# Cosmetics Import Registration & Manufacturing Licence

> Cosmetics can be imported into India only after the brand or product is registered with CDSCO under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020 — the application is made in Form COS-1 and the registration certificate is issued in Form COS-2, valid for five years. Cosmetics made in India need a manufacturing licence from the State Licensing Authority. Labels must meet the rules' requirements, including ingredients and the importer's details.

Practice: Business Licences & Registrations — https://www.industax.com/services/business-licences/

The importer — usually the Indian subsidiary, distributor or an authorised agent of the foreign manufacturer — applies on the SUGAM portal with the manufacturing licence or free sale certificate from the country of origin, product formulas, labels and safety data. Animal-tested cosmetics are prohibited from import.

We check classification (cosmetic versus drug, which matters for claims), prepare the dossier, file the application and update the registration when new products or variants are added.

## Key facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Law | Cosmetics Rules 2020 under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act |
| Import application | Form COS-1 on SUGAM |
| Import certificate | Form COS-2, valid 5 years |
| Manufacture in India | State Licensing Authority licence |
| Prohibited | Import of cosmetics tested on animals |

## Who needs this

- Importers and distributors of foreign cosmetic brands
- D2C beauty brands manufacturing in India
- E-commerce sellers of imported cosmetics

## What's included

- Product classification review
- COS-1 dossier and filing
- Label compliance review
- Endorsements for new products

## Documents

- Free sale certificate or manufacturing licence from the origin country
- Product formula and ingredient list
- Labels and packaging artwork
- Power of attorney from the manufacturer

## Process

1. **Review** — Products classified and labels checked.
2. **File** — COS-1 dossier submitted.
3. **Register** — COS-2 issued; imports can begin.

## FAQs

### Is a separate registration needed for each product?

Registration covers the brand and products listed in the application. New products or variants are added through an amendment, which is simpler than a fresh registration.

### Can a product with medical claims be registered as a cosmetic?

No. Products claiming to treat or prevent a disease are drugs, not cosmetics, and need drug licensing. Claims on labels and listings should match the cosmetic classification.

### How long is a cosmetic import registration valid?

Five years from the date of issue, subject to payment of fees and continued compliance.

## Official sources

- CDSCO — SUGAM portal: https://cdsco.gov.in/

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Canonical page: https://www.industax.com/services/business-licences/cosmetics-import-registration
Publisher: Indus Tax — CA-led tax and compliance firm (https://www.industax.com). Contact: info@industax.com, 9059139258.
This is general information, not advice for your specific facts.