Imported cosmetics need CDSCO registration before they can be imported and sold in India. The process is governed by the Cosmetics Rules, 2020 and applies to both the cosmetic product and the manufacturing site.
For regular imported cosmetics, the application is made in Form COS-1. Once CDSCO accepts the application, the Import Registration Certificate is issued in Form COS-2.
The registration process also covers areas such as applicant eligibility, documents, fees, SUGAM filing, certificate validity and post-registration changes. New cosmetics follow additional requirements, which are explained separately below.
CDSCO Cosmetics Registration in India for Importation
Cosmetic imports come under the Central Licensing Authority under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. For import registration, the licensing authority is the Drugs Controller General (India) at CDSCO headquarters.
Under Rule 12(1), a cosmetic cannot be imported into India unless it has been registered with the Central Licensing Authority. The registration covers the product along with its pack size, variants and manufacturing premises.
Who Can Apply for CDSCO Cosmetics Import Registration?
The application for an Import Registration Certificate can be submitted by:
- the manufacturer,
- the manufacturer’s authorised agent in India,
- an importer in India, or
- an Indian subsidiary authorised by the manufacturer.
If an authorised agent is applying, the manufacturer’s authorisation must be submitted in the prescribed format and properly authenticated.
How to Apply for CDSCO Cosmetics Import Registration
For regular imported cosmetics, the application is submitted online in Form COS-1 through the CDSCO SUGAM portal. It can be filed by the manufacturer, authorised agent, importer in India, or an Indian subsidiary authorised by the manufacturer. CDSCO
The process generally involves:
- Prepare the Form COS-1 application and the supporting documents required for the product and manufacturing site.
- Pay the applicable registration fee through Bharatkosh and keep the payment receipt.
- Submit the application and supporting documents online through SUGAM.
- CDSCO reviews the information submitted with the application.
- If the Central Licensing Authority is satisfied with the application, the Import Registration Certificate is issued in Form COS-2.
Documents Required for Form COS-1
The documents submitted with Form COS-1 depend on the application, product and manufacturing site. For a fresh cosmetics import registration, CDSCO’s current checklist includes documents such as:
- a covering letter stating the purpose of the application;
- manufacturer authorisation, where an Indian authorised agent is applying;
- the information and undertaking required under Part I of the Second Schedule;
- product ingredient details with percentage composition;
- proposed product labels;
- product specifications and testing methods;
- package inserts, where applicable;
- manufacturing licence or an undertaking where the country of origin does not issue one;
- Free Sale Certificate;
- non-animal-testing declaration;
- declaration regarding heavy metals and hexachlorophene;
- Form COS-1; and
- proof of payment of the applicable fee.
Where authorisation is required, CDSCO specifies that it should follow the prescribed format and be appropriately authenticated. The authorisation should identify the manufacturer, manufacturing premises, Indian agent, products, pack sizes and variants covered by the application.
CDSCO Timeline for Form COS-2
Under Rule 13 of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, the Central Licensing Authority may grant the Import Registration Certificate in Form COS-2 or reject the application, with reasons recorded in writing, within six months from the date of application.
CDSCO Fees for COS-1 Applications
The fee for cosmetics import registration depends on the number of product categories, variants and manufacturing sites included in the application.
Under the Third Schedule of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020:
- USD 1,000 for the grant or retention of the Registration Certificate for each category of cosmetic;
- USD 1,000 for each additional category of cosmetic;
- USD 50 for each cosmetic variant;
- USD 500 for each manufacturing site;
- USD 200 for a duplicate Registration Certificate if the original is lost, damaged or defaced; and
- USD 5,000 if inspection of an overseas cosmetic manufacturing site is required.
The fee is paid through Bharatkosh, and the payment acknowledgement is submitted with the Form COS-1 application. CDSCO’s current checklist still requires the Bharatkosh e-receipt and challan as part of the application.
Validity of Form COS-2
Form COS-2 remains valid on an ongoing basis unless the Central Licensing Authority suspends or cancels it. A retention fee is due every five years to keep the registration active.
Missing the retention fee does not cancel the certificate straight away. A 2% late fee is added for each month, or part of a month, until the payment is cleared. If nothing is paid for 180 days, the certificate is treated as cancelled.
Special Import Scenarios
Not every cosmetic import follows the standard COS-1/COS-2 route. CDSCO also provides separate provisions for cosmetics that are already registered in India, ready-to-fill bulk formulations, and certain exempt import situations.
Import of Already Registered Cosmetics
If a cosmetic manufactured at a foreign site is already registered in India under Rule 13, another person or entity can apply to import that product through Form COS-4. If the application is accepted, CDSCO issues an Import Registration Number in Form COS-4A.
The COS-4A registration number remains valid for three years, unless it is suspended or cancelled.
Import of Ready-to-Fill Bulk Cosmetic Formulations
The Cosmetics Rules, 2020 allow an application for the import of a bulk finished cosmetic formulation that is ready to fill. In such cases, the usual Form COS-1 requirements still apply, but additional documents are needed.
The applicant must submit:
- a valid manufacturing licence issued by the State Licensing Authority for filling the finished cosmetic in India; and
- details of the registered brand owner of the finished product in India.
Exemptions from CDSCO Import Registration for Cosmetics
CDSCO allows certain categories of cosmetics to be imported without an Import Registration Certificate. For several of these exemptions, the cosmetics must not be used for domestic sale in India. The current CDSCO FAQ lists the following situations:
- cosmetics imported in bulk for repackaging and 100% export to other countries;
- cosmetics imported for research and development, including packaging trials, consumer studies, shelf-life studies and transport studies;
- cosmetics meant for sale to overseas passengers at duty-free shops located in international airports;
- cosmetics supplied in amenity kits exclusively for international passengers on a complimentary basis;
- cosmetics imported for captive use in hotels, subject to the required undertaking; and
- hair fixers containing gums that are used by men for fixing the beard.
CDSCO also clarifies that if cosmetics are imported as a kit and every individual product in that kit is already registered for import into India, the kit itself does not need a separate Registration Certificate.
Depending on the exemption, additional permission, an NOC or an undertaking may still be required. For example, bulk cosmetics imported for 100% re-export require CDSCO permission, while R&D imports require an NOC from the concerned CDSCO port office.
Post-Approval Changes to the CDSCO Registration Certificate
Post-registration changes are not all handled in the same way. The action required depends on what has changed.
If there is a change in the constitution of the registration holder or overseas manufacturer, a fresh registration application must be submitted within 180 days of the change. The existing registration remains valid until the fresh registration is granted or the application is rejected.
If there is a change in the labelling, composition, testing method or product specifications, the manufacturer, authorised agent, importer or authorised Indian subsidiary must inform the Central Licensing Authority within 15 days. An undertaking confirming compliance with the applicable BIS standards must also be submitted.
For a change in the name or address of the registration holder or overseas manufacturer, an amendment application must be filed through the Central Government’s online portal within 60 days of the change and requires prior approval from the Central Licensing Authority.
CDSCO also provides endorsement routes for additions such as a new pack size, additional manufacturing site or additional registered product, with supporting documents and applicable fees.
Regulatory Restrictions for Imported Cosmetics
The Cosmetics Rules, 2020 place specific restrictions on cosmetics imported into India.
A cosmetic cannot be imported if its manufacture, sale or distribution is prohibited in the country of origin, except when it is being brought in for examination, testing or analysis.
At the time of import, the “Use Before” or “Use By” date must be more than six months away. Cosmetics containing hexachlorophene are also prohibited from import.
India also prohibits the import of cosmetics that were tested on animals after 12 November 2014. CDSCO’s current COS-1 guidance continues to require a non-animal-testing declaration from the manufacturer.
Labelling Requirements for Imported Cosmetics
Imported cosmetics must be packed and labelled in line with the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. The label must also show the Registration Certificate number for the product and the name and address of the Registration Certificate holder responsible for marketing the product in India.
Where India-specific labelling is needed, the Rules allow those details to be added by sticker on the unit pack at a bonded warehouse before the product is released into the Indian market.
Also Read: CDSCO Labeling Requirements for Cosmetics in India
New Cosmetics vs Regular Imported Cosmetics
Not every imported cosmetic follows the same route. A new cosmetic is one that contains a novel ingredient that has not been used anywhere in the world or is not recognised for cosmetic use in national or international literature.
Before a new cosmetic can go through the regular import registration process, the applicant must first obtain prior permission from the Central Licensing Authority. The application is made in Form COS-12, and if accepted, the permission is issued in Form COS-3.
Once Form COS-3 has been obtained, it must be submitted along with the application for import registration under the regular import provisions.
Also Read: CDSCO Registration Process for New Cosmetics
Recent CDSCO Alert on Unauthorised Imported Cosmetics
In September 2026, CDSCO issued a public health alert for Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream, both manufactured in Pakistan. CDSCO stated that the products had not been issued an Import Registration Certificate for sale in India. Testing also found heavy metals above the specified limits, which CDSCO said could pose health risks, including toxic effects.
Consumers were advised not to purchase or use the identified products. CDSCO also asked sellers, distributors and advertisers not to deal in them and directed enforcement authorities to ensure that the products were not sold in their jurisdictions.
Conclusion
Importing cosmetics into India requires more than just filing Form COS-1. The product, manufacturing site, documents, fees and any post-registration changes all have to meet the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
The route can also differ when a product is a new cosmetic, a ready-to-fill bulk formulation, or falls under one of the specific exemption scenarios discussed above. Recent CDSCO enforcement activity also shows the importance of holding a valid Import Registration Certificate before placing imported cosmetics on the Indian market.
Need help with cosmetic registration or compliance in India? Explore Artixio’s cosmetics regulatory services in India for support with CDSCO registration, documentation, authorised-agent requirements and post-registration compliance.
FAQs
1. Is CDSCO registration required to import cosmetics into India?
Yes. Imported cosmetics must be registered with the Central Licensing Authority before import into India. The product, pack size, variants and manufacturing premises are covered under the registration requirement.
2. What is Form COS-1?
Form COS-1 is the application used to apply for an Import Registration Certificate for cosmetics under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
3. What is Form COS-2?
Form COS-2 is the Import Registration Certificate issued for importing registered cosmetics into India.
4. Who can apply for CDSCO cosmetics import registration?
The application can be filed by the manufacturer, the manufacturer’s authorised agent, an importer in India, or an Indian subsidiary authorised by the manufacturer.
5. How are COS-1 applications submitted?
Form COS-1 applications are submitted online through the CDSCO SUGAM portal along with the required documents and fee payment proof.
6. How much does CDSCO cosmetics import registration cost?
Under the current fee structure, USD 1,000 is charged for each cosmetic category, USD 500 for each manufacturing site and USD 50 for each variant. Additional fees can apply in other situations.
7. How long is Form COS-2 valid?
The Registration Certificate remains valid in perpetuity unless it is suspended or cancelled, provided the required retention fee is paid at the end of each five-year period.
8. Do new cosmetics follow the same COS-1/COS-2 route?
Not immediately. A new cosmetic requires prior permission from the Central Licensing Authority before it moves through the regular import registration route.
