BIS Standards for Cosmetics in India
BIS standards decide what may go into a cosmetic and, for some products, how the finished product must perform. Here is how the pieces fit, which standard covers which product, and what to ask your manufacturer.
Three layers of rules
A cosmetic made in India sits under three layers. First, the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, which set licensing, labelling and general ingredient rules. Second, the IS 4707 series from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which lists what may and may not be used. Third, product standards for particular products such as skin creams, hair oils and toothpaste. This guide is general information. Read the current text on the BIS site and the CDSCO site before you rely on any figure.
The IS 4707 series
IS 4707 is the core ingredient standard. According to a regulatory summary by ChemLinked, it is divided into parts like this:
| Part | What it covers | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| IS 4707 Part 1 | Permitted colourants | Check any colour in your product against the list; the manufacturer should confirm |
| IS 4707 Part 2 | Substances that are prohibited or restricted | A formula cannot use a prohibited substance, and restricted ones carry limits |
| IS 4707 Part 3 | Permitted preservatives, with conditions of use | Preservative choice and level must fit the list |
| IS 4707 Part 4 | Permitted UV filters, with conditions of use | Matters for sunscreens and day creams with SPF |
The same summary gives examples of limits. For instance, it reports a limit for salicylic acid that differs for rinse-off hair products and for other products, and a ceiling on fluoride in toothpaste, with the concentration printed on the pack. Treat such figures as pointers for questions to your manufacturer, not as design values. See our acne spot gel and toothpaste pages for the way these limits shape formulas.
Product standards for specific cosmetics
BIS publishes product standards that set requirements for particular cosmetics. The BIS page that lists standards referred to in the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules includes the following, among others. The page we reviewed was last updated in 2018 and refers to the older Rules, so check the current list under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
| Product | Standard | Our page |
|---|---|---|
| Skin creams | IS 6608 | Face cream |
| Hair oils | IS 7123 | Hair oil |
| Hair creams | IS 7679 | Hair cream |
| Shampoo, synthetic-detergent based | IS 7884 | Hair care |
| Toothpaste | IS 6356 | Toothpaste |
| Shaving creams | IS 9740 | Shaving cream |
| After shave lotion | IS 9255 | Aftershave |
| Face packs | IS 15153 | Face pack |
| Cream bleach | IS 15608 | Bleach cream |
| Cold wax and hair remover | IS 15152 | Hair removal wax |
| Lip salve | IS 10284 | Lip balm |
Many products, such as serums, sunscreens and body mists, do not have their own product standard on that list. They still must follow the Rules and the IS 4707 series.
Standards, BIS certification and the ISI mark
These are three separate things, and people mix them up.
If you are not sure which of these applies to your product, put the question in writing to your manufacturer and to the authority.
What to ask your manufacturer
Which standard covers my product?
If none is named, which parts of IS 4707 are used to check the formula?
Show me the ingredient check
A written confirmation that colours, preservatives and UV filters are on the permitted lists, and that restricted ingredients are within limits.
Which tests are done?
For example, heavy metals and microbial limits where the standard requires them.
Who signs it off?
The person responsible at the manufacturer.
What changes if the standard changes?
New or amended standards take effect after a transition period, so ask how the manufacturer tracks them.
Our guides on label requirements, cosmetic claims and stability testing cover related checks.
BIS Standards for Cosmetics in India: common questions
What is IS 4707?
It is the BIS standard series covering permitted colourants, prohibited and restricted substances, preservatives and UV filters for cosmetics.
Are BIS standards mandatory for cosmetics?
For product categories listed under the Rules, yes. Other products must still follow the Rules and the ingredient standards. Check the current schedule.
Do I need an ISI mark?
Only where the law or a Quality Control Order requires BIS certification for your product. Ask your manufacturer.
Is there a standard for sunscreen?
IS 4707 Part 4 covers permitted UV filters. For SPF testing methods, see our SPF and PA guide.
Where can I read the standards?
On the BIS website. Some are free to view and others are sold.
Who checks that my formula follows them?
Your manufacturer should confirm in writing. You remain responsible as the brand.
Need your formula checked?
Tell us the product and we confirm what applies.