{"time":1757502169213,"blocks":[{"id":"WMWLCkzLjf","type":"header","data":{"text":"INTRODUCTION","level":2}},{"id":"OWWs4SL7XA","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The world's cosmetics market is ever-expanding, and India is certainly one of its fastest-growing destinations. India is an emerging market for global brands, buying everything from lipsticks and moisturizers to high-end skincare and even perfumes. However, there is one gate you must cross before importing those beauty products to India: CDSCO registration."}},{"id":"JqUu2IThSr","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In India, cosmetics are regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 alongside the Cosmetics Rules 2020 (amended up to 2025). Every cosmetic item, whether manufactured locally or imported, is to always comply with the set standards. To set up local production facilities, businesses are required to obtain a cosmetics manufacturing license India. If a company intends to import the products, an Import Registration Certificate has to be obtained from CDSCO."}},{"id":"6lDMuhvhh6","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"There are a number of different steps, most of which are plain and straightforward, to complete. This blog tackles each of those steps. No unnecessary jargon, and no endless pages of legal reasoning. Just a basic explanation that can be easily understood."}},{"id":"IUMe4Qr-7c","type":"header","data":{"text":"WHY IS SUCH A LICENCE/CERTIFICATE REQUIRED?","level":2}},{"id":"sCo_tNMf8M","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Why won't a foreign brand simply ship beauty products to India and start selling? The answer here is consumer safety and quality control. The potential for contamination, adulteration, or a complete mislabeling of cosmetics is dangerous in and of itself. These products pose a host of different health risks and skin conditions, as they can come in contact with the skin, hair, nails, and, in rare circumstances, the lips and eyes. "}},{"id":"1KqSXQfpex","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In this case, the license and registration system will ensure that:"}},{"id":"WC-3mLPhMa","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","meta":{},"items":[{"content":"Tested products with proven safety records and efficacy are the only ones to be sold in the Indian marketplace. ","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Compliance with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and other relevant Regulatory requirements is mandatory.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Accurate labeling of the product in terms of its constituents, batch, expiry, proper and intended use, and restrictions, instructions, and guidelines is mandatory. ","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Claims that are unsubstantiated and lack Proof of Efficacy (POE) and Proof of Performance (POP) are not allowed.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"The Indian market does not receive animal-tested cosmetics, which is in accordance with the country’s constitutional right of the consumer.","meta":{},"items":[]}]}},{"id":"qnUhu_XiLw","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Licensing is not simply a paperwork exercise for foreign or other businesses. It is India’s unique approach to international commerce."}},{"id":"BVFbPdevIt","type":"header","data":{"text":"WHO ISSUES SUCH A LICENCE/CERTIFICATE?","level":2}},{"id":"cWQcc8QCND","type":"image","data":{"caption":"Who Issues Such A Licence/Certificate","withBorder":false,"withBackground":false,"stretched":false,"file":{"url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/dmd2a1z29/image/upload/v1757502066/zysmzhkodumtwemtqakj.png"}}},{"id":"5OVyvWXF3J","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"India employs a dual system within its regulatory framework:"}},{"id":"_RbDppYtB7","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","meta":{},"items":[{"content":"Central licensing authority- India’s drug controller general (DCGI) is the central authority. The CDSCO issues certificates for the importation of specified cosmetics into the country. ","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"State licensing authorities- Each state’s drug control department grants the cosmetics manufacturing license India to plants within its jurisdiction.","meta":{},"items":[]}]}},{"id":"rVIdKWDDw-","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Therefore, for the importation of cosmetics, the CDSCO must be contacted. For the manufacturing within India, the State Authority must be contacted. Many businesses, of course, end up needing both services."}},{"id":"MDIQOTe8fi","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"ELIGIBILITY AND DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE"}},{"id":"gqox30C5tq","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Eligibility Criteria– Registration as an Importer"}},{"id":"GuPQAEkfB5","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","meta":{},"items":[{"content":"Every firm or its valid representative has an office or branch in the territory of India.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Must obtain an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) and the requisite licenses.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Must be sanctioned by the overseas producer.","meta":{},"items":[]}]}},{"id":"ugaOXb860J","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Documents Required"}},{"id":"NgRN4Wa-8o","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","meta":{},"items":[{"content":"Application in prescribed form.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Power of Attorney from the manufacturer.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Ingredient list with specifications.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Inner and Outer packaging labels and artwork.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Free Sale Certificate from the country of origin.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Declaration of non-animal testing.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Heavy metal and prohibited substance compliance certificate.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Place and forms of manufacture.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Fee payment proof.","meta":{},"items":[]}]}},{"id":"Kbn2ITg1DU","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Eligibility – In respect of the Home Manufacture License"}},{"id":"IoKpPIl67Y","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","meta":{},"items":[{"content":"Applicant's Solid Line: The applicant must have technical personnel specializing in pharmacy, chemistry, or cosmetic technology.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Facilities should comply with the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"The necessary equipment and facilities will have to be available.","meta":{},"items":[]}]}},{"id":"5Vp1LW2zkc","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Documents Required"}},{"id":"BGQtnQ5JOu","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","meta":{},"items":[{"content":"Application form.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"GMP self-declaration.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Premises layout and equipment list.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Staff qualification documents.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"List of proposed cosmetic products.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Undertaking compliance with rules.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Applicable fees.","meta":{},"items":[]}]}},{"id":"-F3ZUKXPx0","type":"header","data":{"text":"STEPS TO GET COSMETICS MANUFACTURING LICENSE INDIA CDSCO","level":2}},{"id":"Co4ntUnV7a","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Import Registration (Cos-1 → Cos-2)"}},{"id":"sEUSURNx_s","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Step 1- Register on CDSCO SUGAM."}},{"id":"oDzfNXpoFO","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Step 2- Apply with details of the manufacturer and product to file an application form."}},{"id":"PFNzX_vhIA","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Step 3- Upload all supporting documents."}},{"id":"kWgEpOhXj7","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Step 4- Pay registration fees."}},{"id":"Ysh1VE5kf-","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Step 5- Monitor the application process and answer questions."}},{"id":"A1Cd4zJre4","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Step 6-CDSCO takes a review of it and may ask questions."}},{"id":"35natb3xNl","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"If the option is approved, the COS-2 Import Registration Certificate is delivered to you."}},{"id":"KInNzpcW04","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Stay in Compliance, Renew Lic before expiration (Good for 3 Years)."}},{"id":"4SgMKSV7ex","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Manufacturing License (COS-5 → COS-8)"}},{"id":"ZC-_PT5QsN","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Step 1-Apply online through the State Drug Control Authority (via SUGAM)."}},{"id":"_KmIWEpX7-","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Step 2-Submit Form COS-5 along with documents."}},{"id":"tySxLTmrUp","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Step 3- Attach GMP compliance declaration."}},{"id":"qWlx5Pxk51","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Step 4-Pay prescribed fees."}},{"id":"nuMkoi-hf7","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Step 5-Premises inspected by state officials."}},{"id":"nrQ1yGC-9N","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Step 6-If compliant, receive license in Form COS-8."}},{"id":"3bEJEegtTo","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Step 7-Renewal is usually required every 5 years."}},{"id":"jihC4hBMr2","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"PENALTY FOR OPERATING WITHOUT SUCH A LICENCE/CERTIFICATE"}},{"id":"jInjVzcvt3","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The law does not take kindly to shortcuts. Penalties include:"}},{"id":"ipJVB5A7ZA","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","meta":{},"items":[{"content":"Seizure of goods at ports for imports without CDSCO registration.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Fines and legal proceedings under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Imprisonment in serious cases of violation, especially if public health is at risk.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Cancellation of future rights to import or manufacture.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Reputational damage, which often hurts more than the legal fines.","meta":{},"items":[]}]}},{"id":"BlZYaag_nF","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In short, the risk is not worth it. Compliance is cheaper than penalties."}},{"id":"T04HQwrdW9","type":"header","data":{"text":"LAWFINITY – YOUR COMPLIANCE PARTNER FOR CDSCO COSMETIC LICENSES","level":3}},{"id":"XvHVVqPrLo","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Here at Lawfinity, we have assisted hundreds of cosmetic entrepreneurs—both local and global—battling regulatory hurdles. CDSCO requirements are complex, state governments are strict, and even one missing document can hold up approval for months. That is where we come in. Our job is to make compliance easy so you can concentrate on growing your cosmetic company."}},{"id":"QZFGENiqBE","type":"header","data":{"text":"HOW LAWFINITY MAKE COMPLIANCE EASY","level":3}},{"id":"nUXdXzJxpO","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","meta":{},"items":[{"content":"Eligibility Check: We first examine your business model—do you need an import license, a manufacturing license, or both? This way, you get the right application category and do not suffer from delays.","meta":{},"items":[]}]}},{"id":"KzPpggc0KH","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","meta":{},"items":[{"content":"Document Drafting & Vetting: Right from drawing up the Power of Attorney (PoA) to the arrangement of Free Sale Certificates, we make sure that each document is designed according to CDSCO guidelines and error-free.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Portal Filing Support: Our experts take care of the electronic submission process—form completion, fee payment, and real-time monitoring—so you can save time from dealing with cumbersome portals.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Inspection Readiness: Your facilities are prepared by us for state drug authority inspections for manufacturing licenses, including hygiene, infrastructure, and equipment norms.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Post-Approval Support: Our services don't end once you receive the license. We conduct renewals, additions of products, amendments, and responses to formal notices, maintaining compliance.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Personalized Guidance: Lawfinity is not another file at Lawfinity; you get a dedicated compliance partner who understands your business and walks through each step.","meta":{},"items":[]}]}},{"id":"D8_A56wj3d","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"With Lawfinity, cosmetic compliance stops being a headache. No more losing sleep over the paperwork or queries from the government, as all of this is taken care of while you focus on building your brand and expanding the reach in the market."}},{"id":"RAa6r0EtrV","type":"header","data":{"text":"MUSINGS FROM THE AUTHOR’S INK","level":3}},{"id":"AfsK4-isYP","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In India, licensing cosmetics is very much like formulating a beauty product. It can’t go on sale until you have the right ingredients (documents), formula (process), and quality testing (inspection). For many businesses, licensing is an obstacle. Its actually a constitution… without it your brand does not exist legally in India."}},{"id":"9nUEWzaU3U","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"I have seen businesses drag out licensing to “save time” and then lose entire shipments at ports. I have also witnessed startups secure licenses the right way and build the confidence of investors just by being compliant."}},{"id":"cKfEKnRraw","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"So here is my opinion: Compliance isn’t just legal, but it’s credible. And in the beauty world, nothing is more beautiful than credibility."}}],"version":"2.31.0-rc.7"}