Chinese cosmetics offer a wide range of products and are at par with global trends. Additionally, cruelty-free, eco-friendly, and vegan Chinese cosmetics are available, which is making them in demand in India. Chinese cosmetics are especially attractive to Indian consumers owing to a perception of good quality and competitive pricing. Furthermore, e-com platforms are making it easier to access Chinese cosmetics products. Hence, Chinese cosmetics products are in high demand. However, India has strict regulations for imported cosmetics products. Are you planning to import cosmetics from China to India? You need to mandatorily get a CDSCO cosmetics import license. We have prepared this guide to help you easily navigate the CDSCO regulations for importing cosmetics from China into India.
Cosmetics import license
To import cosmetics from China into India, you need to apply for the import registration certificate (COS-2 license). The application for the import registration certificate has to be filed under COS-1. The license to sell and distribute cosmetics imported from China in India is granted under COS-2.
Who can import cosmetics from China to India?
- The manufacturer
- The authorised agent of the manufacturer
- Any other importer
- A subsidiary agent of the manufacturer
Documents required to import cosmetics from China to India
We have provided an overview of the documents.
- Cover letter from the applicant
- Application Form
- A valid Import Export Code (I.E.C.)
- Original copy of Power of Attorney
- Copy of the Label
- Specification and test method of the cosmetics product
- Package inserts, if any
- Fee receipt
- Information of the cosmetics product to be imported, including the chemical & safety data (Schedule D III)
- Marketing authorisation letter or Free Sale Certificate (F.S.C.)
- List of the name of countries where import permission or registration of the product has been granted
- Duly authenticated free sale certificate
- Declaration of non-animal testing
- Declaration mentioning the heavy metal and hexachlorophene content level
- Provide a soft copy of the details regarding the cosmetic products, brands, and the manufacturer.
- List of ingredients in the cosmetic product along with their percentage contents
Regulation for labelling imported cosmetics products
To import cosmetics from China into India, all the products need to comply with the Indian cosmetics labelling requirements. Additionally, some cosmetics labelling requirements are also mentioned in the Indian standards, such as BIS for cosmetics products. All cosmetics product labels need to adhere to Rule 129-H along with Part XV of Drugs and cosmetics Rules, 1945.
- Specify the cosmetics product’s name along with the manufacturing address on both the inner and outer labels. In case the container is small in size, then the principal place of manufacturing and the pin code should be mentioned at least.
- The ingredients should be displayed on the outer label of the cosmetics products.
- The inner label should contain the ‘directions for use’ along with any warning and caution.
- A separate batch number preceded by the letter ‘B’ should be mentioned on the label. Additionally, a manufacturing batch number preceded by the letter ‘M’ must be specified on the label.
- In case the cosmetics product contains any possibly hazardous materials, the inner labels must mention the proper direction for safe usage of the cosmetics.
- 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.
Note: 1. The original product labels need to be submitted to the CDSCO while applying for the COS-2 license. However, applicants maybe allowed to submit a copy of the original label, only if it mentions all the necessary details.
2. 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.
Thus, the Drugs & Cosmetics Act has laid down strict and clear guidelines for cosmetics product labels. Additionally, it has provided guidelines for packaging for overseas brands and importers. These regulations have to be followed for customs clearance. Furthermore, compliance with Indian cosmetics labelling guidelines is required to market your product in online and offline marketplaces per CDSCO requirements.
Lab testing requirements for cosmetics imported from China
All cosmetics products imported from China need to conform to the Indian Standards. We have listed some tests to ensure the products are safe for Indian customers and comply with Indian guidelines.
- Toxicology testing: Toxicology tests are used to evaluate the ingredients and finished cosmetic product to determine whether any component of the product presents a risk for users, such as skin irritation.
- Performance testing: Durability and functioning of the cosmetic product are evaluated.
- Chemical stability testing: Shelf-life and storage conditions of the cosmetics product are evaluated.
- Safety testing: Presence of heavy metals, banned colours, and banned chemicals in cosmetics products is tested.
- Microbiology testing: Different tests are used to check whether the products are free from harmful micro-organisms.
How to import cosmetics from China into India? A step-by-step guide
To import cosmetics from China into India, you need to file for an import registration certificate (COS-2 license). As per Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, cosmetics import from China into India is regulated by the Central Licensing Authority (CLA). Furthermore, the CLA grants the import registration certificate.
- Sign up/ Login the CDSCO online portal to register.
- All the necessary supporting documents have to be uploaded on the online registration portal.
- The 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 online on the applicant’s SUGAM dashboard.
Penalty for non-compliance with the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1945.
Compliance with the provisions of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1945, is non-negotiable for marketing imported cosmetics in India. If any of the regulations mentioned in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act is not complied with, a fine of up to Rs. 1000 or one year in jail, or both, may be imposed for the first offence. Subsequently, the penalty may be increased to 2 years in prison and/or a fine of up to Rs. 2000. Hence, it is vital for all imported cosmetics as well as importers to comply with Indian cosmetics regulations.
Validity of the COS-2 license
The COS-2 license (import registration certificate) will remain valid for a period of 3 years from the date of issue, unless cancelled or suspended. Furthermore, a fresh registration will be required for any changes associated with the manufacturer or importer. Modification in the product constitution and change in name and address of the manufacturer or importer are all considered changes requiring fresh registration.
Restrictions for importing cosmetics from China to India
There are some restrictions on importing cosmetics from China into India:
- Cosmetics with straight-up false claims cannot be imported into India.
- Any cosmetics whose manufacture or development has involved animal testing at any point after 12th November 2014 cannot be imported into India.
- Cosmetics cannot be imported into India from China, if the product is not registered per the rules set by the CLA.
- Cosmetics cannot be imported into India from China, unless they comply with the specifications mentioned in the Ninth Schedule.
With our support, you can easily import cosmetics from China to India without any regulatory hassle. We have extensive knowledge of the CDSCO cosmetics import regulations and guidelines. We will leverage our regulatory expertise to help you seamlessly import cosmetics products from China to India. For a streamlined cosmetics import regulatory journey, drop an email at [email protected] or call/Whatsapp on 9996859227. From document preparation, compilation to import registration certificate application, we provide a comprehensive cosmetics import regulatory service. Additionally, we provide Indian authorized agent service.
