CDSCO Registration

Cosmetic CDSCO Registration

Cosmetics in India are regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020 (notified 15 December 2020). Imported cosmetics need an Import Registration Certificate (Form COS-1 application, Form COS-2 certificate) from CDSCO (Central Licensing Authority) via the SUGAM portal. Domestic manufacture needs a licence from the State Licensing Authority (COS-5 application, COS-8 licence; loan licence COS-6 and COS-9). Both are valid in perpetuity subject to a retention fee every five years.

We prepare the application, product categories, variants and documents and follow up.

Talk to an expert

Get Expert Consultation

Free quote in 2 minutes

Leave this field empty

I agree to be contacted about my enquiry and accept the Privacy Policy.

Secure 2 minNo spam, ever

15+ Years of Industry Experience

Trusted by leading brands

Service Overview

What is Cosmetic CDSCO Registration?

Cosmetic registration is the legal approval required to import or manufacture articles that fall within the definition of ‘cosmetic’ under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, covering around 80 product categories. Registration records the product categories, pack sizes, variants and manufacturing sites. Novel cosmetics need prior permission (Form COS-12 application, COS-3 permission).

Documents for import include manufacturer and importer details, power of attorney, free-sale or manufacturing licence from the country of origin, product list, labels, ingredient lists and GMP details. Fees (Third Schedule) include USD 1,000 per category, USD 500 per manufacturing site and USD 50 per variant. Validity is perpetual with retention fee per the Rules, though one page says five years. Processing time is quoted as 90 days, 180 working days or six months by different sources. A 22 July 2026 CDSCO circular asked authorities to step up vigilance against sale of imported cosmetics without a valid IRC.

Cosmetic CDSCO Registration

Who Needs This Service

Importers, brand owners and manufacturers of skin care, hair care, makeup, personal care and other cosmetics sold in India need cosmetic registration.

Foreign brands entering India need COS-2.

Domestic manufacturers need COS-8 from the state authority.

Contract-manufactured brands use loan licences.

Key Benefits

Legal import and manufacture of cosmetics
Categories and variants mapped
SUGAM filing
Fee planning
Compliance with labelling

Next Steps & Related Services

After registration, maintain labelling and renew. Related services: COS-2, COS-8, Trademark Registration and Legal Metrology registration.

Common Mistakes

Selling imported cosmetics without COS-2.
Wrong categories.
Incomplete documents.
Ignoring retention fee.
Relying on old timelines.

Timeline, Costs & Practical Tips

Timelines vary widely.

Practical tip: list categories, variants and sites before applying.

Additional Information

The Cosmetics Rules, 2020 regulate import, manufacture and sale.

Practical Scenarios

Scenario 1:

A foreign brand registers.

Scenario 2:

A manufacturer licenses.

Scenario 3:

A brand uses a loan licence.

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.

ExcellentGoogle Reviews

Real Review for Real Speed

Ready To Get Your Certification? Join 5,000+ Indian businesses & protect your business today.

5000+
Certifications Done: 25+
Services: 500+
Businesses Served

JR Compliance truly simplified certification for us. They were patient with questions, gave good advice, the prices were the best we could find, and the communication all round was very positive.
PN Dhawanjewar · Director · ElectroTech India

Frequently asked questions

Need clarity?

Which form registers imports?

COS-1 application and COS-2 certificate.

Who licenses manufacture?

The State Licensing Authority (COS-5 and COS-8).

How long is registration valid?

Perpetual with retention fee; one page says five years.

Are novel cosmetics treated differently?

Yes, they need prior permission.

Let's Talk Compliance

Take the next step toward success

Partner with compliance experts and move your registration forward with a clear, documented process.