Cosmetics Import License India: COS-1 COS-2 License Application

A significant portion of the Indian consumer base prefers imported cosmetics. For the safety of the consumers using imported cosmetics, they have to be strictly regulated. Poor quality cosmetics can have adverse effects, which can lead to serious consequences. Thus, the quality and safety of cosmetics imported into India have to be strictly regulated for protecting public health. Hence, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) oversees the process of importing cosmetics into India. Furthermore, it has laid down strict regulations for cosmetics imported into India. The Pharmadocx Consultants team will help you easily import cosmetics into India. We will help you prepare the documents and apply using the correct form. Additionally, we can help you with product analysis, compliance, and categorization. Our team will ensure you have an easy and successful CDSCO cosmetics registration journey.

License Required to Import Cosmetics into India

 

To import cosmetics into India, you need to apply for the 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 cosmetics in India under COS-2.

List of Supporting Documents Required to Import Cosmetics into India

 

We have provided an overview of the documents:

  • 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
  • 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
  • Heavy metal declaration
  • Product formulation and the certificate of analysis

We have listed some of the documents required for importing cosmetic 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 all the documents required for cosmetics imported into India.

Pro tips for cosmetics import license application

  • Ensure consistency in the product names and names and addresses of manufacturers and importers across all documents
  • Check validity of all legal documents
  • Ensure all documentation are in English
  • Ensure specifications of the cosmetic product are per the ninth schedule mentioned in BIS

 

Cosmetics Product Categorization, Analysis, and Compliance

For registering your cosmetics product in India, you need to ensure the product is identified under the right category, with the right components. Additionally, it has to comply with all applicable regulations.

  • Product categorization: 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, it is vital to identify your product under the right category.
  • Product and ingredient analysis: The content of your cosmetics product needs to comply with the Bureau of Indian Standards and Drugs & Cosmetic Rules, 1945 guidelines. Furthermore, specific guidelines are in place for inner and outer labelling as well as product ingredients and colouring. Moreover, the product itself and its ingredients have to abide by the Indian cosmetics regulation. Thus, you need to properly analyse your product and its ingredients for compliance with Indian cosmetics guidelines.
Import cosmetics into India
  • Compliance: CDSCO has laid down stringent regulations to import cosmetics into India. Furthermore, guidelines are in place for labelling cosmetics products. Thus, you need to ensure your cosmetics product to be imported and documents required should comply with the guidelines as per the registered category of your product. 

 

Our team will guide you through the cosmetics product categorization, analysis, and compliance procedure. We will help you have a smooth and easy cosmetics import license application journey.

 

Cosmetic Product Labelling Requirements to Import Cosmetics into India

 

To import cosmetics 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 cosmetics import registration certificate.

 

  • In case the cosmetics 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • All the products need to comply with the Indian cosmetics labelling requirements and guidelines mentioned in BIS for cosmetics products.

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 into India

To import cosmetics 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 cosmetic products, manufacturer themselves, or an authorized agent can apply for cosmetics import registration certificate.

  1. Sign up/ Login the CDSCO online portal, SUGAM, to register.
  1. The application for the imported cosmetics registration has to be filed under COS-1. Details regarding the manufacturing premise, cosmetic product description, brand name, pack size and their variants, etc. have to filled in the application form.
  1. All the necessary supporting documents have to be uploaded along with the duly signed and stamped COS-1 application on the online registration portal.
  1. Application fee challan along with the details of the importer has to be submitted.
  1. The cosmetics import license application will be reviewed by the regulatory officials. Additionally, the submitted documents will be verified for regulatory compliance.
  2. 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.
  3. The license to sell and distribute imported cosmetics products in India will be granted under COS-2 (also known as Registration Certificate).

Struggling with Indian cosmetics import regulations?

 

Our team will be more than happy to help

Cosmetics import license validity

 

Validity of COS-2 license is five years.

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.

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.

We Provide Authorized Agent Support

 

 

Pharmadocx Consultants can act as your Indian authorised agent. We can represent your organisation without any commercial conflict of interest. As your representative, we will shoulder all import responsibilities, thereby ensuring compliance with the stringent provisions of the regulations. 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.

Restrictions to Import cosmetics into India

Choose Pharmadocx Consultants to Import Cosmetics into India in a Hassle-Free Manner

 

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 COS-2 license. Additionally, we provide Indian authorized agent service. Drop an email at [email protected] or call/Whatsapp on 9996859227 to seamlessly import cosmetics into India.

 

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