The demand for cosmetic products has
been increasing at a very unprecedented rate in recent times. Which has made
the import and export of cosmetics in India as one of the most prevailing
businesses.
The market is piled up with a variety
of cosmetics like skincare products, lip care products, eye care products and
other sections. But along with the increasing use of cosmetics in India,
concerns are also rising about the presence of various harmful ingredients that
might exist in those cosmetics as a part of their formulation. Especially when
the consumers have become more aware and like to stay informed about the
products they use.
This is the major reason that is
compelling the government to take some crucial initiatives to make sure that
all the products are of good quality and they are free from all sorts of
harmful ingredients. Factors like packaging and labelling are among the basic
parts of cosmetic
regulatory compliance.
Labelling of the cosmetic product
refers to the action of marking a package with a label that contains all
information about the product as well as the manufacturer. It has become so
vital that it is used as one of the important marketing tools for attracting
consumers.
In the year 2001, the Government of
India made it mandatory for all kinds of packaged cosmetics being sold/imported
in the country to abide by the cosmetics labelling requirements. Every packaged
cosmetic must have a comprehensive label displaying:
●
The name and the address of the manufacturer or
the importer.
●
The generic name of the commodity.
●
Overall quantity depending on the standard units
of the measures as well as weight.
●
The batch number and the registration certificate
number.
●
Manufacturing date as well as the ‘best
use before’
date.
●
List of ingredients
Along with all this data, the label
of the cosmetics must have all warnings for hazard, directions for using the
product safely. People who will not abide by the cosmetic regulatory compliance have to face legal actions as well
as difficulties in marketing cosmetic products in the Indian market.
The
importance of Claims
Claims are considered as a very
important tool for marketing the cosmetic product. It helps in differentiating
your product from another product. You cannot claim just anything you want and
are required to prove every claim that appears on your pack through several
methods.
Cosmetic claims are mainly utilized
for marketing the final product. It will appear on the label and also on ads,
websites, magazines etc. Claims usually describe the product’s effect, and
assists customers in selecting a product while making it seem more attractive
than its competitors.
Now you must be wondering why you are
required to substantiate a cosmetic claim to the authorities.
Well, because it helps the concerned
authorities in protecting the customers from all kinds of scams as well as
products unsafe for their health. It also allows the brands to prove the
product effect and make sure to promote effective marketing. Now, coming to the
next question. How to substantiate cosmetic claims?
There exist three main ways to
substantiate your claim:
Collect evidence to keep a back up of
your claim by using customer perception tests depending on the parameters that
the customer can either observe or feel. The volunteer sample must be
represented statistically about the target population.
The second method is using the
experimental studies.
The third method is using the
published information like scientific publications or the market data as
supporting additions to the first two initial methods.
It is important to ensure that all
the relevant information about a cosmetic product is displayed on the packaging
since it promotes fair trade practices and keeps the consumer informed and
aware about the product.
Non-compliance with the labelling and
packaging rules defined under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 is a
punishable offence and results in the cancellation of your license.
Comments
Post a Comment
Please do not enter any spam link in the comment box