CDSCO Registration

COS-2 (Cosmetic Import License)

COS-2 is the Import Registration Certificate issued by the Central Licensing Authority (CDSCO) under rule 13 of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020 after an application in Form COS-1 on the SUGAM portal. A single application and single certificate can cover several cosmetics made by the same manufacturer at one manufacturing unit, including conjointly operating factories. It is valid in perpetuity if the retention fee is paid before five years from issue.

We prepare COS-1, product lists, authorisations and documents and follow up.

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Service Overview

What is COS-2 (Cosmetic Import License)?

A COS-2 is the registration certificate that permits import of specified cosmetic categories, brands, variants and pack sizes from named manufacturing sites into India. Cosmetics cannot be imported or sold without it. The applicant may be the manufacturer, its authorised agent, the Indian importer or the manufacturer’s Indian subsidiary.

Fees (Third Schedule): USD 1,000 per category for grant or retention, USD 500 per manufacturing site, USD 50 per variant and USD 1,000 per additional category. Processing is quoted as 90 days per a 2014 CDSCO circular, six months limit for refusal per Mondaq and up to 180 working days per another guide. Some categories are prohibited from import.

COS-2 (Cosmetic Import License)

Who Needs This Service

Importers and brand owners of foreign cosmetics (skin care, hair care, makeup, fragrances) selling in India need COS-2.

Indian subsidiaries of foreign brands can apply.

Distributors must ensure suppliers' registrations.

If you manufacture in India, COS-8 applies.

Key Benefits

Legal import of cosmetics
Category, site and variant fees planned
SUGAM filing
Documents prepared
Perpetual validity

Next Steps & Related Services

After COS-2, import and sell with labelling. Related services: Cosmetic CDSCO Registration, COS-8 and IEC Code.

Common Mistakes

Missing variants in application.
Wrong fee calculation.
Importing before COS-2.
Incomplete authorisation.
Ignoring retention.

Timeline, Costs & Practical Tips

Processing time varies by source.

Practical tip: list variants and pack sizes carefully.

Additional Information

Rule 13 of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020 provides for import registration.

Practical Scenarios

Scenario 1:

A skincare brand registers.

Scenario 2:

An importer adds variants.

Scenario 3:

A subsidiary applies.

Process & Planning

A COS-2 plan starts with a list of every cosmetic you want to import: categories, brands, variants and pack sizes, and each manufacturing site. Collect authorisation from the manufacturer, free-sale or manufacturing licence from the country of origin, labels, ingredient lists and GMP details, and register on SUGAM. File Form COS-1 with the fees (USD 1,000 per category, USD 500 per site and USD 50 per variant per the sources). CDSCO scrutinises and issues COS-2. Planning checklist: avoid prohibited categories, check whether any product is a novel cosmetic needing COS-3, keep the retention fee in mind and ensure labels comply before shipping.

Written By

Raghav Sharma

Operations Executive

10+ Years Experience

As seen on

Raghav Sharma has 10+ years of experience covering Company Registration - Operation, MCA Services - Operation, Corporate Operation, Import Export Services - Operation, Goverment Licence Services - Operation, FSSAI - Operation, SEBI - Operation, Labour Compliance - Operation, Fund Raising - Operation, Licence & Certificate - Operations.

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Frequently asked questions

Need clarity?

Who issues COS-2?

CDSCO's Central Licensing Authority.

What are the fees?

USD 1,000 per category, USD 500 per site and USD 50 per variant.

Is it perpetual?

Yes with retention fee per the Rules.

Who can apply?

Manufacturer, agent, importer or Indian subsidiary.

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