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Fri, Jun 12 2026
Raju Karn
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has issued a fresh compliance advisory for manufacturers and importers of hair colour cosmetic products in India. The advisory emphasizes strict compliance with applicable Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications, Cosmetics Rules, 2020, and product labeling requirements.
The move is part of CDSCO's continued efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight in the cosmetics sector and ensure that products available in the Indian market meet quality, safety, and labeling standards. The regulator has also instructed manufacturers and importers to promptly report any changes related to product labels, composition, or quality specifications to the appropriate licensing authority.
This latest development is important for cosmetic manufacturers, importers, brand owners, distributors, and businesses involved in hair colour products across India.
The Cosmetics Division of CDSCO has directed all manufacturers and importers of hair colour cosmetics to ensure compliance with the applicable standards and regulatory requirements governing these products.
According to the advisory, businesses must promptly report any changes relating to:
Such changes must be reported to the Central Licensing Authority or State Licensing Authority, as applicable, under the provisions of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
The advisory was issued by Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Drugs Controller General (India) and Central Licensing Authority.
Hair colour products are widely used by consumers and contain various colouring and dyeing ingredients. Since these products come into direct contact with the skin and scalp, maintaining quality and safety standards is essential.
CDSCO has highlighted the importance of ensuring that hair colour cosmetics:
▪ Meet prescribed quality standards
▪ Use permitted ingredients only
▪ Follow applicable safety requirements
▪ Carry proper labeling information
▪ Comply with Cosmetics Rules, 2020
The advisory aims to improve consumer safety and prevent the circulation of non-compliant cosmetic products in the market.
According to CDSCO, hair colour cosmetic products are products intended to alter, enhance, restore, or change the colour of hair through the use of colouring and dyeing ingredients.
Examples include:
• Permanent hair colours
• Semi-permanent hair colours
• Hair dyes
• Hair colouring creams
• Hair colouring gels
• Hair colouring powders
All such products are expected to comply with applicable regulatory requirements before being manufactured or imported into India.
CDSCO has specifically referred to the BIS standards that apply to hair colour cosmetic products.
This standard provides the list of colourants that are classified as:
GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe)
Manufacturers must ensure that ingredients used in hair colour cosmetics comply with the permitted provisions of this standard.
This standard provides details regarding:
GNRAS (Generally Not Recognized as Safe) ingredients
Restricted ingredients
Ingredients subject to specific conditions
Manufacturers and importers should verify that restricted substances are used only within permitted limits.
IS 8481 contains additional requirements applicable to hair dye products and forms an important part of the regulatory framework governing hair colour cosmetics in India.
CDSCO has reminded manufacturers and importers that labeling requirements prescribed under the applicable laws must be followed carefully.
Hair colour cosmetic products should carry all mandatory information required under:
➝ Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
➝ Cosmetics Rules, 2020
➝ Applicable BIS Standards
Proper labeling helps consumers use products safely and provides important product information.
The regulator has emphasized that manufacturers must comply with requirements relating to:
Only approved and permitted ingredients should be used in formulations.
Restricted ingredients must comply with prescribed limits and conditions.
Labels should clearly disclose ingredients as required under applicable regulations.
Consumers should be provided with clear instructions for product use.
Mandatory caution and warning statements should be displayed wherever required.
Hair colour products requiring patch testing should carry appropriate instructions.
One of the most important aspects of the advisory is the requirement to report changes promptly.
Manufacturers and importers must inform the licensing authority whenever there are changes in:
Any revision to packaging or labeling content.
Changes in ingredients or formulation.
Changes affecting quality standards or product specifications.
Failure to report such changes may result in regulatory action.
CDSCO has specifically referred to certain provisions under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
This rule relates to obligations concerning changes and reporting requirements applicable to registered cosmetic products.
This provision requires manufacturers and importers to maintain compliance and report specified changes to the licensing authority.
The regulator has also highlighted the requirement for prior approval when there is a change in the name or address of a registration holder or overseas manufacturer after registration has been granted.
Applications for such amendments must be submitted through the designated online system within the prescribed time period.
CDSCO has recently taken enforcement actions in the cosmetics sector.
In January 2026, the regulator cancelled an import registration certificate of a firm after finding that the company did not exist at the address mentioned in its registration documents.
The action was taken following a complaint regarding imported hair colour cosmetic products.
During verification, authorities found that the registered firm was not operating from the declared address. The regulator observed that no amendment application had been submitted regarding the change in address.
As a result, the registration certificate was cancelled.
The latest advisory is part of a broader regulatory effort by CDSCO to improve compliance in the cosmetics industry.
Recent actions indicate increased scrutiny in areas such as:
➢ Product labeling
➢ Registration documentation
➢ Import compliance
➢ Manufacturing standards
➢ Consumer safety
➢ Ingredient declarations
The regulator has also encouraged the public to report violations observed in the cosmetics sector to Central or State Regulatory Authorities.
Businesses involved in hair colour cosmetics should review their compliance systems immediately.
✔ Verify compliance with IS 4707 Part 1
✔ Verify compliance with IS 4707 Part 2
✔ Review compliance with IS 8481
✔ Check ingredient declarations
✔ Review warning statements and labels
✔ Verify patch test instructions
✔ Maintain updated product specifications
✔ Report any changes promptly to the licensing authority
✔ Maintain proper documentation and records
✔ Conduct internal compliance reviews
Taking proactive steps can help businesses avoid regulatory issues and maintain smooth operations.
✔ CDSCO has issued a compliance advisory for hair colour cosmetics.
✔ Manufacturers and importers must comply with applicable BIS standards.
✔ Product labels must meet prescribed requirements.
✔ Changes in labels, composition, or quality specifications must be reported.
✔ Compliance with IS 4707 Part 1, IS 4707 Part 2, and IS 8481 is important.
✔ CDSCO is increasing monitoring of cosmetic products in India.
✔ Regulatory action may be taken against non-compliant businesses.
The latest CDSCO advisory reinforces the importance of regulatory compliance for hair colour cosmetic products in India. Manufacturers and importers must ensure that their products meet the applicable BIS standards, labeling requirements, and Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
The regulator has clearly stated that changes relating to labels, product composition, and quality specifications must be reported promptly to the licensing authority. With CDSCO increasing its enforcement activities and monitoring mechanisms, businesses should review their compliance processes and maintain proper documentation to avoid regulatory action.
For companies involved in the manufacture or import of hair colour cosmetics, this advisory serves as an important reminder that product safety, transparency, and regulatory compliance remain key priorities for the Indian cosmetics industry.
PSR Compliance assists cosmetic manufacturers and importers with CDSCO compliance, labeling requirements, BIS standards, documentation, and regulatory approvals.
✔ CDSCO Compliance Support✔ Cosmetics Registration Assistance✔ Label & Ingredient Review✔ Regulatory Documentation Support
📞 8796104190📧 support@psrcompliance.com
Hair colour cosmetics in India must comply with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Cosmetics Rules, 2020. They must also meet BIS standards such as IS 4707 (Part 1 & 2) and IS 8481, which regulate safe colorants, permissible ingredients, and limits for heavy metals. Compliance with CDSCO registration is mandatory for all manufacturers and importers.
Yes, any change in product formulation, ingredients, labeling, or packaging must be reported to CDSCO before the product is marketed. The updated product must comply with safety standards, and labels must not include misleading claims or unapproved modifications.
CDSCO registration is mandatory for all cosmetic imports under the SUGAM Portal system. In addition, certain hair colour products may also require BIS certification, depending on applicable Quality Control Orders (QCOs). Both CDSCO and BIS compliance may apply simultaneously.
Hair colour cosmetics must follow strict labeling rules under CDSCO regulations. The label must include:
Labels must be in English or Hindi and should not contain misleading claims.
Non-compliance with CDSCO regulations can lead to serious penalties, including:
Strict compliance is essential to avoid import disruption and regulatory penalties.
Yes, importers and manufacturers are required to immediately notify CDSCO about any changes in formulation, ingredients, labeling, or product specifications. Failure to report changes may lead to regulatory action or cancellation of approval.
Hair colour cosmetics are regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, enforced by CDSCO. These laws ensure product safety, ingredient control, labeling transparency, and import compliance in India.
All cosmetic import registrations, including hair colour products, are done through the CDSCO SUGAM online portal, which manages licensing, approvals, and compliance submissions for imported cosmetics in India.
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