Overview
ISO 22715:2006 - Cosmetics - Packaging and labelling - defines international requirements for the packaging and labelling of cosmetic products intended for sale or free distribution. The standard covers primary and secondary packaging, sets labelling information that must appear on packaging, and describes special situations (small packs, single-use sachets, samples, impracticable labelling). It is intended to support manufacturers, brand owners and regulators in ensuring clear, safe and compliant product presentation.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and definitions: Clarifies terms such as primary packaging (in direct contact with the product), secondary packaging (outer packaging at point of sale) and pre-package.
- Packaging performance: Packaging shall protect the product during storage, transport and handling and shall not adversely affect product integrity.
- Mandatory label information (must be provided in indelible, legible text, in a language appropriate for the country of sale):
- Name and address of the person responsible for placing the product on the market (manufacturer, authorized agent or importer)
- List of ingredients: Ingredients >1% listed in descending order of weight at time of addition; ingredients ≤1% may be in any order; INCI nomenclature is strongly supported; colorants and perfumes have specific listing allowances
- Function of the product, where not clear from presentation
- Storage conditions, when appropriate
- Nominal content by weight or volume
- Batch code or manufacturing date (or other product identifier)
- Precautions/warnings and instructions for use, when appropriate
- Label placement rules: Required information should appear on primary and/or secondary packaging with the ingredient list visible to consumers at the point of sale. Certain items (e.g., full address) may be on secondary packaging only.
- Particular cases: Rules for small packages, impracticable labelling (use of tags, leaflets or nearby displays), single application packs, pre-packages sold as multiple items, and free samples (minimum labelling elements specified).
- Recommended practice: Declare product durability where appropriate.
Practical applications and users
ISO 22715 is practical for:
- Cosmetic manufacturers and brand owners preparing product labels and pack designs
- Packaging engineers and suppliers ensuring materials protect product integrity
- Regulatory affairs and quality assurance teams verifying compliance for domestic sales and exports
- Importers and distributors who must identify responsible parties on labels
- Retailers and e‑commerce operators ensuring point-of-sale visibility of ingredient information
Typical uses include label content checklists, packaging design briefs, compliance audits, and preparing documentation for market entry.
Related standards
- ISO 11609 - Dentistry - Toothpastes (packaging/marking aspects)
- ISO 16408 - Dentistry - Oral rinses
- ASEAN Technical Document for Cosmetics on Labelling Requirements
- INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) references for ingredient naming
Keywords: ISO 22715, cosmetics packaging, cosmetic labelling, INCI, ingredient listing, primary packaging, secondary packaging, label requirements, packaging standard.
