Cosmetic Import Registration in India is required for businesses that intend to import cosmetic products into the Indian market. The import of cosmetics is regulated by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
Cosmetic products, along with their applicable pack sizes, variants and manufacturing premises, must be registered before import into India. The application is submitted online in Form COS-1, and the Import Registration Certificate is issued in Form COS-2 after the applicable requirements are fulfilled.
ELT Corporate provides end-to-end assistance with cosmetic import registration — product assessment, manufacturer authorisation, documentation, labelling review, COS-1 application preparation, CDSCO filing, regulatory queries and COS-2 registration support.
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COS-1 | Application for import registration | gold
COS-2 | Import Registration Certificate granted | orange
Central Licensing Authority | Grants the registration | blue
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Quick Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Application form | Form COS-1 |
| Certificate form | Form COS-2 |
| Issuing authority | Central Licensing Authority, CDSCO |
| Regulatory framework | Cosmetics Rules, 2020 |
| Filing route | SUGAM online portal |
| Timeline | Up to six months from application (Rule 13) |
| New cosmetic | Prior permission in Form COS-3 |
| Key documents | Manufacturer authorisation, Free Sale Certificate |
| Covers | Product, variants, pack sizes, manufacturing site |
What is Cosmetic Import Registration?
Cosmetic Import Registration is the CDSCO registration process required for importing eligible cosmetic products into India. Under Rule 12 of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, a cosmetic cannot be imported into India unless it has been registered in accordance with the applicable rules.
The application is submitted in Form COS-1 through the designated online government portal by the manufacturer, authorised agent, importer in India or an authorised Indian subsidiary, as applicable. After examination of the application and supporting documents, the Central Licensing Authority may grant the Import Registration Certificate in Form COS-2.
The registration process may involve information relating to:
- Cosmetic product details, category and variants
- Manufacturing premises and manufacturer information
- Indian authorised agent
- Pack sizes, ingredients and product specifications
- Testing methods and proposed labelling
- Packaging information
- Free Sale Certificate and manufacturer authorisation
- Safety and regulatory information
Who Needs Cosmetic Import Registration?
- Foreign cosmetic manufacturers
- Indian cosmetic importers and authorised Indian agents
- Indian subsidiaries of foreign manufacturers
- Cosmetic distribution companies
- Beauty and personal-care businesses
- International cosmetic brands entering India
- Companies importing finished cosmetic products
The specific registration route should be assessed according to the product, manufacturer, manufacturing site and intended import arrangement.
Who Issues the Cosmetic Import Registration?
The Central Licensing Authority under CDSCO regulates the import registration of cosmetics in India, through the Cosmetics Division at CDSCO Headquarters. The basic regulatory pathway is:
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Product assessment | Confirm the product falls within the applicable cosmetic definition and category.
COS-1 application | File the application with product and manufacturer information.
Document review | CDSCO examines the supporting documents.
Regulatory queries | Respond to observations or requests for clarification.
COS-2 certificate | The Import Registration Certificate is granted.
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Why is Cosmetic Import Registration Required?
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Lawful Import | Supports lawful import of cosmetics into the Indian market. | check
Regulatory Compliance | Helps establish compliance under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. | file
Formal Pathway | Provides a structured registration route for the product and site. | search
Documentation | Supports product, manufacturer and labelling documentation. | shield
Market Entry | A clear route for international brands entering India. | globe
Inspection Ready | Helps businesses prepare for regulatory scrutiny. | users
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Cosmetics imported into India must comply with the applicable quality and safety requirements under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
What Products are Covered?
A cosmetic is broadly defined as an article intended for application to the human body for purposes such as cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering appearance, including certain components of cosmetics. Depending on the product, registration may cover:
- Skin-care, facial-care and body-care products
- Hair-care products
- Make-up and nail-care products
- Personal-care products
- Fragrance products
- Oral-care cosmetic products
- Other products falling within the applicable cosmetic definition
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Send us the product details and our regulatory team will confirm the category and the applicable pathway.
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Cosmetic Import Registration Process
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Identify the product category | Assess the product against the applicable cosmetic definition and category.
Review the manufacturing site | Identify the foreign premises where the product is manufactured.
Appoint an authorised Indian agent | The authorisation must meet the applicable authentication requirements.
Prepare product documents | Name, ingredients, category, variants, pack sizes, specifications, testing methods and proposed labels.
Prepare manufacturer documents | Manufacturer details, site details, authorisation, Free Sale Certificate and regulatory documents.
Prepare the COS-1 application | Compile the application with all supporting documentation.
Submit the application | File online through the applicable CDSCO portal with the prescribed fee.
CDSCO scrutiny | The Central Licensing Authority examines the submission.
Respond to queries | Provide clarification and additional documents where sought.
Grant of COS-2 | The Import Registration Certificate is granted.
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Documents Required for Cosmetic Import Registration
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- Manufacturer and manufacturing-site details
- Manufacturer authorisation
- Free Sale Certificate
- Manufacturing and regulatory information
- Product-related declarations
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- Indian importer or authorised agent details
- Company or firm details and registered office information
- Authorisation documents
- Contact and import-related business information
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- Product name and category
- Complete ingredient list with percentages, where required
- Product specifications and testing methods
- Product variants and pack sizes
- Proposed labels and package inserts, where applicable
- Product photographs, where applicable
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Manufacturer Authorisation for Cosmetic Import
A manufacturer authorisation is an important part of the registration process and should identify:
- Foreign manufacturer name and manufacturing-site address
- Indian authorised agent
- Cosmetic product name and variants
- Manufacturing premises
- Applicable authorisation period
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The authorisation must meet specified authentication requirements — which may include authentication in India, authentication in the country of origin, Indian Embassy attestation or apostille, depending on the circumstances.
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Free Sale Certificate for Cosmetics
A Free Sale Certificate provides information supporting the status of the cosmetic product in the country of origin or market, as applicable. The FSC information should correspond with the products and manufacturing details included in the COS-1 application.
Cosmetic Labelling Requirements in India
The proposed label should be reviewed against the Cosmetics Rules, 2020 and other applicable Indian labelling requirements. Depending on the product, label information may include:
- Product name and manufacturer details
- Manufacturing details and batch information
- Net contents and ingredients
- Use-before information and directions for use
- Warnings or precautions, where applicable
- Importer details
- Other information required under applicable rules
Ingredients and Product Specifications
Ingredients and specifications should be documented before filing — ingredient names and percentages, product specifications, testing methods, formulation and package information, along with relevant safety information. Products should comply with the applicable Ninth Schedule standards or other applicable standards where relevant.
New Cosmetic Registration in India
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Under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, an applicant seeking to import a new cosmetic must obtain prior permission in Form COS-3 from the Central Licensing Authority before registration for import. Determine whether your product qualifies as a new cosmetic before preparing the application.
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Cosmetic Import Registration Fee
The fee is prescribed under the Third Schedule of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, and includes:
- US $1,000 or equivalent for grant or retention of registration for each category of cosmetic
- US $500 for registration of each manufacturing site
- US $50 for each variant
- US $1,000 for an additional category of cosmetic
The applicable fee should be verified against the current fee schedule before filing.
Cosmetic Import Registration Timeline
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6 months | Grant or rejection (Rule 13)
Form COS-1 | Application form
Form COS-2 | Registration certificate
SUGAM | Online filing route
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Under Rule 13, after examination of the documents, the Central Licensing Authority may grant the Import Registration Certificate in Form COS-2, or reject the application with recorded reasons, within six months from the date of application. Actual time also depends on documentation, manufacturer authorisation, the Free Sale Certificate, labelling and regulatory queries.
COS-1 vs COS-2
| COS-1 | COS-2 |
|---|---|
| Application form | Import Registration Certificate |
| Used to apply for cosmetic import registration | Issued after applicable requirements are fulfilled |
| Submitted by manufacturer, agent, importer or subsidiary | Granted by the Central Licensing Authority |
| Contains product and manufacturer information | Authorises the applicable import registration |
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COS-1 is the application, while COS-2 is the Import Registration Certificate.
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COS-2 vs COS-4A
| COS-2 | COS-4A |
|---|---|
| Import Registration Certificate | Import Registration Number |
| Used for registration of cosmetics for import | Used for importing a cosmetic already registered |
| Primary registration pathway | Subsequent importer pathway |
| Application generally through COS-1 | Application through COS-4 |
Rule 17 provides a separate mechanism for a person or entity to import a cosmetic that is already registered, using Form COS-4, with the corresponding import registration number issued in Form COS-4A.
Import Compliance After Registration
- Maintaining registered product details
- Using compliant labels
- Maintaining product records and product quality
- Maintaining manufacturer authorisation
- Following applicable import requirements
- Monitoring product variants and pack sizes
- Maintaining supporting regulatory documents
CDSCO has issued public notices concerning imported cosmetics sold in the domestic market without a valid Import Registration Certificate — which makes maintaining valid registration important.
Why Choose ELT Corporate?
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Product Assessment | Regulatory and category assessment for your cosmetic. | search
COS-1 Preparation | Application preparation and SUGAM filing assistance. | file
Manufacturer Documents | Authorisation and Free Sale Certificate support. | check
Labelling Support | Cosmetic labelling compliance review before filing. | shield
Variants and Sites | Pack size, variant and manufacturing-site documentation. | globe
After Registration | Query handling, new-cosmetic guidance and ongoing compliance. | clock
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Cosmetic Import Registration in India? | It is the CDSCO registration process required for eligible cosmetic products intended to be imported into India under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
What is COS-1? | COS-1 is the application form used to apply for an Import Registration Certificate for cosmetics intended to be imported into India.
What is COS-2? | COS-2 is the Import Registration Certificate issued after the applicable requirements for cosmetic import registration are fulfilled.
Who issues the COS-2 Registration Certificate? | The Central Licensing Authority under CDSCO grants the certificate for eligible imported cosmetics.
Who can apply for Cosmetic Import Registration? | The foreign manufacturer, its authorised agent in India, the importer in India or an authorised Indian subsidiary, as applicable under the Cosmetics Rules.
What documents are required? | Manufacturer authorisation, product details, ingredients, product specifications, testing methods, proposed labels, Free Sale Certificate and other documents prescribed under the rules and the CDSCO checklist.
Is a Free Sale Certificate required? | A Free Sale Certificate is among the supporting documents, and it should correspond with the product and manufacturer information submitted in the application.
Is COS-3 required for a new cosmetic? | Yes. An applicant intending to import a new cosmetic must obtain prior permission in Form COS-3 before registration for import.
How long does Cosmetic Import Registration take? | After examination of the documents, the Central Licensing Authority may grant or reject the application within six months from the date of application.
Can ELT Corporate help with Cosmetic Import Registration? | Yes. We assist with product assessment, COS-1 preparation, manufacturer authorisation, documentation, labelling review, CDSCO filing, queries and COS-2 support.
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Need Cosmetic Import Registration in India?
If you are planning to import cosmetic products into India, ELT Corporate can assist with the COS-1 application, manufacturer documentation, product information, labelling requirements, CDSCO filing, regulatory queries and the COS-2 Import Registration Certificate.
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Cosmetic requirements vary depending on the product, category, manufacturer, manufacturing site and whether the product qualifies as a new cosmetic. The applicable Cosmetics Rules and current CDSCO requirements should be checked before filing.
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Share your product and manufacturer details, and our regulatory team will guide you from COS-1 to COS-2.
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