Heavy Metals Testing in Cosmetics India | GSR 513(E) | NABL

Auriga Research provides NABL-accredited heavy metals testing in cosmetics using ICP-MS and ICP-OES for the detection and quantification of lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and other toxic elements. Heavy metal contamination in cosmetics is a significant safety concern, with Indian Cosmetics Rules under GSR 513(E) and BIS standards setting strict maximum limits.

Our testing covers the core regulatory panel — lead (max 20 ppm), arsenic (max 5 ppm), mercury (max 1 ppm), and cadmium — along with extended elements including chromium, nickel, barium, antimony, and selenium. Colour cosmetics, kohl/kajal, lip products, and mineral-based formulations carry elevated contamination risk and require routine testing.

International regulations including EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and US FDA guidelines also restrict heavy metals in cosmetics. Our testing supports both domestic compliance and export market requirements with detection limits well below regulatory thresholds.

Testing Parameters

Lead (Pb) — GSR 513(E) limit 20 ppm, ICP-MS
Arsenic (As) — GSR 513(E) limit 5 ppm, ICP-MS
Mercury (Hg) — GSR 513(E) limit 1 ppm, ICP-MS/AAS
Cadmium (Cd) — BIS limit 5 ppm, ICP-MS
Chromium (Cr) — extended panel, ICP-MS
Nickel (Ni) — EU allergen restriction, ICP-MS
Barium (Ba), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se)
Prohibited heavy metal pigment screening
EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 compliance
US FDA cosmetic guidance compliance

Turnaround Time

Standard heavy metals panel (Pb, As, Cd, Hg) takes 5-7 business days. Extended panels with additional elements take 7-10 business days.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the GSR 513(E) limits for heavy metals in cosmetics?

The Indian Cosmetics Rules under GSR 513(E) specify maximum limits for lead (20 ppm), arsenic (5 ppm), cadmium (no specific limit, but BIS standards specify 5 ppm), and mercury (1 ppm). These limits apply to all cosmetic and personal care products sold in India. Products exceeding these limits are considered adulterated and subject to regulatory action. Some BIS product-specific standards impose stricter limits for certain categories.

Why are heavy metals found in cosmetic products?

Heavy metals in cosmetics originate from raw material impurities (mineral pigments, talc, clay, mica), manufacturing equipment contamination, water quality, and in some cases intentional addition (mercury in skin lightening creams, lead acetate in hair dyes). Colour cosmetics and kohl/kajal products carry higher contamination risk due to mineral-based pigments. Regular testing ensures that even naturally occurring trace levels remain within regulatory limits.

How long does heavy metals testing in cosmetics take?

Standard heavy metals panel (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury) by ICP-MS takes 5-7 business days. Extended panels including chromium, nickel, barium, and antimony take 7-10 business days. Screening of colour cosmetics for prohibited heavy metal pigments takes 5-7 business days.