Lipstick is a staple cosmetic product. The demand for imported lipstick in India is on a steep rise. Increase in disposable incomes, influence of beauty trends driven by social media, and expanding e-commerce footprint are driving the growth. Furthermore, a significant portion of the Indian consumer base prefers imported lipsticks. With high demand for imported lipstick in India, there are chances of spurious products entering the market. Hence, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) monitors and regulates all cosmetics products being imported into India. Thus, for importing lipsticks into India, you have to mandatorily secure the CDSCO cosmetics import license. Hence, we have prepared this detailed guide to help you easily secure the CDSCO import license for lipsticks in India.
Indian imported lipstick market
The Indian lipstick market is projected to witness a CAGR of 9.55% from 2025 to 2032. It is expected to grow from approximately USD 629.42 million in the year 2024 to approximately USD 1305.69 million in the year 2032. Matte finish, hydrating formulas, eco-friendly packaging, and cruelty-free alternatives are some of the latest trends in the Indian imported lipstick market. Factors fuelling the Indian imported lipstick market growth are as follows:
- Variety offered by imported products: Quality ingredients and wide range of shades are offered by imported brands. Additionally, imported lipsticks often reflect global beauty trends. Furthermore, imported lipstick is appealing for those seeking unique and hard-to-find products. Hence, customers tend to prefer imported products over local brands.
- E-commerce growth: Online e-com platforms have made it easier for consumers to purchase a wider variety of imported lipsticks. This is fuelling the demand for imported lipsticks in India.
- Expanding middle class with increased disposable income: Expanding middle class in India, with increasing purchasing power, is a key driver of demand for various imported cosmetics products.
Therefore, the Indian imported lipstick market has a bright future, thereby making it a lucrative sector for cosmetics importers.
License required to import lipstick into India
To import lipsticks into India, you need to apply for the CDSCO cosmetics import license (import registration certificate).
- COS-1: The application for the imported cosmetics registration has to be filed under COS-1.
- COS-2: CDSCO grants the license to sell and distribute imported license in India under COS-2.
List of supporting documents required to secure CDSCO import license for lipsticks
We have provided an overview of the documents required.
- Cover letter clearly stating the purpose of the application
- Application in Form COS-1
- Duly authenticated authorisation letter from the cosmetics manufacturer
- List of ingredients in the cosmetic product along with their percentage contents
- Product formulation and the certificate of analysis
- Labels of proposed cosmetic products
- Filled in Part-I of second schedule D
- Fee receipt
- Specifications and testing methods
- Duly authenticated free sale certificate
- Declaration of non-animal testing
- Heavy metal declaration
- Pack inserts
We have listed some of the documents required for securing the CDSCO import license for lipsticks. For a detailed checklist of documents required, feel free to get in touch with us. Additionally, we will help you prepare and collate all the documents required for securing the license to import lipsticks into India.
Who can apply for the COS-2 license?
The manufacturer himself, his authorised agent, importer, or subsidiary in India authorised by the manufacturer can apply for the COS-2 license.
How to import lipsticks into India?
CDSCO has laid down stringent regulations for importing cosmetics, including lipsticks, into India. Furthermore, guidelines are in place for labelling cosmetics products and imported cosmetics will have to abide by the Indian cosmetics labelling guidelines. Thus, you need to ensure your lipsticks being imported and supporting documents required all comply with the guidelines for importing cosmetics products.
Furthermore, cosmetic products have been roughly segmented into 80 categories, skin care, oral hygiene, hair care, and nail care products, etc. The classification is based mainly on the intended use of the product and the region where the product will be applied. Accordingly, regulatory guidelines for import and registration of cosmetics have been formulated. Thus, for registering your cosmetics product in India, you need to ensure the product is identified under the right category, with the right components. The imported product should comply with the guidelines for the registered category of your product.
Hence, to import lipsticks into India, you have to mandatorily secure the CDSCO import license for lipsticks.
How to secure CDSCO import license for lipsticks? Step-by-step guide
To import lipsticks into India, you need to file for an import registration certificate. As per Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, cosmetics imported into India is regulated by the Central Licensing Authority (CLA). Furthermore, the CLA grants the import registration certificate. The importer of the lipsticks, manufacturer themselves, or an authorized agent can apply for the cosmetics import registration certificate to legally import their products.
- Sign up/ Login on the CDSCO online portal, SUGAM, to register.
- The application for the imported lipstick registration has to be filed under COS-1. Details regarding the cosmetics manufacturing premise, lipstick description, brand name, pack size and their variants, etc. have to filled in the application form.
- All the necessary supporting documents have to be uploaded along with the duly signed and stamped COS-1 application on the online registration portal.
- Application fee challan along with the details of the importer has to be submitted.
- The cosmetics import license application will be reviewed by the regulatory officials. Additionally, the submitted documents will be verified for regulatory compliance.
- After the application is successfully verified, it will be approved. The approval letter for satisfactory application will be posted on the applicant’s online SUGAM dashboard.
- The license to sell and distribute imported lipsticks in India will be granted under COS-2, which isalso known as Import Registration Certificate.
Timeline for COS-2 license approval
The timeline for COS-2 license approval is 180 working days according to the new Cosmetic Rules, 2020.
COS-2 license application fees
To apply for the import registration certificate, you need to pay the COS-2 license application fees. A fee of 1000 USD per category, 50 USD per variants, and 500 USD per manufacturing site is charged.
Cosmetics import license validity
The COS-2 license is valid for five years.
8 Pro tips for easily securing CDSCO import license for lipsticks
- The lipstick label should not contain any non-cosmetic claims
- 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.
- Categorization of the cosmetic products must be as per their intended use
- Ensure product-related details are consistent across all the documents
- Ensure consistency in the product names and names and addresses of manufacturers and importers across all documents
- Ensure specifications of the cosmetic product are per the ninth schedule mentioned in BIS
- Check validity of all legal documents
- Ensure all documentation are in English
Pharmadocx Consultants: Your trusted ally for easily importing lipstick into India
We are experts at navigating the complexities of import registration certificate application and Indian market entry. Our team will be your reliable partner in India and will help you flourish in the dynamic Indian cosmetics market. We will shoulder all import responsibilities, thereby ensuring compliance with the stringent provisions of the Indian cosmetics import regulations. From document preparation, compilation to import registration certificate application, we provide a comprehensive cosmetics import regulatory service. Moreover, our support does not end with license application. We will continue to support you till you successfully secure your CDSCO import license for lipsticks. Email at [email protected] or call/Whatsapp on 9996859227 and we will help you easily import lipsticks into India without any regulatory hassle.
