Understanding India’s First Dedicated Sunscreen Standard: New Requirements for Claims and Labeling

In India, sunscreens are regulated under the general cosmetics regime administered by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in accordance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 (the "1940 Act") and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020 (the "2020 Rules"). While this framework establishes overarching safety and compliance requirements, it does not provide sunscreen-specific provisions—particularly in relation to efficacy claims, labeling, and standardized testing methodologies.