The Indian cosmetics industry 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 CDSCO cosmetics manufacturing license is mandatory to manufacture cosmetics products in India.
Starting a cosmetics manufacturing business in India in 2026 holds strong potential due to rising urbanization and increasing demand for premium and natural beauty products. The Indian cosmetics market is projected to grow rapidly, driven by younger consumers, e-commerce penetration, and global brand influence. Notably, regulatory frameworks under CDSCO are becoming more structured, which builds consumer trust and export readiness. Additionally, the growing preference for herbal, ayurvedic, and cruelty-free products offers opportunities for differentiation and niche positioning. Thus, India’s evolving consumer base, supportive policies, and global integration make cosmetics manufacturing in India a promising venture in 2026.
Indian cosmetics regulation
In India, cosmetics 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. Moreover, the Indian cosmetics regulation is also giving importance to the effect on wildlife as well as climate. Hence, regulatory norms have to keep evolving to keep up with the changes in the cosmetic industry. Therefore, to manufacture cosmetics in India you have to comply with the latest Indian cosmetics regulation as well as have the CDSCO cosmetics manufacturing license.
CDSCO cosmetics definition: 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 cosmetics.
CDSCO cosmetics manufacturing license
To manufacture cosmetics in India, you need to mandatorily secure the CDSCO cosmetics manufacturing license, which is granted on COS 8. The application for CDSCO license to manufacture cosmetics in India has to be filed on Form COS-5. The CDSCO license to manufacture cosmetics in India will be granted on COS-8.
Requirements for CDSCO cosmetics manufacturing license
Documents required for obtaining CDSCO cosmetics manufacturing license
We have listed the documents required for obtaining CDSCO COS-8 license.
- Premise ownership or rental agreement details
- Constitution of the firm, such as Certificate of Incorporation, partnership deed, UDYAM Aadhar, etc.
- Approved cosmetics plant layout
- List of machinery and equipment required
- 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.
- Consent letter from the competent technical staff
- Compliance with good manufacturing practices and requirements for cosmetics manufacturing facility
- List of cosmetics products along with their composition formulas
- Trademark Registration Certificate for the brand name
- An undertaking for compliance with the Cosmetic Rules
- Fee payment receipt
- Fire NOC
- Pollution NOC
We have provided an overview of the documents required for CDSCO cosmetics manufacturing 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 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:
- Diploma in Pharmacy approved by the Pharmacy Council of India under the Pharmacy Act, 1948
- Passed the Intermediate Examination with Chemistry or an examination recognised by the Licensing Authority as equivalent to it.
- A bachelor degree in Cosmetic Technology from a recognized university
Labelling guidelines for 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.
- In-house testing requirements: Staff, facilities, and laboratory equipment for testing cosmetics products are required or
- Outsourced testing requirements: NABL-accredited labs approved by Central Authority maybe used as outsourced facility for testing cosmetics products.
8-step guide to securing the CDSCO cosmetics manufacturing license in 2026
- Register on the CDSCO official online portal, SUGAM.
- Fill the CDSCO COS-8 license application form (Form COS-5)
- 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.
- Pay the required fee
- Submit the application. The regulatory authorities will review the application and verify the documents.
- 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.
- The CDSCO COS-8 license is granted within a period of 45 days subject to document verification.
- 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 cosmetics manufacturing 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.
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 can help you easily get CDSCO cosmetics manufacturing license
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. 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. Drop an email at [email protected] or call/Whatsapp on 9996859227 to easily get the CDSCO cosmetics manufacturing license.
FAQs
Do you need a license to manufacture cosmetics products in India?
Yes, you need to secure a CDSCO cosmetics manufacturing license to manufacture cosmetics in India.
Which regulation monitors cosmetics manufacturing in India?
Cosmetic Rules, 2020 monitors cosmetics manufacturing in India.
What is COS-8?
COS-8 is the CDSCO license for manufacturing cosmetics in India.
What is Form COS-5?
Form COS-5 is the form used to file an application for CDSCO cosmetics manufacturing license in India.
