On this page
- CDSCO Cosmetic Registration
- Registration Is Mandatory for Imported Cosmetics
- Applicant Eligibility
- Documents Required for CDSCO Cosmetic Registration
- CDSCO Cosmetic Registration Fees
- How to Apply Through the SUGAM Portal
- Validity of Registration Certificate
- Labeling Regulations
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Conclusion
The CDSCO is the first legal procedure for any organization that wants to import any type of cosmetics in India. Whether it be cosmetics from Korea, perfumes from Europe, or makeup products from China, the product requires a valid registration certificate issued by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in order to enter into the Indian market. This involves many months of delay for many companies who start their shipment before their application is processed. Let this article enlighten you on this matter.
CDSCO Cosmetic Registration
Cosmetics in India are regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. Under these rules, every imported cosmetic brand must be registered with CDSCO before it enters the country. After CDSCO reviews your application, it issues a registration certificate. This certificate is your permission to import and market those products in India.
It is often called a cosmetic import license, and the two terms are commonly used for the same approval. If you want a deeper look at how CDSCO approvals work in general, you can read about CDSCO Permission on Certilize.
Registration Is Mandatory for Imported Cosmetics
Registration is mandatory. The authorities will either detain or refuse to release the cosmetic shipment without proper registration. Even the sale of unregistered cosmetics can attract penalties and seizure of stock under the provisions of this Act.
This regulation is applicable to all types of cosmetics including cream, lotion, shampoo, lipstick, perfume, hair colors and soap as cosmetics. Even if you import them in small quantities, you need the certificate.
Applicant Eligibility
Application may be made by the foreign manufacturer or an Indian importer or agent on behalf of the manufacturer. Foreign brands usually go for the Indian importer or agent since application requires a local liaison person who can attend to the queries from the CDSCO regarding their products.
Form COS-1 and Form COS-2 Explained
These two forms often confuse first-time applicants, but the difference is simple.
Form COS-1 is the application form. You fill it out online with details of the brand, products, manufacturer and importer, and submit it along with documents and fees.
Form COS-2 is the registration certificate that CDSCO issues once your application is approved. It is the final document you want in hand.
Documents Required for CDSCO Cosmetic Registration
Keeping your documents ready before applying saves a lot of time. The usual list includes:
- Duly filled Form COS-1
- Power of attorney or authorisation letter from the manufacturer in favour of the Indian importer or agent
- Manufacturing license or a free sale/registration certificate from the country of origin
- Details of the brand, product names, categories and variants
- Ingredient list for each product
- Product label and packaging samples or artwork
- Undertaking as required under the Cosmetics Rules
- Manufacturing site details and address
- Importer’s business documents, such as company registration proof and IEC (Import Export Code)
- Fee payment proof
All documents from abroad should be in English or properly translated, and signed wherever required. Small mistakes, like a mismatch between the brand name on the label and on the form, are a common reason for queries from CDSCO.
CDSCO Cosmetic Registration Fees
Government fees for cosmetic registration are charged in US dollars and depend on how many brands, categories, product variants and manufacturing sites you include in the application. In simple terms, the more products and sites you add, the higher the total fee.
Fee payment is made online through the government payment system during the application. Since the fee schedule may change, it is better to verify the current fee on the CDSCO website before payment. In addition to the government fee, one also needs to account for the cost of document preparation, translation, and notarization, which are necessary for successful application.
How to Apply Through the SUGAM Portal
The entire application is online. Here is the process in easy steps:
- Create your account. Register the importer on the CDSCO SUGAM portal and get your login credentials.
- Check your category. Confirm that your products fall under cosmetics, and list the brand, categories and variants correctly.
- Fill Form COS-1. Enter all details carefully, and generate and upload the signed form.
- Upload documents. Attach the authorisation letter, manufacturing proof, labels, ingredient details and other papers.
- Pay the fees. Complete the online payment and save the receipt.
- Respond to queries. If CDSCO asks for clarification or extra documents, reply quickly and clearly.
- Receive Form COS-2. Once satisfied, CDSCO issues the registration certificate.
Applying through the portal also allows you to check the status of your application at any time.
Registration Duration
According to the Cosmetics Rules, the duration that CDSCO needs to examine an application is relatively high, reaching up to nearly nine months. However, in reality, the processing duration is highly influenced by the completeness of the documentation and the rate at which the applicant responds to questions from CDSCO.
The best way of avoiding delays is ensuring the accuracy of all your documents prior to submitting them and having your overseas manufacturing firm readily available for additional information.
Validity of Registration Certificate
According to the prevailing guidelines, the registration certificate does not have a short period of expiry, unlike the previous license certificates. This certificate remains valid until you fulfill the terms and conditions and pay the retention fee after the stipulated time duration. Since the conditions may vary, it will be wise to verify the current validity and renewal procedure before applying for it.
Labeling Regulations
Acquiring the registration certificate is not the final task. The imported cosmetics need to adhere to the Indian labeling regulations. These include information like the product name, list of ingredients, net contents, batch number, date of manufacture and expiry, importer’s name and address, and number of the registration certificate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting imports before the certificate is issued
- Submitting incomplete or unsigned documents
- Listing products under the wrong category
- Ignoring CDSCO queries for too long
- Using labels that do not match Indian requirements
Conclusion
CDSCO Registration for Cosmetics being imported to India seems to be tough on initial glance, but when the procedure is properly done starting from beginning to the end along with selecting proper categories and making documents accordingly, it will turn out to be easy.
If you need assistance with the registration process, you can opt for Certilize’s Import of Cosmetics License service.
Frequently asked questions
What is CDSCO registration of cosmetics imported into India?
It is the certification provided by CDSCO allowing import and sale in India of a foreign cosmetic brand.
Is CDSCO registration necessary for cosmetics imported into India?
Yes. Otherwise, you won't be able to import and sell foreign cosmetics in India.
What is the difference between COS-1 form and COS-2 form?
COS-1 form is the application form; COS-2 form is the registration certificate provided after approval of the application.
How to register cosmetics with CDSCO?
Create an account on the SUGAM portal, fill in Form COS-1, attach the required documents, pay the fee, and answer all questions raised by CDSCO.
How long does it take to register cosmetics with CDSCO?
According to the regulations, not more than nine months, but the actual time will depend on your documents and promptness in answering questions.
How can I register cosmetics made abroad in India?
The foreign manufacturer authorises an Indian importer/agent to register cosmetics using SUGAM.
