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Cosmetics play a pivotal role in daily life – from enhancing beauty to improving personal hygiene and wellness. However, because these products are applied directly to the human body, ensuring their safety, quality, and regulatory compliance is critical before they enter the Indian market.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) – under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare — acts as the central licensing authority for cosmetic imports and regulates cosmetics manufacturing in India. Every importer or manufacturer must comply with the standards set under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Cosmetics Rules, 2020 to legally import or manufacture cosmetics in India.
At GCS, we help you navigate the full process of CDSCO compliance – from product registration and testing to license procurement and import readiness – ensuring your cosmetics business meets all regulatory requirements.
Imports
Importing cosmetics into India for sale.
For Foreign Manufacturer
A foreign manufacturer looking to market cosmetic products in India via an authorized importer/agent or subsidiary.
For Domestic Manufacturer
A domestic manufacturer setting up a cosmetics production facility intended for sale/distribution within India — in which case, you need to comply with licensing from respective State Licensing Authorities for manufacturing, and must meet labeling and quality norms under Cosmetics Rules.
Manufacturing licence (State level):
Production of cosmetics within India is regulated by State Licensing Authorities appointed by each State Government. Manufacturers who produce cosmetics for sale in India must obtain a cosmetic manufacturing licence from the relevant State Authority. State inspections verify manufacturing practices, quality control systems and label compliance before issuing licences.
Import registration / Import Registration Certificate (Central level):
The Central Licensing Authority (CDSCO) administers cosmetics import registration under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. All cosmetic products - including specified pack sizes, variants and the manufacturing site - must be registered before importation into India. Registration requires conformity to standards such as the Ninth Schedule of the Cosmetics Rules 2020, or other applicable national/international quality and safety standards.
Frost Free Refrigerators
Electric Water Heaters
Color Televisions
Room Air Conditioners (Variable Speed)
Room Air Conditioners (Fixed Speed)
Tubular Fluorescent Lamps
LED Lamps
Cassette / Ceiling / Corner AC Systems
Distribution Transformers
Direct Cool Refrigerators
Ceiling Fans
Computers & laptops
LPG Gas Stoves
General purpose industrial motors
Submersible pump sets
Washing machines
Office automation equipment
Solid state inverters
Diesel generator sets
Microwave ovens
Chillers
Solar water heaters
Ultra-HD televisions
Batteries, compressors, side-by-side refrigerators and more
- Nominate an authorized representative from an Indian company.
- Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Indian representative through a MoU.
- Indian manufacturers need to provide legal registration details.
- Submit valid test reports from TEC-recognized labs.
- Provide brand/trademark details and company registration documents.
This self-declaration forms the basis of BIS issuing the licence.
- Form COS-1 (or respective form for new cosmetics)
- Free Sale Certificate / Certificate of Market Authorization from country of origin (for imported cosmetics)
- Certificate of Analysis, product specifications & testing methods (heavy metals, microbiological analysis, safety data)
- Ingredient list with percentage composition
- Product labels and sample packaging (as per labeling rules)
- Manufacturing license or marketing authorization from origin country (where applicable)
- Authorization letter if applicant is not the manufacturer (e.g. Indian agent/importer)
Note: The Indian representative must strictly follow TEC procedures for certification.
- Import Registration Certificate (IRC) under Cosmetics Rules, 2020 is valid for 5 years, subject to payment of certificate retention fee, unless suspended or cancelled.
- After validity period or on any product changes (brand name, formulation, variant, manufacturing site), fresh submission or re-registration may be required.
- Product Certification
- Testing Management
- Quality Advisory
- Audit Assistance
- Import/manufacturing Compliance
- GCS offers:
- End-to-end process handling
- Sample testing coordination
- Regulatory liaison
- Documentation drafting
- Application filing and tracking
- Renewal advisory
Our goal is to simplify certification, reduce compliance risk, and accelerate market entry for manufacturers and brands.
📩 For GCS assistance to start your CDSCO Certification process, contact us today — our team will guide you through the latest regulations, updates, and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – BEE Certification India
Under Section 3(aaa) of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 – a cosmetic includes any article intended to be applied on the body for cleansing, beautifying, enhancing attractiveness or altering appearance.
Yes. No cosmetic may be imported into India unless it is registered under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020 via the CDSCO import license / registration certificate process.
The manufacturer (with registered office in India), authorized agent, subsidiary in India, or any authorized importer can apply using Form COS-1.
Yes, any significant change (formulation, variant, packaging, manufacturing site) requires fresh registration or endorsement with CDSCO before import/sale.
Documents include Free Sale Certificate, Certificate of Analysis, full ingredient list, product specifications & safety testing, manufacturing/marketing authorization, labels, variant details, importer/manufacturer authorization, etc.
The Import Registration Certificate is valid for 5 years, subject to retention fee payment and compliance.