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Importing cosmetics into India from nations such as China or Korea is not as easy as ordering one and paying off its duty. Under the laws of India, it is mandatory that any imported cosmetics get registered by CDSCO in order for them to enter the country. If your plan involves importing skincare or makeup products or other personal care items, then this process needs to be understood clearly.
In this guide, we tell you about everything related to CDSCO registration for imported cosmetics.
Why CDSCO Registration Is Mandatory
As per Rule 12 of Cosmetics Rules, 2020, no cosmetics shall be allowed to enter the country until they have been registered under the Central Licensing Authority.
This applies regardless of the fact whether it is an individual line of cosmetic products or a total range of cosmetic products being imported from China or Korea.
It is done keeping in view the objective that the cosmetic product meets all the necessary requirements before its availability to sell.
Importing Cosmetics from China
In case you are buying from China, here is how it goes:
- The goods have to satisfy the requirements set forth in the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, together with the foreign production facility.
- It is imperative for CDSCO registration to be done and approved before the importation of the goods takes place.
- After registering the goods, they become eligible for legal importation into India.
It will apply to almost all categories of cosmetics like skin care, hair care, make-up and more.
Importing Korean Cosmetics
Korean beauty products are widely used in India, but there is always one condition that should be met; the Korean makeup products should adhere to Indian laws and have an Import Registration Certificate from CDSCO before coming into India. There is no alternative to this, even if the product is popular.
Who Can Apply for Registration
You do not have to be the manufacturer to apply. The application can be filed by:
- The foreign manufacturer directly
- An authorized agent appointed by the manufacturer in India
- An importer bringing the product into India
- An Indian subsidiary of the foreign company
Most businesses go the authorized agent route, since it gives a local point of contact for CDSCO communication and compliance.
Documents Required for Import
Getting your documentation right the first time avoids delays. You will need:
- A covering letter stating the purpose of the application
- Authorization from the manufacturer
- Full list of ingredients with percentage content
- Proposed product labels
- Product specifications and testing methods
- Manufacturing site details
Missing or incomplete documents are one of the most common reasons applications get delayed, so it helps to have an authorized agent review everything before submission.
The COS-1 and COS-2 Process
The registration process runs through two key forms:
Form COS-1 is the application you submit online through CDSCO’s SUGAM portal. It includes all the product and manufacturer details mentioned above.
Form COS-2 is the actual Import Registration Certificate. Once CDSCO examines your COS-1 application and is satisfied, it issues COS-2 and only then can the product be legally imported.
Registration Timeline
According to the Cosmetics Rules, the CDSCO may take a time of six months after the application date to approve or reject the application. But it varies according to many factors like whether your documentation is complete or incomplete, and whether the product belongs to a complex category or not. This is the reason why it is a better idea to apply prior to your import date.
Registration Fees
The registration fees of the products are not fixed. Instead, they are prescribed in the Third Schedule of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. The fees vary according to many parameters like the category of cosmetics, manufacturing place, and so on.
Labeling Requirements
Even after registration, your product labels need to follow India’s labeling rules under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. CDSCO’s registration checklist actually requires you to submit your proposed labeling along with the application itself so label compliance isn’t something you can fix later. It needs to be sorted before you even apply.
Conclusion
Importing cosmetics from China and Korea to India might well be a great idea for conducting business, but it is imperative to complete all the required formalities before importing these cosmetics to India. Some of the important formalities that one needs to complete include registration with the CDSCO and proper labeling of the cosmetics.
If you need support with the process, Certilize can assist you with the complete cosmetics import license process, including documentation and CDSCO filing.
Frequently asked questions
How to import cosmetics from China to India?
Cosmetic products and foreign manufacturing facilities for imported cosmetic products shall meet the requirements of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020 and obtain CDSCO registration before importing.
How to import Korean cosmetics to India?
Korean cosmetics products, which will be imported to India, should meet the regulations in terms of cosmetics in India and register with CDSCO before the importation.
Should imported cosmetics be registered with CDSCO?
Yes, according to Rule 12 of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, cosmetics may be imported to India only when they are registered with the Central Licensing Authority.
Which documents are needed for importing cosmetics in India?
Documents required can include: manufacturer's authorization, information on the product, its ingredients, labeling, specifications, test procedure, manufacturing facilities data.
What is the cost for CDSCO cosmetics registration?
The fees for cosmetics registration are set in the Third Schedule of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
What is the CDSCO timeline for cosmetic registration?
As per the Cosmetics Rules, the application can be accepted or rejected by the Central Licensing Authority six months after the application process.
What should be included in the labels of imported cosmetics?
The imported cosmetics need to meet the labeling requirements, which have been defined in the Cosmetics Rules 2020. The CDSCO registration checklist includes the labeling information requirement.
