CDSCO Import License for Cosmetics in India - Process & Fees

Listed below are the key documents required for CDSCO registration for import of cosmetics:

CDSCO cosmetic import registration fees mainly depend upon:

• Number of product categories
• Number of manufacturing sites
• Number of variants

Professional Fee For CDSCO import Certificate for Cosmetic products is INR 99,999/- only with Professional Utilities.CDSCO charges government fees of USD 1,000 per category, USD 500 per manufacturing site, and USD 50 per variant.

Cosmetic Rules, 2020 states cosmetic import license in India as a mandatory registration granted by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization for legal import of cosmetic products in country for the purpose of sale and distribution. Rule 12(1) of the cosmetic rules, 2020 clearly states that no cosmetic products shall be imported in India unless it is registered under rules stated by the Central Licensing Authority (CLA). Cosmetic Import License is issued in Form COS-2 after the application is made in Form COS-1 by the applicant through the online SUGAM portal of the CDSCO.

The procedure for application of CDSCO Cosmetic Import License mainly consists of two main forms; Form COS-1 & Form COS-2. Key differences between these two forms are listed below:

• Form COS-1: COS-1 is the primary application form for obtaining a CDSCO cosmetic import license. The form is submitted through the SUGAM portal with detailed information about the foreign manufacturer, the applicant from India, and the list of specific cosmetic products which has to be imported. It is primarily a pre-approval process which is mandatory before importing cosmetic products in India.
• Form COS-2: Form COS-2 is the license issued by CDSCO upon successful review and approval of the application form COS-1. It authorizes the import of registered cosmetic products in India for sale and distribution purpose. It is primarily the post-approval form which can be downloaded from the SUGAM portal.

Note: Importing cosmetics without COS-2 is illegal as per the Cosmetic Rules, 2020. Violation of laws may lead to seizure of products, delay in customs clearance, or even lead to severe legal action by authorities.

Cosmetic product imported in India must be registered through the online SUGAM portal using form COS1 & COS-2. The following entity or person can apply for cosmetic import license in India:

• Manufacturer or importer intending to import cosmetics from foreign countries in India
• An authorized Indian agent (AIA) appointed by the importer or manufacturer can also apply on their behalf
• Any person intending to start an import business can also apply for cosmetic license in India

Importance of CDSCO Registration for the Import of Cosmetics can be studied as follows:

Import of cosmetic products in India is governed by the Cosmetic Rule of 2020, imposed by the Central Licensing Authority (CLA). It is mandatory to know about the restrictions imposed before importing cosmetic products in India:

• Animal Testing: Animal-tested cosmetics are forbidden from being imported in the country.
• Shelf-life of imported cosmetics: Cosmetic products with a minimum expiry period of 6 months from the date of import are allowed for importation in India.
• Ingredient Restrictions: Cosmetic products which contain ingredients like hexachlorophene, are banned for import in India.

Several important labelling standards as per CDSCO and Cosmetic Rule 2020 for smooth registration process are as follows:

• Details specified on the label should be in English, Hindi or both and easy to understand
• Labeling should be done as they stick until the end of the cosmetic product life cycle
• Design of the label must be appealing, attractive, and captivating since consumers initially seek product's information from the label
• Warning, precautions, and dosage must be clearly mentioned
• All the information written on the label must be accurate and should be verified from official records

Several COS-2 applications face delays because of the common mistakes in cosmetic import registration or license. Avoidable errors lead to delay in grant of license eventually leading to delay in import of cosmetic products in India.

• Ingredient non-compliance with Indian standards
• Incorrect or incomplete labeling
• Poorly drafted Power of Attorney
• Mismatch in manufacturer details
• Incorrect product categorization

Obtaining CDSCO Registration for Import of Cosmetics is an essential requirement to ensure legal compliance, product quality, and smooth entry into the Indian market. Professional Utilities, with more than 10 years of experience, assist businesses in obtaining a Drug License for Cosmetic in Delhi and across PAN India, helping manufacturers, importers, and retailers maintain full regulatory compliance while expanding their operations smoothly.

Whether you are an importer, authorised agent, distributor, or foreign manufacturer, our team guides you through all the regulatory formalities to ensure your application complies with the provisions laid down under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and Cosmetics Rules, 2020. Take the first step today to expand your business in India, avoid regulatory delays, and build consumer trust with fully compliant imported cosmetic products. For businesses planning to import cosmetics into multiple regions across India, we provide complete support for CDSCO cosmetic import registration and documentation to ensure a hassle-free approval process nationwide.