India is a potential market for cosmetics and beauty products. With the increase in disposable income, people are spending considerably on cosmetic products. Thus, the beauty industry in India is booming. Market experts have predicted a bright future for the Indian cosmetics industry in the next 5 to 10 years. Notably, all cosmetics and beauty products entering the Indian market are heavily regulated for the safety of Indian consumers. The Indian cosmetics regulations are governed by Cosmetic Rules, 2020. Securing cosmetics manufacturing license (CDSCO COS-8 license) is mandatory to manufacture cosmetics products in India. The regulations for cosmetics products in India are constantly evolving from time to time.

Cosmetics in India are rigorously regulated. The cosmetic industry is influenced by various factors, such as new technologies, formulations, and raw materials. Furthermore, there have been advances in manufacturing practises and testing process. Effect on wildlife as well as climate is also being given importance. Hence, regulatory norms have to keep evolving to keep up with the changes in the cosmetic industry. Therefore, the Indian cosmetic regulations are constantly being updated. Thus, as cosmetics manufacturers, it is not possible to constantly stay abreast of the latest guidelines for securing the cosmetics manufacturing license. Therefore, we at Pharmadocx Consultants have designed our cosmetics regulatory support service to cover the extensive requirements of the Indian cosmetics regulations. Cosmetics manufacturers can easily launch their products in the Indian markets by availing our regulatory service.

With over 27 years of experience in this industry, we have served more than 200 happy clients. Additionally, we have helped establish over 100 cosmetics factories. With our support, you can easily secure the CDSCO COS-8 license for manufacturing cosmetics in India.

What does the term “cosmetics” indicate?

First, let us understand the definition of the term “cosmetics” and what is included under this umbrella term. Cosmetic is defined as any article intended to be sprinkled, rubbed, poured, sprayed, introduced into, or applied on the human body for cleansing, beautifying, or increasing attractiveness. Additionally, it can be used to change appearances. The definition also includes any article that will be used as a component of cosmetic.

Do you need a license to manufacture cosmetics products in India?

Yes, you need to secure a cosmetics manufacturing license to manufacture cosmetics in India. As per Cosmetic Rules, 2020, you need to mandatorily secure the CDSCO COS-8 license to manufacture cosmetics for sale and distribution in India.

Indian cosmetics regulations: CDSCO COS-8 license for manufacturing cosmetics in India

We will present in details the various regulations, specifications, and licenses required for manufacturing cosmetics in India.

What is CDSCO COS-8 license?

CDSCO COS-8 license is a mandatory requirement to legally manufacture and sell cosmetics in India. Although securing the COS 8 license is a mandatory regulatory requirement, it is beneficial for manufacturers as well. Having a COS 8 license for manufacturing cosmetics demonstrates your products meet safety and quality benchmark. Thus, this will increase consumer trust in your products.

Documents required for CDSCO COS-8 license (cosmetics manufacturing license)

We have listed the documents required for obtaining CDSCO COS-8 license.

1. Premise ownership or rental agreement details
2. Constitution of the firm, such as Certificate of Incorporation, partnership deed, UDYAM Aadhar, etc.
3. Approved cosmetics plant layout
4. List of machinery and equipment required
5. Details of the competent technical staff to be employed for manufacturing and testing cosmetics products. Furthermore, copies of the educational qualifications and experience certificates of the staff have to be furnished.
6. Consent letter from the competent technical staff
7. Compliance with good manufacturing practices and requirements for cosmetics manufacturing facility
8. List of cosmetics products along with their composition formulas
9. Trademark Registration Certificate for the brand name
10. An undertaking for compliance with the Cosmetic Rules
11. Fee payment receipt
12. Fire NOC
13. Pollution NOC

We have provided an overview of the documents required for CDSCO COS-8 license application. For a detailed list of documents, feel free to reach out to us. Additionally, we provide document preparation service. Our team will prepare and compile the necessary documents per CDSCO requirements.

Technical staff required for obtaining cosmetics manufacturing license (CDSCO COS-8 license)

Full-time qualified manufacturing technical staff will be required for manufacturing cosmetics products. The technical staff is required to have any one of the following qualifications:

1. Diploma in Pharmacy approved by the Pharmacy Council of India under the Pharmacy Act, 1948
2. Passed the Intermediate Examination with Chemistry or an examination recognised by the Licensing Authority as equivalent to it.
3. A bachelor degree in Cosmetic Technology from a recognized university

A step-by-step guide to securing the CDSCO COS-8 license

1. Register on the CDSCO official online portal
2. Fill the CDSCO COS-8 license application form (Form COS-5)
3. Prepare and compile all the necessary supporting documents. Ensure the documents are prepared as per the guidelines specified in Part II of the Second Schedule of Cosmetic Rules.
4. Pay the required fee
5. Submit the application. The regulatory authorities will review the application and verify the documents.
6. The officials may visit the manufacturing facility for site inspection within 30 days of the application. Moreover, it is important to be prepared for site audit for compliance with good manufacturing practices.
7. The CDSCO COS-8 license is granted within a period of 45 days subject to document verification.
8. Upload a copy of the COS 8 license on the CDSCO website for transparency and public record.

Who issues the cosmetics manufacturing license?

The State Licensing Authority (SLA) issues the cosmetics manufacturing license in India. The SLA grants the CDSCO COS-8 license to manufacture all categories of cosmetic products for sale or distribution. Furthermore, the SLA is responsible for renewing licenses for manufacturing cosmetics in India. This is applicable for all states and union territories in India. Additionally, it grants approval to laboratories which apply for permission for testing cosmetics and their raw materials.

Labelling ​guidelines for securing CDSCO cosmetics manufacturing license

The labels or regulatory artworks of the cosmetics are a part of the necessary supporting documents to be submitted to CDSCO for grant of cosmetics manufacturing license. Thus, the Drugs & Cosmetics Act has laid down strict and clear guidelines for product label and packaging. These regulations have to be followed to market your products in online and offline marketplaces per CDSCO guidelines. Hence, it is vital to understand the Indian cosmetics labelling regulatory requirements.

Cosmetic testing requirements

The cosmetics manufacturer is required to comply with the cosmetics product testing requirements.

1. In-house testing requirements: Staff, facilities, and laboratory equipment for testing cosmetics products are required or
2. Outsourced testing requirements: NABL-accredited labs approved by Central Authority maybe used as outsourced facility for testing cosmetics products.

What is the validity of the CDSCO COS-8 license?

The CDSCO COS-8 license is valid indefinitely unless suspended or cancelled by the authorities. Furthermore, the license retention fee has to be paid every 5 years to maintain the license validity.

Pharmadocx Consultants: Your trusted ally for cosmetics regulatory requirements

By availing our cosmetics regulatory support service, your CDSCO cosmetics registration and license application will be a hassle-free process. We have in-depth knowledge of the requirements for securing CDSCO COS-8 license. Our team of experts always stays abreast of the latest Indian cosmetics regulations. We customise our regulatory service according to customer’s needs and expectations. With years of regulatory experience, we will be your trusted ally during the cosmetics manufacturing license application process. Drop an email at [email protected] or call/Whatsapp on 9996859227 to get started.