BIS IS 4707 pigment compliance — what's changing

Two reds (CI 15850, CI 15880) and one yellow oxide (specific particle-size grade) commonly used in lipstick and powder formulations move to the restricted list.

Restricted status doesn't ban use entirely — it requires brand-specific exemption application with safety data, or alternative pigment qualification.

Audit lipstick and powder ranges immediately for the affected pigments. Most indie beauty SKUs use one or more of the three.

Submit exemption applications by August — late applications won't process before the January effective date.

Pre-print labels only after final amendment notification (expected July 2026).

Replacement pigments add ₹1.40 – ₹3.20 per stick depending on the affected shade. Cumulative across an 18-shade range, ₹25 – ₹60 lakh annual COGS impact for a mid-size brand.

Some shades are not replicable with alternative pigments — the brand must drop or significantly shift the shade tone.

Three industry associations are jointly petitioning for exemption extension to January 2028. Outcome unclear; plan as if January 2027 holds.

Major MNCs are well-prepared; indie brands materially exposed. Smart move: collaborate with peers on shared exemption data.