NEW DELHI: Cosmetic products will soon have to comply with stringent regulatory norms to ensure safety and efficacy.Companies launching new cosmetics will be required to submit safety data to the regulator for seeking approval. Cosmetics will also have to comply with packaging standards prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and cannot use animals for testing, according to the draft rules.The drug regulator has notified draft cosmetics rules laying down regulations for testing, manufacturing and packaging of cosmetics. This proposed regulation also covers imported cosmetics.At present, cosmetics are covered under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act but there were no separate regulations for cosmetics, allowing such products to often circumvent testing and other regulatory norms as many of the rules meant specifically for pharmaceuticals do not apply on cosmetics.The proposed rules for cosmetics aim to address this loophole and make manufacturers and importers more accountable for what they sell. This also assumes significance as the cosmetics market is growing rapidly in the country.“Consumption is growing rapidly and therefore, it is important to ensure that products sold in the Indian market are of standard quality,” an official told TOI.While the draft rules have provisions for inspection of manufacturing and testing facilities, sampling of products, and confiscation in case of violations, it also lists methods and criteria to be followed for testing and packaging.For instance, the proposed norms prohibit testing of any cosmetics on animals. It even prohibits import of any cosmetics tested on animals after October, 2014.Manufacturers will also have to keep records of product batches and raw material and retain them for at least three years, the draft rules said.The proposed regulation also prohibits cosmetics manufacturers from making false or misleading claims. Besides, all cosmetics sold in India will be required to follow labelling norms prescribed by BIS.The health ministry has called for public comments on the draft rules within next 45 days, after which it will be considered for final notification. Once the final rules are notified by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), any violation will be treated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.