Notice on Updated Labelling Requirement

“The National Medicine Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has announced updates to the labeling requirements for cosmetics aimed at combating falsified products in the market. These changes, which will come into effect from December 1, 2024, include the introduction of additional identifiers and the implementation of product-specific QR codes or barcodes.

Key Changes and Requirements:

• Grace Period:
  • A six-month grace period will be provided for fulfilling the new labeling requirement, allowing businesses to comply by June 1, 2025.

• Labeling Options:
  • Manufacturers can either:
    • Use a QR code or barcode specific to each product on the commercial pack, OR
    • Utilize a 20-Dita matrix containing critical product information, such as:
  • Product code
  • Lot number
  • Manufacturing date
  • Expiry date
  • Serial number
  • Other relevant details

• Stickers with Compliance Mark:
  • Printed or pan-peeled stickers will be affixed to each commercial pack, which must display the following:
    • “”NMRA approved”” logo
    • Details of the market authorization holder
    • Retail price of the product
  • The stickers should be implemented immediately on all batches released to the market starting from September 1, 2024.

• Compulsory Requirements:
  • After a three-month grace period, the new labeling rules will become compulsory for both imported and locally manufactured products.

• Goal:
  • These measures aim to prevent falsified products from entering the market and ensure that consumers are purchasing safe and authorized cosmetic products.

The NMRA expects businesses to implement these controls promptly to improve product traceability and consumer safety.”

Region: Sri Lanka
Source: https://www.nmra.gov.lk/announcements