Cosmetic Import License in India – COS 1 & COS 2 Registration by CDSCO
Cosmetic Import License in India: COS-1 and COS-2 Registration Made Easy
At AccordMed Consultants, we specialize in assisting importers with seamless cosmetic import license registration in India. Importing cosmetics into the country requires strict compliance with regulations set by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. Here’s everything you need to know about the Cosmetic Import Registration process and how we can help.
What is a Cosmetic?
As per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, a “cosmetic” is defined as:
“Any article intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, or introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body or any part thereof for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance, and includes any article intended for use as a component of cosmetic.”
This definition includes products like creams, lotions, shampoos, makeup, deodorants, perfumes, and other personal care items.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) is the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing and granting approvals for obtaining a cosmetic import license in India. CDSCO ensures that all imported cosmetics comply with safety, quality, and labeling standards as outlined in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
Application Process for cosmetic import license
To import cosmetic products into India, an application must be submitted online through the SUGAM portal. The application is filed in Form COS-1, and upon successful review of the documents and application, CDSCO issues an Import Registration Certificate (Form COS-2), essential for obtaining a cosmetic import license.
Without this certificate, no cosmetic products can be imported into India.
Documents Required for Cosmetic Import Authorization
- Cover Letter: Clearly mentioning the purpose of the application.
- Authorization Letter: From the manufacturer allowing the applicant to act on their behalf.
- Undertaking: Furnished by the manufacturer, authorized importer, distributor, or agent.
- List of Ingredients: With the percentage composition of each ingredient.
- Labels of Proposed Products: Including artwork and packaging.
- Specifications and Testing Methods: Detailed documentation of product testing.
- Pack Insert(s): Any additional product literature or inserts.
- Manufacturing License: Or an undertaking stating no provision for a manufacturing license in the country of origin.
- Free Sale Certificate: Certifying that the product is freely sold in the manufacturing country.
- Non-Animal Testing Declaration: Confirming compliance with India’s ban on animal-tested products.
- Heavy Metal & Hexachlorophene Declaration: Stating compliance with the permissible limits of heavy metals.
- Form COS-1 Application: Duly filled and submitted online.
- Prescribed Fee: As mandated by the regulatory authority.
Compliance Requirements
- No Animal Testing: Products tested on animals cannot be imported into India under a valid cosmetic import license.
- Restricted Ingredients: Products containing hexachlorophene or heavy metals (arsenic, lead, and mercury) are strictly prohibited in cosmetics registered under the COS-1 and COS-2 process.
Validity of Import Registration Certificate
- The import registration certificate issued in Form COS-2 is valid for 5 years. Importers must ensure timely renewal to maintain compliance.
List of Cosmetics as per Cosmetic Rules 2020:
1. Face care products
2. Face masks
3. Eye contour products
4. Lip care products
5. Hand care products
6. Foot care products
7. Body care products
8. External intimate care products
1. Chemical exfoliation products
2. Mechanical exfoliation products
3. Skin lightening products
4. Soap products
5. Bath/shower products
6. Make-up remover products
7. External intimate hygiene products
8. Other skin cleansing products
1. Hair conditioner
2. Scalp and hair root care products
3. Anti-hair loss products
4. Anti-dandruff products
5. Oxidative hair color products
6. Non-oxidative hair color products
7. Hair bleaching and dye remover products
1. Temporary hair styling products
2. Permanent wave products
3. Hair relaxer/straightener products
4. Hair sun protection products
1. Foundation
2. Concealer
3. Eye shadow
4. Eye pencil
5. Eye liner
6. Lipstick
7. Lipstick sealer
8. Other face and lip makeup products
1. Hydro-alcoholic perfumes
2. Non-hydro-alcoholic perfumes
1. Toothpaste
2. Tooth cleansing powder/salt
3. Mouthwash
4. Breath spray
5. Tooth whiteners
6. Other oral hygiene products
1. Shaving products
2. Pre-/after-shaving products
3. Other shaving and pre-/after-shaving products
1. Body or face paint
2. Sun protection products
3. Self-tanning products
4. Other skin products
1. Nail varnish
2. Nail varnish remover
3. Nail care products
4. Nail glue remover
5. Cuticle remover
6. Nail sculpting products
How AccordMed Consultants Can Help:
At AccordMed Consultants, we provide comprehensive support to navigate the cosmetic import license and registration process.
- Documentation Preparation & Review
- Submission of Form COS-1 on the SUGAM Portal
- Assistance with Compliance Declarations
- End-to-End Coordination with CDSCO
- Ensuring Timely Registration & Renewals
Contact us today to ensure your cosmetic products meet all regulatory requirements and gain smooth access to the Indian market.
Cosmetic Import License in India – COS 1 & COS 2 Registration by CDSCO
Get expert support for CDSCO cosmetic registration. Contact us for a free consultation call today!
Frequently Asked Questions
To import cosmetic products into India, you need to submit an application online through the SUGAM portal to obtain a valid license.
The time required to receive the Import Registration Certificate can vary depending on the completeness of the application and the documentation provided. Typically, the process takes several weeks to a couple of months.
You will need to submit the following documents:
- Cover letter, authorization letter, and undertaking
- Ingredient list with percentage composition
- Product labels and packaging artwork
- Specifications and testing methods
- Manufacturing license or a declaration
- Free Sale Certificate from the country of origin
- Non-animal testing declaration
- Heavy metal and hexachlorophene declaration
- Prescribed application fee
- Form COS-1 application
The Import Registration Certificate issued by the Central Licensing Authority is valid for 5 years. You must ensure to renew it before the expiration date to continue importing cosmetic products without interruption.
Yes, certain ingredients like hexachlorophene and heavy metals (arsenic, lead, and mercury) are strictly prohibited. Additionally, cosmetic products tested on animals cannot be imported into India.
Yes, if the country of origin does not require a manufacturing license, you can submit an undertaking instead. However, you will still need to provide other required documentation, such as a Free Sale Certificate and ingredients list.
AccordMed Consultants offers end-to-end support, including:
- Preparation and review of documentation
- Submission of Form COS-1 on the SUGAM portal
- Assistance with compliance declarations
- Coordination with the licensing authority
- Timely registration and renewal services
The fees for applying for cosmetic import registration are prescribed by the regulatory authority. The exact fee amount will depend on the specific product and its classification. Please contact us for more details regarding the fee structure.
By partnering with AccordMed Consultants, you can rest assured that your products will meet all regulatory standards. We help you navigate the entire registration process, ensuring full compliance with the Indian authorities.
You can get in touch with us by visiting our contact page or calling our office directly. We are happy to assist you with all your cosmetic import registration needs.
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