India’s e-commerce market has made it much easier than ever. If you want to sell Amazon, Flipkart, Nykaa, or your own online store, you should follow the cosmetic registration requirements in India. Without correct approval, your products can be removed from platforms or seized by regulatory authorities.
This guide explains what license you need to sell cosmetics online in India, including CDSCO, BIS and LMPC compliance.
Why Licensing Matters for Selling Cosmetics Online
- Legal Compliance – Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Cosmetics Rules, 2020 make cosmetic registration mandatory in India.
- Consumer Safety – CDSCO cosmetic license ensures that products are tested, safe and free from restricted substances.
- E-commerce Policies – Amazon, Flipkart and Nykaa require a valid cosmetic license before approving the product listing.
- Brand Trust – Customers rely on licensed cosmetic brands, leading to strong sales and fewer disputes.
Essential Licenses to Sell Cosmetics Online in India
1. Cosmetic Manufacturing License (Form 31/32)
If you create your own cosmetics in India or use third-party/private label manufacturers, you need a cosmetic manufacturing license.
- Was issued by the State Licensing Authority (SLA).
- Cream, shampoo, lipstick, lotion, and more are included.
- Application through Form 31; License given in Form 32.
Mandatory for all domestic cosmetic manufacturers.
2. CDSCO Cosmetic Import Registration (Form COS-1/COS-2)
If you plan to import cosmetics in India and sell them online:
- You have to apply to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
- The application form has been filed in COS-1; The registration certificate is issued in Form COS-2.
- A foreign manufacturer must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR).
This ensures imported products meet Indian safety and quality standards.
3. LMPC Certificate & Cosmetic Labelling Rules in India
Legal Metrology Rules, 2011, apply to all cosmetics sold online. Each product should carry accurate labelling details, including:
- Product name and brand
- Net weight/volume
- Batch number and expiration date
- Manufacturer/importer details
- MRP (maximum retail price)
- Material list in descending order
Importers must also obtain an LMPC Importer Certificate before clearing goods at customs.
4. BIS Certification for Cosmetics
- Currently, BIS certification is voluntary for most cosmetics.
- However, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has published detailed standards such as:
- IS 4707 (Part 1 & 2) – Permitted ingredients and colours
- IS 6608 – Lipsticks
- If the Government issues a Quality Control Order (QCO) for a specific product, BIS certification becomes mandatory.
Even if not mandatory, BIS certification enhances consumer trust and can help with e-commerce approvals.
5. Business & Tax Registrations
Apart from cosmetic licenses, you also need:
- Company/LLP/Proprietorship Registration – to operate legally.
- GST registration-E-commerce is required to sell on platforms.
- Trademark registration – Protects your cosmetic brand name and logo.
6. E-Commerce Platform Approvals (Amazon, Flipkart, Nykaa)
E-commerce platforms have strict onboarding requirements for cosmetics sellers. Generally, they ask for:
- Valid manufacturing license or CDSCO cosmetic import certificate.
- Product label images that comply with LMPC rules.
- Business registration and GSTIN.
- Trademark certificate (highly recommended).
- Sometimes, product testing reports for certain categories.
❌ Without these, your listings can be blocked or rejected.
Documents Required to Sell Cosmetics Online
- Copy of manufacturing/import license
- CDSCO registration certificate (if imported)
- Certificate of Free Sale (for imports)
- Product labels showing LMPC compliance
- GST certificate
- Trademark certificate
Testing & Renewals
- All cosmetics must undergo quality and safety testing (stability, microbiological, heavy metals, etc.).
- Animal testing is banned in India, so alternative safety validation methods are used.
- Licenses are generally valid for 3–5 years and must be renewed before expiry to avoid interruptions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Selling cosmetics without a CDSCO license → results in product seizure.
- Incorrect or incomplete cosmetic labelling → leads to platform rejection.
- Ignoring LMPC compliance → delays customs clearance for imported products.
- Missing renewal deadlines → causes business disruptions.
Final Thoughts
If you are planning to sell your own cosmetic brand online in India, it is not optional to get the right license – this is the foundation of your business. From CDSCO cosmetic registration to LMPC Certificate and BIS certification, each stage ensures that your products meet legal standards and get customer trust.
In ELT Corporate, we specialise in helping cosmetic brands with registration, licensing, labelling compliance and BIS approval. Our experts can guide you through every step, making sure that your brand is listed smoothly on Amazon, Flipkart, NYKAA and other platforms.
