What Is Cos-8 License In Cosmetics?

If you are a manufacturer or Importer and you want to manufacture legally and sell cosmetic products in India, then a COS 8 license is mandatory to obtain. The manufacturing license is important for selling and distributing all cosmetic products falling under the Drug and Cosmetics Act of 1940. The application for a manufacturing license is submitted in Form COS-5 and issued in Form COS-8.

What Are Cosmetics? 

As per the Cosmetic Rule, 2020, under the Drug and Cosmetic Act, of 1940, a cosmetic is defined as any article intended to be rubbed, sprayed, sprinkled on, or introduced into the body of human beings or applied to any part of the body for cleaning and enhancing beauty. Cosmetics include products like skin creams, perfume, antiperspirants, lotion, hair products, facial makeup, etc.

What Is a COS-8 License? 

COS-8 is the legal permit to manufacture and sell cosmetic products in India. This license is issued by the State Drug Controller, ensuring the products meet quality and safety standards.

Who Can Apply For a COS-8 License? 

The following are the entities or individuals who can apply for a COS-8 license:

• If you are a manufacturer, then you can apply for a COS-8 license.

• Existing license holders can apply for COS-8.

• An individual who wants to start a cosmetic business can apply.

Who Issues COS-8 Licenses in India?  

COS-8 license is issued by the State licensing authority also known as the State Drug Controller for manufacturing and sale of cosmetic products in India. The State Drug Controller is an authorized person responsible for granting of COS-8 license.

Difference Between COS-5 and COS-8  

Feature	Form COS-5	Form COS-8
Purpose	Application form for cosmetic manufacturing license	Final manufacturing license issued after approval
Filed By	Manufacturer via SUGAM portal	State Licensing Authority
Stage	Start of the process	End of the process
Outcome	Request for permission	Legal authorisation to manufacture cosmetics
Validity	One-time submission	Lifetime (renew fee every 5 years)

In simple words: COS-5 is the application, COS-8 is the license.

Documents Required for a COS-8 License   

To obtain a manufacturing license under Form COS-8, the following documents are required to be submitted to the licensing authority:

• Ownership of premises or facilities

• Memorandum of association or certificate of incorporation

• GMP compliance of the product

• Fee receipts

• Plant layout.

• List of equipment and machinery.

• List of cosmetic products.

• Undertaking of product compliance as per Cosmetic Rules, 2020.

A professional consultant can help streamline this process, avoid delays, and respond to authority queries faster.

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain a COS-8 License  

The following are the steps that must be taken by the applicant to obtain the license as fast as possible:

• Step 1: Visit the SUGAM portal and register yourself.

• Step 2: Fill in the COS-5 application.

• Step 3: Gather all the required documents as mentioned in part II of the second schedule of Cosmetic Rules, 2020, ensuring compliance with the regulatory requirements.

• Step 4: Fees must be paid as mentioned in the third schedule of Cosmetic Rules, 2020.

• Step 5: Submit the application to the state licensing authority for review.

• Step 6: Once the application is reviewed and documents are verified successfully without any query, the State Licensing Authority will grant the license within 45 days of document verification.

• Step 7: After the grant of a license, be ready for audit inspection within 30 days of obtaining the license, confirming the product’s compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).

• Step 8: Lastly, after obtaining the license, upload it to the CDSCO website for clear transparency.

What Is The Validity Of a Manufacturing License Under Form COS-8? 

Validity for a cosmetic manufacturing license is for a lifetime unless it is cancelled by the licensing authority and the manufacturer shall pay the fees after every 5 years to maintain validity.

Contact Us, ELT Corporate, For a Better Experience  

We, ELT, with deep industry knowledge and expertise, can help you in granting a manufacturing license for your organisation. Let’s collaborate for a smooth and seamless process of obtaining a manufacturing license and to drive your success and meet regulatory compliance.

 FAQs   

What is the fee for the COS-8 License?

The fees are prescribed in the Third Schedule of the Cosmetic Rules, 2020, varying by scale of operation. 

Can Startups Apply for a COS-8 License?

Yes, startups and new businesses can apply, provided they meet infrastructure and GMP requirements. 

 What Happens if a COS-8 License is Cancelled?

The manufacturer must stop production immediately and reapply after resolving compliance issues.   

What Is The Timeline For Obtaining a Cosmetic Manufacturing License? 

The timeline for granting of manufacturing license depends on the company or organization. However, ELT corporate is committed to ensuring prompt submission of documents on time.

Why Should I Choose ELT Corporates? 

Because of ELT’s corporate dedicated team of experts and proven track record in successful submission and grant of licenses, and in navigating the difficulties of regulatory compliance.