FMCG firms seek new law for beauty items

FAST-MOVING CONSUMER GOODS (FMCG) companies are asking for a separate law to govern beauty and personal care (BPC) products, saying current regulations under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 impede growth.

- VIVEAT SUSAN PINTO

FAST-MOVING CONSUMER GOODS (FMCG) companies are asking for a separate law to govern beauty and personal care (BPC) products, saying current regulations under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 impede growth. At present, the making of soaps, skin care, hair care, oral care and cosmetic products, much like drugs, is regulated under a system of inspection and licensing by state licensing authorities.

Beauty majors such as Hindustan Unilever (HUL), L'Oreal, Procter & Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive, ITC and Marico, under the Indian Beauty and Hygiene Association (IBHA), an apex body, have pointed to high compliance levels, the need for approval for small changes and the focus on pre-market licensing versus post-market notification and surveillance for the need to separate cosmetics and drugs regulation.