COS-4 / COS-4A Import Registration is the regulatory process that applies when a person or entity wants to import into India a cosmetic manufactured at a foreign site that is already registered for import and sale in India.
Under Rule 17 of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, the importer applies online in Form COS-4 with the required undertaking. After examination of the application and documents, the Central Licensing Authority may grant the Import Registration Number in Form COS-4A.
ELT Corporate assists importers with understanding the COS-4 / COS-4A requirements, preparing documentation and reviewing the application before submission.
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COS-4 | Application for the import registration number | gold
COS-4A | Import Registration Number granted | orange
Central Licensing Authority | Grants the number | blue
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Quick Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Application form | Form COS-4 |
| Registration form | Form COS-4A |
| Legal basis | Rule 17, Cosmetics Rules, 2020 |
| Issuing authority | Central Licensing Authority, CDSCO |
| Applies to | Cosmetics already registered for import and sale |
| Validity | Three years from the date of issue |
| Key undertaking | As specified in the Sixth Schedule |
| Also required | IEC and GSTIN details |
Why is COS-4 / COS-4A Registration Important?
Cosmetics imported into India are subject to regulatory requirements under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. Cosmetics imported into India must be registered under the applicable rules, and import is regulated through the Central Licensing Authority.
For an importer seeking registration for an already registered cosmetic, the COS-4 process establishes the required Import Registration Number in Form COS-4A. Proper preparation helps businesses address:
- Application requirements and importer information
- Foreign manufacturer details
- Product details and pack sizes
- Registration Certificate information
- Product labels and ingredient information
- IEC and GSTIN details
- The required undertaking and supporting documents
Who Can Apply for COS-4 / COS-4A?
- Cosmetic importers and Indian cosmetic companies
- Foreign cosmetic companies with Indian import arrangements
- Beauty product businesses
- Skincare, hair-care and personal-care product importers
- Private-label cosmetic businesses
- E-commerce cosmetic businesses
- Distributors and businesses involved in cosmetic imports
The applicant should assess the product and its existing registration status before proceeding with the COS-4 application.
What is the Difference Between COS-4 and COS-4A?
| COS-4 | COS-4A |
|---|---|
| Application form | Import Registration Number |
| Used to apply for the import registration number | Granted after examination of the application and documents |
| Submitted by the importer | Granted by the Central Licensing Authority |
| Contains importer, product, manufacturer and pack-size details | Subject to the applicable conditions |
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COS-4 is the application, while COS-4A is the Import Registration Number.
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COS-4 vs COS-1 Pathway
| COS-1 / COS-2 | COS-4 / COS-4A |
|---|---|
| Primary import registration of the cosmetic | Import of a cosmetic already registered |
| Import Registration Certificate in COS-2 | Import Registration Number in COS-4A |
| Product, variants, pack sizes and site registered | Relies on the existing Registration Certificate |
| Rule 12 and Rule 13 pathway | Rule 17 pathway |
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Send us the product and its existing registration details — we will confirm whether COS-1 or COS-4 is the right route.
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COS-4 / COS-4A Import Registration Process
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Product and registration assessment | Understand the product and verify the relevant existing registration information.
Importer assessment | Review importer information and applicable business details.
Document collection | Collect and organise the product, manufacturer and importer documents.
COS-4 application preparation | Prepare the required information for submission in Form COS-4.
Supporting document review | Check documents and information for consistency before submission.
Online submission | File the application through the applicable CDSCO online system.
Regulatory query support | Prepare responses and supporting information for any clarification sought.
Grant of COS-4A | The Import Registration Number is granted after examination.
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Documents Required for COS-4 / COS-4A
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- Covering letter
- Form COS-4 application
- Undertaking as specified in the Sixth Schedule
- IEC details
- GSTIN details
- Copy or image of the product label
- Manufacturer name
- Ingredient information
- Relevant existing Registration Certificate information
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Depending on the specific application, additional information or documents may be required. ELT Corporate can help organise the documentation according to the applicable requirements.
Product Details Required for COS-4
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- Cosmetic name
- Foreign manufacturer name and address
- Pack size
- Existing Registration Certificate number
- Product label
- Ingredient information
- Importer details
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The information submitted should be consistent with the relevant regulatory documents and the product packaging.
COS-4 / COS-4A for Imported Cosmetics
Cosmetics are regulated through registration by the Central Licensing Authority, and products, pack sizes, variants and manufacturing premises are subject to registration requirements before import, as applicable. Businesses should therefore assess the product’s existing registration and import status before bringing the product into India.
COS-4A Validity
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3 years | Validity from date of issue
Form COS-4 | Application form
Form COS-4A | Import Registration Number
Rule 17 | Legal basis
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Under Rule 17 of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, an Import Registration Number granted in Form COS-4A remains valid for three years from the date of issue, unless suspended or cancelled. The holder must also comply with the conditions associated with the Import Registration Number.
Compliance After Registration
Obtaining the Import Registration Number is not the end of regulatory responsibility. Importers should continue to pay attention to:
- Product information and imported quantities
- Product labels
- Manufacturer and importer details
- Registration conditions
- Regulatory changes and product-specific requirements
- Required regulatory reporting
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CDSCO has issued a circular concerning details of cosmetics imported annually under the conditions of the Import Registration Number in Form COS-4A.
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Common COS-4 / COS-4A Mistakes
- Incorrect importer information
- Inconsistent manufacturer details
- Incorrect product information
- Missing Registration Certificate details
- Incomplete product labels
- Missing IEC or GSTIN information
- Incomplete undertaking
- Incorrect pack-size information
- Inconsistent ingredient information
- Missing supporting documents
- Submitting information that does not match existing regulatory records
A document review before submission helps identify such issues early.
How ELT Corporate Helps
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Eligibility Check | COS-4 eligibility and existing product registration review. | search
Application Support | COS-4 preparation and online submission assistance. | file
Manufacturer Documents | Foreign manufacturer document review. | globe
Label and Ingredients | Product label and ingredient information review. | shield
IEC and GSTIN | Importer document review before filing. | users
After COS-4A | Query support and post-registration compliance guidance. | clock
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is COS-4? | COS-4 is the application form used for obtaining an Import Registration Number for importing cosmetics that are already registered for import and sale in India.
What is COS-4A? | COS-4A is the form in which the Import Registration Number is granted by the Central Licensing Authority after examination of the COS-4 application and supporting documents.
What is the difference between COS-4 and COS-4A? | COS-4 is the application, while COS-4A is the Import Registration Number granted after the applicable regulatory examination.
Who needs COS-4 / COS-4A? | Businesses intending to import an already registered cosmetic into India may need the applicable Import Registration Number under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
Is COS-4A required for importing cosmetics into India? | The applicable registration requirements must be assessed before import — cosmetics cannot be imported into India unless registered under the applicable rules.
How long is COS-4A valid? | An Import Registration Number granted in Form COS-4A is valid for three years from its date of issue, unless suspended or cancelled.
What documents are required for COS-4? | The CDSCO checklist includes the COS-4 application, Sixth Schedule undertaking, IEC and GSTIN details, product label information and other applicable documents.
Can ELT Corporate help with COS-4 application preparation? | Yes. We assist with application information, document review, product details and regulatory preparation for the COS-4 process.
Can foreign cosmetic companies obtain COS-4A directly? | The appropriate applicant and regulatory arrangement should be assessed based on the specific import structure and applicable requirements.
Can ELT Corporate help after COS-4A registration? | Yes. We provide ongoing regulatory support relating to documentation, compliance requirements and post-registration matters.
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Need COS-4 / COS-4A Import Registration?
Form COS-4 is used for the application, while the Import Registration Number is granted in Form COS-4A after examination by the Central Licensing Authority. Ensure that importer details, product information, manufacturer details, labels and supporting documents are properly prepared and consistent before submission.
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CDSCO’s Cosmetics Rules, 2020 and its COS-4 checklist should be checked for the requirements applicable at the time of filing.
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[cdsv_promo label=”COS-4 / COS-4A Import Registration” title=”Get professional assistance today” btn=”Book Your Consultation”]
Share your product and existing registration details, and our team will prepare the COS-4 application end to end.
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