Cosmetic License Registration
Apply for a "Cosmetic License" online to legally operate your import/manufacturing/selling business across India. LegalRaasta streamlines the entire cosmetic registration process with a cost-effective service:
- Cosmetic License Application Filing
- 1 Lakh+ Happy Clients
- Professional Team Support
- Fast Approval and End-to-End Assistance
- Documentation and Follow-Ups
- Expert Compliance Guidance
- 100% Customer Satisfaction
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Cosmetic License Registration with LegalRaasta
Complete Application Form
Our expert team will guide you through the cosmetic registration license application form.
Documentation
Send us all the requisite documents, and our expert team will account for the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
Verification
As soon as the CDSCO provides the cosmetic license after verifying the documents, we will notify you.
License Issuance
Once the application is approved, we will update you via the registered email ID or contact number.
Cosmetic License Online in India (CDSCO Approval, Documents, Fees)
All cosmetology products on sale in India must have the appropriate registrations and licenses before being imported to India, according to the Central Drug Standards Control Organization (CDSCO). All imported products must be registered with the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) before they can be sold in India, starting from 1 April 2013. Importers are required to register for a valid cosmetic license certificate as part of this process, which signifies the official approval to import their products into India. All companies that wish to obtain a CDSCO cosmetic license in India must go through a complex licensing process that includes submitting specific documents, such as proof of compliance with safety and quality standards. The Cosmetic License Registration process is an important part of ensuring that products sold within the Indian marketplace are manufactured in a safe way, with quality ingredients included on their labels and manufactured in accordance with best practices. The process for this is outlined in the Cosmetics Rules 2020.
What is a Cosmetic License in India?
A cosmetic license is a legally approved document in India. Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, the license provided legal authorization to businesses that deal with cosmetic products in India. This license generally requires manufacturers, sellers, and importers who operate cosmetic products like makeup, skincare, and hair care. It brings the sustained standard of quality and safety in Indian markets. Meanwhile, a manufacturing license and an import license are issued by different governing authorities. A cosmetic license for manufacturing in India is issued by the State Licensing Authority (SLA), while a cosmetic import license is issued by the Central Licensing Authority (CDSCO). Licensing ensures only safe, effective, and chemical-free skincare products are sold in the market.
Governing Laws & Authorities for Cosmetic License
To manage the cosmetic supply chain in India, a well-structured legal framework and specific regulatory authorities work together.
Governing Laws and Regulations
Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
It is the primary law that regulates how cosmetics are manufactured, imported, packaged, and sold.
Cosmetics Rules, 2020
The Cosmetics Rules 2020 were enacted in December 2020 to replace former regulations for cosmetic registration, manufacture, retail sale, and import of cosmetics.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
The national governing body in India establishes the quality and safety standards for all types of cosmetics, including the permitted colors and the permitted ingredients, as per IS: 4707 Parts 1 and 2.
2009 Legal Metrology Act
Regulates cosmetic product packaging and labeling, particularly with regard to the net weight of prepackaged goods.
Governing Authorities
Central Licensing Authority (CLA)
The licensing of imported cosmetics is regulated by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), which is located at its headquarters in New Delhi (CDSCO).
State Licensing Authority (SLA)
The licensing authority for cosmetics in the State of India is the State Licensing Authority (SLA), appointed by the state government. This state drug control department manages the licensing procedure for cosmetic product manufacturing.
Who Needs a Cosmetic License?
The businesses are required to meet the CDSCO's requirements before applying for a cosmetic license certificate. Here is what you should know about registration requirements:
Manufacturers
Any company or firm producing cosmetic products in its own manufacturing facility requires cosmetic registration.
Importers
Mandatory for those who import cosmetic products into India.
Third-Party Manufacturer
Contractors who manufacture the cosmetic products for other brands in their own production facility.
Repackers/Relabelers
Businesses or individuals who change or relabel the packaging of an already created product.
Brand Owners/Startups
businesses or individuals who sell their own brand/model but use someone else's or a different manufacturer's branding.
Wholesaler/Retailer
wholesalers that sell cosmetics to other retailers/wholesalers and retailers selling cosmetics directly to consumers.
Online Sellers
The businesses or brands that sell cosmetic products, like Amazon, Flipkart, Nykaa, and other websites.
Eligibility Criteria to Get a Cosmetic License
Under the Drug & Cosmetic Act, the businesses are required to meet these requirements:
Business & Legal Standing
Must provide the business registration proof, which includes the company incorporation, partnership deed, and proprietorship docs. For identity proof, KYC ID, address proof of partners, directors, and the proprietorship are required. Declarations of non-conviction under the Act.
Premise Requirement
The complete site plan must include the production facility, storage range, lab area, waste management, and water source. Must be sanitary and away from residential areas. For ownership proof, provide lease documents, conversion receipts, etc.
Technical Competence
All staff must be qualified, whether as a pharmacist, chemist, or cosmetic technologist. For qualification proof, provide a degree/diploma in D. Pharma and B. Pharma with experience in the relevant field. The pharmacist must account for a full-time commitment.
Product & Process
Ingredients that are used to make cosmetic products, the complete list with their chemical composition and product. Machinery details, testing equipment, and QC lab. Meet GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and safety standard compliance.
The Types of Cosmetic License
The license an entity should obtain depends on its business model. Consider these points:
Manufacturing License (Form COS-8/32)
Those entities that have their own manufacturing facility for cosmetic product production. Must ensure GMP compliance.
Loan License (Form COS-9/32-A)
Third-party or contract manufacturers who produce cosmetic products for sale under another company's name.
New Cosmetic Approval (Form COS-3)
Those products that are not specified by CDSCO require permission to manufacture or import new cosmetic products.
Cosmetic Import License (Form COS-1/2)
Foreign manufacturers who want to sell cosmetic products in India need to appoint an Indian Authorized Agent (IAA). The agent deals with CDSCO for license approval on behalf of the foreign manufacturer.
Cosmetic Sale License
mandatory for those who are selling or distributing cosmetics wholesale or retail.
Testing Approval (Form 37)
Entities that test the cosmetic product or raw material for manufacturing purposes.
Product List Covered Under Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940
Several cosmetic products are listed under India's Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. This legislation regulates cosmetic products, manufacture, distribution, and sale to ensure their safety and quality benchmarks. The major products it covers include:
Skin Care
- Face creams
- Moisturizers
- Lotions
- Cold creams
- Sunscreens
- Face packs & masks
- Anti-aging creams
- Skin lightening/brightening
- Body butters
Hair Care
- Hair oils
- Shampoos
- Conditioners
- Hair serums
- Hair dyes & Hair colorants
- Hair styling gels, sprays & wax
- Hair creams
Oral Care
- Toothpaste
- Tooth powder
- Mouthwash
Makeup / Color Cosmetics
- Lipsticks
- Lip balms
- Lip gloss
- Foundations
- Compact powders
- Blush/Rouge
- Kajal / Kohl
- Eyeliners
- Mascara
- Eye shadow
- Nail polish
- Nail polish remover
Bath & Body Products
- Soaps
- Body washes
- Shower gels
- Scrubs
- Talcum powders
Fragrances
- Perfumes
- Deodorants
- Body sprays
Documents Required for Cosmetic License Registration in India
As specified under the requirements of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Cosmetic Rules, 2020, the manufacturer must prepare documents for the manufacturing and import license.
To manufacture cosmetic products in India, the State Licensing Authority (SLA) manages the registration-to-approval procedure. Provide documents:
- - The cosmetic application form (Form 31) or other corresponding form
- - Proprietor/Director declaration form
- - Covering Letter
- - Manufacturing Premises Ownership proof, like a rental agreement and NOC
- - Layout & Site Plan of Premises
- - Firm registration proof with business structure (e.g., Certificate of Incorporation/Partnership deed)
- - Affidavit of Non-Conviction under the Act
- - Affidavit of Competent Person / Chemist
- - Registered Pharmacist/Competent Person Appointment Letter.
- - All Machinery & Equipment Complete Details
- - Manufacturing products list.
- - Undertaking for safety, pollution, quality control, and GMP compliance
- - NOC from Pollution Control Board.
- - Cosmetic registration payment receipt for proof.
(Central Licensing Authority – CDSCO)**
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSO) and Central Licensing Authority (SLA) issued the license for cosmetic import in India.
- - The applicant/importer must attach a covering letter.
- - Cosmetics registration will be done via Form 42 - Application Form.
- - Proof of Full Registration is a Treasury Challan or Receipt of Fee Payment.
- - Power of Attorney.
- - Complete product details, as in Schedule D-III, which must be signed by either the authorized agent or the manufacturer.
- - The original copy of product labels.
- - Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) from the country of origin.
- - Product Specifications & Testing Protocols, like ingredient lists, safety test details, and formulations.
- - For India, the registered country name is registered as part of the cosmetics registration.
- - Cosmetic product brand and manufacturing information in specified format.
How to Apply for a Cosmetic License Online in India?
Most states in India follow the online registration procedure, and it involves several key steps. The registration further varies depending on the business model.
Cosmetic manufacturing licensing is managed by the State Drugs Control Department (SLA). The official registration portal is "State Drug Licensing Portal/CDSCO/State e-Services portals."
A cosmetic import license is issued by the central authority, CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation). The single registration window is the SUGAM Portal.
It takes 180 days (around 6 months) to issue the cosmetic registration certificate by CDSCO (Central Drug Standard Control Organization). It is the official timeline for license approval. While reviewing the application and documents, CDSCO takes 90 days. In case you submit the documents accurately with simple registration, it might take 4-8 weeks.
The key factors that affect processing time:
- Incomplete or Inaccurate Documents: It is the core reason for the delay in license approval. Must upload all documents complete and up-to-date.
- Avoid Reviewing: Always review the novel or complex cosmetic formulations deeply.
- Authority Workload: The high volume submission of applications at CDSCO causes delays.
- Not Complying with Standard: Before issuing the manufacturing license, the authority conducts an on-site inspection. Must comply with standards during inspection.
The specific state and the license type significantly impact the cosmetic registration license cost. Here is the fee structure breakdown for the cosmetic certificate:
For Manufacturing License (State Level)
- Application Fee (Form 31): For up to 10 items per category, the application fee is approximately Rs 2,500.
- Inspection Fee: The cost per inspection is around Rs 1,000.
- Loan License (Form 32-A): If applying for a cosmetic loan license, the cost is Rs 10,000 for 10 items. In case you add additional items, the cost is around Rs 500 for each additional item.
- Retention Fee (Every 5 Years): RS 10,000 for 10 items.
For Import Registration (CDSCO Level COS-1/COS-2)
- Category Cost: Per cosmetic category, the fee is around Rs 90,900 to 91,000 INR.
- Manufacturing Site: Per site cost is Rs 45,500.
- Variant Fee: Rs 4,500 per variant.
The Cosmetic Registration Certificate for manufacturing and import is valid only for 5 years in India. To continue operating, the license must be renewed before the full five years have passed. In short, the standard validity for an Indian cosmetic import/manufacturing registration certificate issued by the CDSCO is five years from the date of issuance.
Must apply for renewal of the cosmetic license before its expiry. Followed the renewal cycle under the watchful eye of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)."
LegalRaasta acts as your trusted and experienced consultancy expert for cosmetic license registration. At LegalRaasta, the entire registration process will be made simpler and stress-free. We are professionals in:
- Expert Guidance: We guide related to the state government and CDSCO's set rules and regulations.
- Complete Documentation: Our experienced team will manage all forms and documents.
- Faster CDSCO Approval: Our team communicates with the CDSCO officials to speed up the registration process.
- Update for Renewal: We alert you when you need to renew your cosmetic certificate.
- Post-Registration Support: After approval of the licensee, we assist you in complying with post-registration requirements with compliance.
Go to LegalRaasta.com if you have any questions.
What is Included In Our Package?
Labeling Regulations for Manufacturing of the Products
According to the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules, 1945 following are the labeling requirements:
- Mention the name of the product in the inner and outer labels of the product. If the container is of small size then the principal place and the pin code are fine.
- The ingredients should be clearly displayed on the outer label of the products.
- In the inner label of the product, the directions of usage along with the warning or cautions must be mentioned.
- A specific batch number preceded by letter “B” and manufacturing batch with “M” must be stated on the label.
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