India’s Strict Cosmetic Standards Under Threat by Push for Horizontal Regulations
Dec 05, 2024 01:30 PM IST
In a world where Instagram influencers shape beauty trends and D2C brands dominate the market, India’s cosmetic industry is booming. From the elite to the middle class, everyone wants a piece of the skincare and makeup pie. With this surge in demand comes a flood of new brands eager to make their mark. But as the market grows more crowded, the need to ensure the safety and quality of cosmetics becomes paramount.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has long been the guardian of India’s strict vertical standards for cosmetics. These standards, like IS 2888 for toilet soaps and IS 13498 for bathing bars, are tailored to meet the specific needs of the Indian market. They ensure that products meet safety and performance benchmarks, fostering consumer trust and supporting the growth of homegrown brands.
However, a new threat looms on the horizon. Advocates for horizontal standards are pushing to replace BIS’s vertical regulations with broad, generic guidelines that apply uniformly across all product categories. While horizontal standards may sound progressive, they pose a significant risk to both the industry and consumers.
The Dangers of Horizontal Standards
Horizontal standards lack the specificity needed to guarantee the safety, quality, and performance of individual products. Without clear guidelines tailored to each product category, there is a higher risk of substandard or unsafe products entering the market. This not only jeopardizes consumer safety but also undermines the hard work of Indian manufacturers, especially SMEs and startups.
The Impact on Indian Manufacturers
Vertical standards provide clear, product-specific guidelines that help manufacturers maintain quality and consistency. SMEs and startups, in particular, rely on these standards to compete in the market. If horizontal regulations are implemented, these businesses will struggle to adapt to a new regulatory framework that lacks the detail they need to thrive.
Protecting Consumer Safety
The switch to horizontal standards not only threatens the Indian cosmetic industry but also compromises consumer safety. Vertical standards are crafted with a deep understanding of the risks and requirements of different types of cosmetics. Horizontal standards, on the other hand, offer minimal guidance, increasing the risk of unsafe products reaching consumers.
In conclusion, India must stand firm in upholding its vertical standards for cosmetics. These regulations have been the foundation of a thriving industry and have safeguarded consumer trust for decades. The push for horizontal standards must be met with caution, as it has the potential to undo years of progress and innovation in the Indian cosmetic sector. It is essential that the government prioritizes the well-being of its people over the demands of foreign interests and continues to support a self-reliant and safe cosmetics industry.
This article is written by Dr. Saumya Takiar, an aesthetic physician based in Delhi NCR.