CDSCO Cosmetic Registration & Form COS-1 is one of the most important regulatory requirements for Indian importers bringing shampoos, conditioners, serums, oils, and other haircare products into India. Every importer must understand how CDSCO works, how to complete Form COS-1, and how to maintain proper documents before importing any cosmetic product. This guide explains the complete process in simple words, step-by-step, so even first-time importers can understand how to comply with CDSCO Cosmetic Registration & Form COS-1.
What Is CDSCO Cosmetic Registration & Form COS-1?
CDSCO Cosmetic Registration & Form COS-1 is the online approval process through which an importer gets permission to import cosmetic products into India legally. Form COS-1 is submitted on the Sugam Portal, and once approved, CDSCO issues a cosmetic import registration certificate. Importers of haircare products like shampoo, conditioner, hair masks, leave-in creams, hair serum, hair gel, and hair oil must complete CDSCO Cosmetic Registration & Form COS-1 before importing or selling products in the Indian market.
Why Haircare Importers Must Complete CDSCO Cosmetic Registration & Form COS-1?
CDSCO Cosmetic Registration & Form COS-1 is compulsory because:
- It ensures haircare products are safe for Indian consumers
- It checks if imported cosmetics contain banned or restricted ingredients
- It prevents low-quality or harmful cosmetic products from entering India
- It helps in verifying the manufacturer’s legal status and product quality
If an importer tries to import products without CDSCO Cosmetic Registration & Form COS-1, customs authorities will seize the shipment, and heavy penalties may apply.
Which Haircare Products Need CDSCO Cosmetic Registration & Form COS-1?
All imported haircare products—including but not limited to:
- Shampoos
- Conditioners
- Hair serums
- Hair oils
- Hair creams
- Hair gels
- Hair masks
- Hair sprays
- Anti-dandruff products
- Hair styling products
All of these require CDSCO Cosmetic Registration & Form COS-1 before entering India.
Step-by-Step Process of CDSCO Cosmetic Registration & Form COS-1
Here is the complete process in simple words:
Step 1: Appoint an Indian Authorised Representative
If the foreign manufacturer has no office in India, they must appoint a representative/importer.
Step 2: Collect Required Documents
You need complete documents from both the manufacturer and importer.
Step 3: Prepare Ingredient List & Product Details
CDSCO checks if any ingredient is banned or exceeds safe limits.
Step 4: Submit Form COS-1 on the Sugam Portal
This is the main step of CDSCO Cosmetic Registration & Form COS-1.
Step 5: Pay Government Fees
Fees depend on the number of variants and category.
Step 6: Respond to Queries
CDSCO may ask for clarifications or extra documents.
Step 7: Get the COS-1 Registration Certificate
After approval of Form COS-1, CDSCO issues Form COS-2, which is the actual cosmetic import registration certificate required for legal import.
Step 8: Start Importing
Products can now be cleared at customs and sold in India.
Documents Required for CDSCO Cosmetic Registration & Form COS-1
Here is the list without descriptions:
- Power of Attorney
- Free Sale Certificate
- Ingredient List
- Product Specification
- Label Artwork
- Manufacturing Licence
- GMP Certificate
- Testing Reports
- Brand Authorization Letter
- Pack Insert (if any)
- Importer Company Documents
- Importer’s GST and IEC Code
- Undertaking for Samples
You may add or remove documents depending on product type.
Best Practices for Haircare Importers to Clear CDSCO Cosmetic Registration & Form COS-1 Smoothly
These practices will help you avoid delays, rejections, and penalties.
1. Always Verify Ingredients Before Applying
- Haircare products commonly contain chemicals like SLS, silicones, parabens, and botanical extracts.
- Make sure none of them exceed limits or fall under restricted ingredients.
This helps in faster approval of CDSCO Cosmetic Registration & Form COS-1.
2. Use Standard Naming for Haircare Variants
CDSCO does not accept vague names like “Premium Shampoo No. 3.”
Use clear product names and avoid confusion.
3. Ensure Product Stability & Safety Reports Are Complete
Haircare products must be tested for:
- pH
- Microbial safety
- Heavy metals
- Stability
These reports support your CDSCO Cosmetic Registration & Form COS-1.
4. Avoid Labeling Mistakes
Your label must follow Indian standards:
- Product name
- Variant
- Net content
- Manufacturer name and address
- Batch number
- MRP
- Importer details
- Directions for use
- Warnings
Incorrect labels often delay CDSCO Cosmetic Registration & Form COS-1.
5. Choose Reliable Manufacturers
Importers should work with trustworthy companies that can provide:
- GMP certificate
- Ingredient list
- Free Sale Certificate
- Safety data
- Correct documents
Poor documentation leads to rejection of Form COS-1.
6. Submit Correct Variant List
Haircare products have many variants (anti-hair fall, damage repair, keratin shampoo, etc.).
Make sure all variants are included in the CDSCO Cosmetic Registration & Form COS-1.
7. Maintain Clear Communication with Customs
Once you receive COS-1 registration, keep:
- PDF approval
- Ingredient sheet
- Labels
- Shipment details
ready for smooth clearance.
Common Mistakes Importers Make During CDSCO Cosmetic Registration & Form COS-1
Many importers face rejection due to:
- Wrong or incomplete documents
- Mismatch in ingredient list
- Missing Free Sale Certificate
- Incorrect or non-compliant labels
- Selecting wrong product category
- Not matching variant names with manufacturer documents
- Submitting unclear product photos
- Using expired certificates
Avoiding these helps in faster approval of CDSCO Cosmetic Registration & Form COS-1.
How ELT Corporate Helps You with CDSCO Cosmetic Registration & Form COS-1?
ELT Corporate supports importers through the entire CDSCO Cosmetic Registration & Form COS-1 journey:
- Ingredient review
- Document preparation
- Manufacturer coordination
- Label compliance
- Sugam portal filing
- Query handling
- End-to-end import support
We ensure your haircare products enter the Indian market legally and smoothly.
Do all haircare products need CDSCO Cosmetic Registration & Form COS-1?
Yes, all imported haircare products need COS-1 approval before entering India.
How long does the COS-1 approval take?
Usually 30–60 working days depending on documents.
Can I import without COS-1 temporarily?
No. Customs will block the shipment.
Does each variant need separate registration?
Yes, every variant must be listed correctly.
How long is the COS-1 certificate valid?
The COS-2 import registration certificate is valid for 5 years as per Cosmetic Rules, 2020.
