Hair care products are in high demand in the Indian cosmetics industry. They have a vital role in Indian consumer’s beauty regimen. Easy access of consumers to global beauty trends is driving the hair care market. Notably, shampoo forms the crux of hair care products used by consumers. Hence, cosmetics companies, especially haircare product companies, considerably invest in manufacturing or importing shampoos. A wide range of shampoos having general or specific purposes is available in the market. Thus, CDSCO, the apex regulatory body for cosmetics, has formulated strict regulations for shampoos entering the Indian market. Therefore, shampoo manufacturers and importers must pay attention to the Indian regulations for shampoo. They must adhere to the guidelines for shampoo registration in India. Additionally, shampoo manufacturers and importers must secure the necessary permission and licenses for shampoo, prior to launching their product in India.

Types of shampoos available in the market

Shampoo is a basic and the most popular haircare product. It is used for cleaning the scalp and hair effectively. Shampoo is usually available as a thick liquid or solid, such as bar shampoo. It is used to clean excess sebum, dandruff, environmental dust, and product residue from the hair and scalp.

What are the different types of shampoo?

• Regular Shampoo: Regular shampoo is a daily-use shampoo mainly intended for those without particular hair needs. This shampoo is gentle and contains only a small amount of cleaning agents.
• Bar Shampoo: These are solid shampoo products having lower water content than conventional liquid shampoos.
• Protein Shampoo: These shampoos fortify damaged hair and give it a shiny and healthy appearance.
• Clarifying shampoo: These shampoos have a high percentage of sodium lauryl sulfate to help remove product buildup.
• Volumizing Shampoo: These shampoos are intendedto make your hair appear fuller and bouncier.
• Swimmers Shampoo: These shampoos are intended for eliminating chlorine odour and residue while replacing the moisture that has been lost.
• Dry Shampoos: These liquid, powder, and spray aerosol shampoos are used to revive hair in between washes.
• Curl Defining Shampoo: These shampoos are used to moisturize hair and enhance curl definition. Hydrolyzed proteins, amino acids, and hydrating ingredients constitute curl-defining shampoos.
• Colour-safe Shampoos: These shampoos contain ingredients that will not cause your hair dye to fade. These shampoos can maintain the moisture and hydration of your coloured hair. Moreover, they work well with all types of hair.
• Moisturising Shampoo: These shampoos have a high proportion of moisturizing components, such as silicones, oils, shea or cocoa butter, and aloe vera. They hydrate the hair and help stop it from drying.
• Natural or Organic Shampoos: These shampoos contain plant-based ingredients and are free of harsh chemicals, such as alcohol, sulfates, phthalates, silicones. Additionally, they do not contain synthetic preservatives, such as parabens and PEG.
• Anti-dandruff Shampoos: These shampoos fight dandruff and soothe itchy scalps. Additionally, they contain ketoconazole in their formulation to treat dandruff. Moreover, they may improve hair conditioning and reduce hair loss.

We have listed some of the commonly available shampoos in the market.

Shampoo registration in India: A detailed guide

Given the variety of products available and the demand for them, the shampoo market has considerable potential. Hair care and beauty product companies are exploiting the potential of this sector of the cosmetics industry. However, to enter the shampoo market, it is vital to understand the Indian regulations for shampoo. You need to secure a shampoo registration in India to market your products in the Indian cosmetics industry. Furthermore, it is vital to understand the CDSCO guidelines for manufacturing and importing shampoo in India.

Shampoo belongs to which CDSCO category of cosmetics products?

CDSCO has categorised cosmetics products into 80 families. As opposed to the CDSCO medical device classification system, which is based on the risk level, CDSCO cosmetics product classification is based on intended use. Notably, cosmetics products have been segment into different categories for the ease of CDSCO licensing and registration purpose. The CDSCO has released a list of cosmetics products. The column 3 of this list presents the 80 categories of cosmetics products. CDSCO has categorised shampoo into hair and scalp products under hair and scalp care and cleansing products segment.

Different types of licenses and their respective forms are required for shampoo registration in India. CDSCO is the license authority for manufacturing or importing shampoo in India. Shampoo manufacturers/ importers are mandatorily required to secure a CDSCO license to launch and sell their products in India. We have listed the licenses required for shampoo registration in India.

Licenses required for shampoo registration in India

• License for manufacturing shampoo in India: Cos-8 is the license to manufacture shampoo in India. An application to secure the license to manufacture shampoo in India has to be filed on form Cos-5. Additionally, necessary supporting documents along with a fee of INR 10,000 (ten items of each category are free) have to be submitted. The regulatory officials will review the application and verify the documents. Then, the CDSCO will grant the license and permission to manufacture shampoo in India under Cos-8.
• License for importing shampoo into India: Cos-2 is the license to import shampoo into India. An application to secure the license to import shampoo into India has to be filed on form Cos-1. Additionally, necessary supporting documents have to be submitted. Furthermore, a fee of USD 1000 for each category, USD 50 for each variant, and USD 500 for each manufacturing site will be required. The regulatory officials will review the application and verify the documents. Then, the CDSCO will grant the license and permission to import shampoo into India under Cos-2.
• Loan license application to manufacture cosmetics in India: Cosmetics manufacturers not having a manufacturing facility planning to utilise another manufacturer’s facility can apply for a CDSCO cosmetics loan license. This license will be granted only if the applicant will manufacture the same products as the “other manufacturer”. The application for CDSCO cosmetics loan license has to be filed under Cos-6. Upon submission of necessary documents as well payment of required fees, the license will be issued. The CDSCO will grant the cosmetics loan license under Cos-9.

All licenses for shampoo registration in India is valid for a period of 5 years.

What is the process of shampoo registration in India? Steps involved

1. Check whether the product can be classified as a “cosmetics” as per Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Check the CDSCO cosmetics product list for the product category.
2. Determine the license required (Cos-2, Cos-8, or Cos-9)
3. File the application accordingly (manufacturing or import license)
4. Submit the necessary supporting documents
5. Pay the required license application fees
6. The licensing authorities will review the application and evaluate the documents
7. If the authorities are satisfied with the application, they will grant the CDSCO license for shampoo registration in India. This CDSCO license will permit the manufacture/import of shampoo for sale and distribution in India.

We have provided an overview of the process of shampoo registration in India. For any assistance with filing the application or document preparation, feel free to contact us.

How can Pharmadocx Consultants help you with securing the shampoo registration in India?

Navigating the Indian regulations for shampoo is a tricky task. As a cosmetics company, it is not possible to stay abreast of the latest CDSCO cosmetics regulations. For securing the shampoo registration in India, you need to identify the type of CDSCO cosmetics license required. Then, you have to prepare and compile the necessary supporting documents as per guidelines. Next, you have to file the CDSCO cosmetics license application. Our team of experts will be more than happy to help you navigate the CDSCO license application process. Additionally, we can help you prepare and compile all the documents required for license application. With more than 27 years of experience, we have served more than 200 happy clients. Drop an email at [email protected] or call/Whatsapp on 9996859227 for any assistance with the CDSCO cosmetics license application.