import and export license of cosmetic products in india

India’s cosmetics market is nearly twice as large as those in the United States and Europe, and it is growing at an exponential rate. Because of the industry’s expansion, India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has mandated that all items imported into the country must have a mandatory registration certificate. Consequently, whether you are starting or have already started a cosmetic importing business in India, you must adhere to a set of fundamental procedures for the Import of Cosmetic Products in India. 

  • All manufacturers and importers who intend to market cosmetic products in India are required to get cosmetic registration process.
  • Any manufacturer who aims to manufacture cosmetics in India must have a valid cosmetic manufacturing license.
  • Manufacturers must fill an application in Form COS 5 for a grant of license and COS 6 for a loan license to the State Licensing Authorities for sales and distributions of cosmetic products.
  • State Licensing Authorities is a regulatory body governing cosmetic manufacturing license in India.
  • Issue of Import licenses for cosmetic items is regulated by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in India. 
  • The applicant must fill out form COS 1 to import a cosmetic product. After registration, the necessary documents should be uploaded, and fees should be paid. Following the evaluation of the application, CDSCO will either make a request for additional papers or issue the import registration certificate (COS 2).

Any company that intends to market cosmetic products in India needs cosmetic registration and approval. It requires planning and review of the ingredients and labeling for registration. The application process is different for manufacturers and importers. 

import and export license of cosmetic products in india

Eligibility to Import cosmetic products in India

  • The company that makes the product.
  • A person who is authorized by the company to sell its products.
  • Any other importer or subsidiary agent of the company.

Procedure to Import Cosmetic Products in India

Under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India, the Central Drug Standards Controller (CDSC) is responsible for registering all imported cosmetics. So, the importer needs to make an application for CDSCO Registration to CDSC.

Thus, you must file the Form COS-5 for Registration and submit it online through an official government website, along with the applicable fee and the required documents.

Document Requirement for CDSCO Registration

  • Basic details such as the identity, address, and phone number of the manufacturer as well as the full address of the production facility.
  • Import Export Code or IEC Code.
  • Ad Code Registration
  • A receipt proving that the registration payments have been paid.
  • The company logo design, the date of manufacturing, and the physical description of the cosmetic that you will import in India.
  • Details of the production licenses, registrations, and marketing authorizations issued by the regulatory authorities in the country of production, under which cosmetics are created and subsequently marketed within the nation. Most cosmetic products generally have US FDA Certification.
  • A group of nations where that cosmetic product is authorized for import.
  • Foreign terminology for ingredients, together with the product’s proportion of each constituent.
  • Product specifications and procedures of evaluation.
  • A representative sample of the label.
  • The date and location where the product is now being marketed in India.
  • When the cargo is cleared at the port office, an undertaking must be presented to the relevant port office. It should include a statement from the manufacturer, the product has not been tested on animals since December 11, 2014, or afterward.

FAQs

Do I need a license to import or export cosmetic products in India?

Yes, both importers and exporters of cosmetic products in India are required to obtain relevant licenses from regulatory authorities.

What type of license is required for importing cosmetic products into India?

Importers of cosmetic products in India need to obtain an import license from the CDSCO. This license is issued under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the rules framed thereunder.

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