Launching your own makeup brand in India has become a big trend, especially with online beauty stores, Instagram brands, and D2C startups growing daily. But before selling private label makeup—like lipsticks, foundation, concealers, blush, highlighters, or eyeshadow—you must complete the Form COS-1 and CDSCO registration for private label makeup brands. This ensures your cosmetic products are safe, legal, and fully compliant with the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. In this guide, you will understand the full step-by-step process of Form COS-1 and CDSCO registration for private label makeup brands in a very easy and simple way.
Why Private Label Makeup Brands Need CDSCO Registration?
Indian private label brands source products from:
- Indian contract manufacturers
- Foreign manufacturers
- White-label suppliers
- Korean, Chinese, US, UAE, European factories
If the manufacturer is outside India, you must apply for Form COS-1 and CDSCO registration for private label makeup brands before importing any product. If manufacturing is in India, CDSCO approval is not needed, but labeling and safety rules still apply.
Step-by-Step Process: How to Navigate Form COS-1 and CDSCO Registration Easily
1. Understand What Form COS-1 Is
Form COS-1 is the official application form used to register imported cosmetics before they enter India.
For Indian brands sourcing makeup internationally, Form COS-1 and CDSCO registration for private label makeup brands becomes compulsory.
Form COS-1 includes:
- Brand name
- Product list
- Ingredients
- Documents of the manufacturer
- Safety certificates
- Packaging details
2. Determine If Your Makeup Products Need Registration
All imported cosmetics need Form COS-1 and CDSCO registration for private label makeup brands, including:
- Lipsticks
- Eyeliners
- Foundations
- Compact powder
- Lip gloss
- Mascara
- Makeup removers
- Highlighter & contour
- Loose powder
- Concealers
If these products are coming from outside India, you must apply for Form COS-1 and CDSCO registration for private label makeup brands.
3. Appoint an Authorised Indian Agent
A foreign manufacturer cannot apply alone.
You must appoint:
- An Indian authorised agent
- With a valid Import-Export Code (IEC) and GST registration
- Who will file Form COS-1 and CDSCO registration for private label makeup brands on your behalf
This agent becomes your legal representative in India.
4. Collect All Required Documents
This is the most important part of Form COS-1 and CDSCO registration for private label makeup brands.
You need:
- Free Sale Certificate (FSC)
- Manufacturer’s license
- Ingredient list with percentages
- Product specs
- COA (Test report)
- Stability data
- GMP certificate
- Label artwork
- Safety declaration
- Authorization letter
- Pack sizes and variants
Incomplete documents delay Form COS-1 and CDSCO registration for private label makeup brands.
5. Prepare Makeup Labels as Per CDSCO Rules
Labels must follow Indian rules, or your Form COS-1 and CDSCO registration for private label makeup brands may get rejected.
Labels must include:
- Product name
- Shade name/number
- Manufacturer details
- Importer details
- Batch number
- Expiry date
- MRP
- Ingredient list
- Net quantity
- Warning statements
6. Create an Account on SUGAM Portal
Your agent will register on the official CDSCO SUGAM portal.
All applications for Form COS-1 and CDSCO registration for private label makeup brands are submitted here.
7. Upload Documents and Submit Form COS-1
The next step is submitting your digital application for Form COS-1 and CDSCO registration for private label makeup brands with:
- Brand category
- Product category
- Variants
- Documents
- Label artwork
- Fee payment
8. Pay the Government Fees
Fees depend on the number of products and variants.
Payment is mandatory for Form COS-1 and CDSCO registration for private-label makeup brands.
9. Respond to CDSCO Queries
CDSCO may ask for clarifications such as:
- Missing document
- Ingredient safety data
- Updated FSC
- Correct label format
- Additional test report
Quick replies help speed up Form COS-1 and CDSCO registration for private-label makeup brands.
10. Get COS-2 Certificate & Start Importing
After approval of Form COS-1, CDSCO issues Form COS-2, which is the actual cosmetic import registration certificate required for legal import.
Common Challenges Faced by Private Label Makeup Startups
- FSC issues from the manufacturer
- Wrong label design
- Incomplete ingredient list
- Missing GMP certificate
- No authorised agent
- Wrong document format
- Confusion between product categories
These issues delay Form COS-1 and CDSCO registration for private-label makeup brands.
Tips to Make CDSCO Registration Easy for Private Label Brands
- Choose manufacturers who provide full documents
- Get FSC early
- Create compliant labels before printing
- Use simple, clear communication
- Respond quickly to CDSCO queries
- Work with an experienced regulatory consultant
These steps reduce the time needed for Form COS-1 and CDSCO registration for private label makeup brands.
Animal Testing Ban in India
India strictly bans animal testing for cosmetic products and their ingredients. The import of cosmetics tested on animals is also not allowed.
- Animal testing for cosmetics has been completely banned in India.
- The import of animal-tested cosmetic products is prohibited
- Private label brands should submit a signed non-animal testing declaration from the foreign manufacturer
- India promotes alternative testing methods instead of animal testing
- Only cruelty-free cosmetics are allowed for sale in the Indian market.
Conclusion
For Indian beauty startups and private label makeup brands, entering the Indian cosmetic market requires proper compliance. Completing Form COS-1 and CDSCO registration for private label makeup brands is the most important step when sourcing products from international manufacturers. When you follow the correct process—documents, labelling, SUGAM filing, and query response—you can complete Form COS-1 and CDSCO registration, and legally launch your products in India.
Do private label makeup brands need Form COS-1?
Yes, if products are imported, Form COS-1 and CDSCO registration for private label makeup brands is mandatory.
Can one COS-2 certificate cover multiple makeup products?
Yes, multiple products and shades under the same brand can be covered in a single COS-1 application and approved under one COS-2 certificate.
How long does COS-1 approval take?
Usually 4–8 weeks, depending on document completeness.
Do Indian manufacturers need COS-1?
No, COS-1 is only for imported cosmetics.
What happens if documents are incomplete?
CDSCO will raise queries and delay approval for Form COS-1 and CDSCO registration for private label makeup brands.
How long is the cosmetic import registration valid?
The COS-2 cosmetic import registration certificate is valid for 5 years under the Cosmetic Rules, 2020.
