Do you have any idea how much does government charge for cosmetic registration? If you wish to import or manufacture cosmetics in India, you must first get license from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). Before you begin the procedure, you should understand how much the government charges for cosmetic registration in India, since the total cost varies according on the brand, number of variations, and production site.
What Is Cosmetic Registration In India?
Cosmetic registration refers to obtaining approval from CDSCO or the State Licensing Authority to produce or import cosmetic items in India. This assures that the product is safe, appropriately marked, and adheres to all cosmetic guidelines.
There are two kinds of cosmetic registrations.
- Import Cosmetics Registration (CDSCO)
- Manufacturing Cosmetics License (State FDA)
- Each category has its own government cost.
Government Fee for Import Cosmetic Registration (CDSCO)
CDSCO levies import fees in US dollars. These are set charge for Cosmetics registration under Rules of 2020.
1. Fee for Import Cosmetic Registration Certificate.
The government costs USD 1000 to register a single brand for import into India.
This is the base cost for the brand name.
2. Fee for each variant under the brand.
Each version under the same trademark incurs an extra cost of USD 50 per variant.
A variant refers to varied hues, tints, flavours, scents, or formula modifications.
For example, if you import one lipstick brand with ten different colour shades, you must pay USD 50 for each shade.
3. Fee for an additional manufacturing site
If the same cosmetic brand is manufactured at more than one foreign plant, you must pay USD 500 for each additional production location.
4. Fee for Adding a New Variant.
If you currently have a registration certificate and wish to add a new version under the same brand, you must pay USD 50 per variant.
5. Fee for Renewing Import Registration
- The registration certificate is normally valid for five years.
- The government charges the same costs for renewing as it did for the first registration.
- If your registration expires, you must pay the full re-registration fee.
Government Charge for Cosmetic Registration Manufacturing Licenses (State FDA)
If you wish to manufacture cosmetics in India, the State Licensing Authority charges a fee.
The fees may vary somewhat per state, but the average range is almost same worldwide.
1. Fee for Manufacturing License
Obtaining a cosmetic manufacturing licence normally costs between 2,500 and 5,000.
2. Inspection Fee.
Before approval, the State FDA performs a site inspection.
The inspection charge typically varies between ₹1,000 and ₹2,000.
3. Test Charges
Some states charge a nominal cost for sample testing.
The amount varies by product type.
4. Fee for Loan License
If you intend to make cosmetics via a third-party manufacturer, the State FDA will impose a loan licence cost.
The price ranges from ₹2,000 to ₹3,000.
5. Fee for Renewal of License
The renewal charge is normally equal to the new licence fee.
Late renewals may result in penalties ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000, depending on the state.
Other Costs You Should Know (Not Government Fees)
The government does not charge these extra charges; however, they are usually necessary throughout the process:
- charges for document preparation
- Product Testing Fees
- Labelling and packaging revisions
- Legalisation or notarisation of documents
- Consultant fees
- Fees for the Free Sale Certificate in the exporting nation.
- Courier costs for shipping product samples.
- These charges vary by business.
Important Points to Remember
- Import cosmetic registration costs are always charged in US dollars, not Indian rupees.
- Fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
- Variant refers to any modification in colour, tint, flavour, aroma, or formula.
- Cosmetic import registration is valid for five years.
- The State FDA issues manufacturing licenses, and the costs vary by state.
Conclusion
The government registration charge for cosmetics in India varies depending on whether the product is imported or manufactured. Import costs are greater and invoiced in US dollars, mostly due to variant-specific charges and extra site expenses. The state FDA charges manufacturing licence costs in Indian rupees, making them more inexpensive.
What is the cost of registering a cosmetic trademark for import?
The price is USD 1,000 for a single brand.
How much does a manufacturer’s licence cost?
Prices typically range from ₹2,500 to ₹5,000, depending on the state.
How long is the cosmetic registration valid?
Generally, cosmetic registration is valid for 5 years.
Can the cost be refunded if the application is rejected?
No, CDSCO costs are not refundable if your application got rejected.
