The Centre has put into effect significant reforms under the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026, pertaining to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. These reforms aim to improve governance based on trust, lessen the compliance burden for businesses, and ensure regulatory enforcement that is proportionate without compromising public health safeguards. The Health Ministry stated that the amendments focus on decriminalizing specific minor and technical violations, replacing criminal procedures with administrative penalties to promote business ease and enhance regulatory efficiency.
The changes include the omission of Section 29 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, which previously imposed penalties of up to Rs 1 lakh for using a government analyst’s report to advertise drugs or cosmetics. Moreover, violations related to the manufacture or sale of low-risk cosmetics now fall under an administrative penalty system. These violations cover instances where cosmetic products fail to meet minor quality standards or have labeling deficiencies. However, severe violations involving spurious or adulterated cosmetics, posing risks to consumer safety, continue to face strict penalties under the Act.
Additionally, violations under Section 28A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, concerning procedural and compliance requirements like record maintenance and information submission, have been converted into administrative penalties. The reforms also introduce provisions for the appointment of Adjudicating Authorities and an Appeal Mechanism to ensure prompt and transparent resolution of cases related to such contraventions.
Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, penalties for false complaints against Food Safety Officers have been shifted from court fines to an administrative penalty system. The punishment for tampering with seized items has been rationalized, reducing the imprisonment term from six months to three months. Furthermore, the Act no longer includes the provision on obstructing or resisting a Food Safety Officer, as these offenses are adequately covered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to prevent legal framework duplication.
The reforms introduced through the Jan Vishwas Act underscore the government’s commitment to nurturing a modern, transparent, and trust-based regulatory environment. By distinguishing between technical/procedural non-compliances and serious public health violations, the amendments aim to ensure fair enforcement while upholding India’s food and drug regulatory framework’s integrity.
