduate, Meemansa Shekhawat is a sub-editor at News18. Driven by a keen interest in news, she is a passionate writer with specialisation in national and international affairs. You can re…Read More

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