The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has issued a comprehensive public notice (File No.: COS-1211/2026-eoffice) to reinforce the regulatory boundary governing cosmetic products in India. The directive aims to protect consumer safety by addressing critical market violations, specifically the misuse of cosmetics as injectable treatments and the proliferation of misleading product claims.
In alignment with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, the CDSCO has re-emphasized that a cosmetic is strictly defined as an article intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance. Crucially, the regulatory authority clarified that products supplied in the form of injectable preparations do not fall under the definition of cosmetics.
No cosmetic product is permitted to be administered via injection by consumers, medical professionals, or aesthetic clinics. Cosmetics are strictly limited to topical and external applications. Under current labelling provisions, cosmetic products are strictly prohibited from carrying false, exaggerated, or misleading claims. The CDSCO notes that no person shall alter, obliterate, or deface any original inscription, manufacturing mark, label, or wrapper recorded by the original manufacturer on the product container.
The manufacturing and import of cosmetics must strictly adhere to the safety standards and lists of Generally Not Recognised as Safe (GNRAS) and restricted ingredients published by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).The CDSCO explicitly stated that the use of prohibited ingredients, the formulation of misleading claims, the marketing of cosmetics for medical treatment, and the administration of cosmetics via injection constitute serious violations of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, and will attract strict legal and regulatory action.
To ensure robust market surveillance, the Central Regulatory Authority is actively encouraging the general public, healthcare professionals, and industry stakeholders to report any observed violations or non-compliant products. Reports can be submitted directly to the Regulatory Authority via email at cosmetics@cdsco.nic.in or filed with the respective State Licensing Authorities.
Written by : Pragna Biswas
