Cosmetics are in high demand in India. Moreover, a significant portion of the Indian consumer base prefers imported cosmetic. Out of the many countries from which cosmetic products are imported into India, UK is one of the popular hotspots. For the safety of the consumers using imported cosmetics, these products have to be strictly regulated. Poor quality cosmetics can have adverse effects, which can lead to serious consequences. Thus, the quality and safety of imported cosmetics have to be strictly regulated for protection of public health. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) regulates all cosmetics in India and oversees the process of importing cosmetics into India. Additionally, imported cosmetics are regulated under the provisions of the Drugs & Cosmetic Act 1940. In this blog, we will focus on the process and documents required to import cosmetics from UK into India.

Furthermore, in this blog, we will touch upon the cosmetics import regulations and certain restrictions that are applicable. The cosmetics industry has to be heavily regulated to protect its consumers.

CDSCO regulations for importing cosmetics from UK into India

CDSCO heavily regulates the procedure to import cosmetics from UK into India. As of 1^st April, 2013, all cosmetics imported into India will have to be registered with the CDSCO. Notably, the Gazette Notification G.S.R 426(E) has highlighted the registration of imported cosmetics with CDSCO is compulsory.

Furthermore, CDSCO has issued guidelines for registering imported cosmetics from UK. The registration of imported cosmetic products has to be done under Rule 21. For ease of application for cosmetics import license, CDSCO are categorised cosmetics into approximately 80 product families. Furthermore, the CDSCO has issued “Guidelines to Registration of Imported Cosmetics”. The Column 3 of the guidelines present the categories of cosmetic products.

Cosmetics import license

To import cosmetics from UK into India, you need to apply for import registration certificate. Under Rule 21 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, application for the imported cosmetics registration has to be filed under COS-1. The license to sell and distribute imported cosmetics in India is granted under COS-2.

List of supporting documents required to import cosmetics from UK into India

We have provided an overview of the documents:

• Application in Form COS-1
• Cover letter clearly stating the purpose of the application
• Duly authenticated authorisation letter from the cosmetics manufacturer
• List of ingredients in the cosmetic product along with their percentage contents
• Labels of proposed cosmetic products
• Pack inserts
• Filled in Part-I of second schedule D
• Fee receipt
• Specifications and testing methods
• Duly authenticated free sale certificate
• Declaration of non-animal testing
• Declaration mentioning the heavy metal and hexachlorophene content level

We have listed some of the documents required for importing cosmetic from UK into India. For a detailed checklist of documents required, feel free to get in touch with us. Additionally, we will help you prepare and collate the documents required to import cosmetics from UK into India.

Cosmetic product labelling requirements to import cosmetics from UK into India

To import cosmetics from UK into India, it is vital to understand the Indian cosmetics labelling regulatory requirements. The labels or regulatory artworks of the cosmetics are a part of the required documents to be submitted to CDSCO for grant of license and registration. Thus, the Drugs & Cosmetics Act has laid down strict and clear guidelines for product labels. Additionally, it has provided guidelines for packaging for overseas brands and importers. Thus, stringent guidelines and regulations are in place for labelling cosmetics. These regulations have to be followed for customs clearance. Furthermore, compliance with Indian cosmetics labelling requirements is required to market your product in online and offline marketplaces per CDSCO guidelines.

• To import cosmetics from UK into India, all the products need to comply with the Indian cosmetics labelling requirements. Additionally, some cosmetics labelling requirements are also mentioned in the Indian standards, such as BIS for cosmetics products.
• All cosmetics product labels need to adhere to Rule 129-H along with Part XV of Drugs and cosmetics Rules, 1945.
• The original product labels need to be submitted to the CDSCO while applying for the import registration certificate. However, applicants maybe allowed to submit a copy of the original label, only if it mentions all the necessary details.
• In case the product contains any possibly hazardous materials, the inner labels must mention the proper direction for safe usage of the cosmetics. Additionally, all necessary warnings and any precautions needed to be taken by the consumers have to be mentioned.
• If the packaging contains only one label, then the label must provide all necessary information that would otherwise be mentioned on the inner and outer labels of the product.

Note:

When importing registered products, India-specific requirements can be incorporated into the label after arrival in India at a customs warehouse or place approved by the CDSCO. This has to be done prior to release of the product into the Indian market.

Procedure to import cosmetics from UK into India

To import cosmetics from UK into India, you need to file for an import registration certificate. As per Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, the import of cosmetics from UK into India is regulated by the Central Licensing Authority (CLA). Furthermore, the CLA grants the import registration certificate. The importer of cosmetic products, manufacturer themselves, or an authorized agent can apply for import registration certificate.

1. Sign up/ Login the CDSCO online portal to register.
2. All the necessary supporting documents have to be uploaded on the online registration portal.
3. The application will be reviewed by the regulatory officials. Additionally, the submitted documents will be verified for regulatory compliance.
4. After the application is successfully verified, it will be approved. The approval letter for satisfactory application will be posted on the applicant’s SUGAM dashboard online.

Certain restrictions on importing cosmetics from UK into India

There are some restrictions on importing cosmetics from UK into India:

• Any cosmetics whose manufacture or development has involved animal testing at any point after 12^th November 2014 cannot be imported into India.
• Cosmetics with straight-up false claims cannot be imported into India.
• Cosmetics cannot be imported into India from the UK, if the product is not registered per the rules set by the CLA.
• Lastly, cosmetics cannot be imported into India from the UK, unless they comply with the specifications mentioned in the Ninth Schedule.

Validity of the import registration certificate

The import registration certificate will remain valid for 3 years from the date of issue, unless cancelled or suspended. Notably, a fresh registration will be required for any changes associated with the manufacturer or importer. The changes are modification in the product constitution and change in name, address of the manufacturer or importer.

Pharmadocx Consultants: Your trusted supporters for importing cosmetics from UK

Are you are planning to import cosmetics from UK into India? Well, you have landed in the right place. Our team will provide all the support required to import cosmetics into India. We have extensive knowledge of the CDSCO cosmetics import regulations and guidelines. We will leverage our regulatory expertise to help you import cosmetics products from UK to India in a hassle-free manner. From document preparationcompilation to import registration certificate application, we provide a comprehensive cosmetics import regulatory service. Additionally, we provide Indian authorized agent service. For a seamless cosmetics import regulatory journey, drop an email at [email protected] or call/Whatsapp on 9996859227. We will be more than happy to help you secure your CDSCO import registration certificate.