For any new beauty startup planning to import colour cosmetics in India, Form COS-1 CDSCO, understanding the legal process is the biggest challenge. India’s cosmetics regulations are strict, and every lipstick, compact, foundation, eyeshadow, blush, or nail product must be approved before entering the Indian market. This guide explains how to import colour cosmetics from India Form COS-1 CDSCO in a simple and solution-based format—covering rules, documents, steps, timelines, mistakes to avoid, and how startups can complete the process smoothly.
Why Registration Is Mandatory for Colour Cosmetics?
Before you import colour cosmetics in India, Form COS-1 CDSCO, you must know that colour cosmetics fall under “high scrutiny products” because they are applied directly to the skin.
CDSCO checks:
- ingredient safety
- pigment purity
- heavy metal limits
- labeling compliance
- country of origin certifications
Startups must complete the import colour cosmetics India Form COS-1 CDSCO licensing process to avoid product seizures, penalties, or customs hold.
What Is Form COS-1 Under CDSCO?
Form COS-1 is the official application form required to import colour cosmetics in India, Form COS-1 CDSCO.
It is submitted online on the CDSCO portal along with:
- product details
- ingredient list
- label artwork
- Free Sale Certificate
- safety data
Once approved, CDSCO issues Form COS-2, the import license.
Every startup must submit Form COS-1 before planning to import colour cosmetics in India. Form COS-1 CDSCO
Why Startups Struggle with Colour Cosmetic Imports (Common Problems)?
New beauty brands often face challenges such as:
- wrong documentation
- missing safety tests
- non-compliant labels
- banned colourants or ingredients
- FSC does not match the brand name
- inconsistent product naming
These issues cause Form COS-1 rejection, approval delays, and customs complications.
To solve these problems, startups must follow a proper step-by-step process to import colour cosmetics from the COS-1 CDSCO.
Categories of Colour Cosmetics That Require COS-1 Registration
Any startup wanting to import colour cosmetics in India, Form COS-1 CDSCO must register products like:
- Lipstick, lip balm, lip gloss
- Liquid matte lipstick
- Compact powder, foundation, concealer
- Eyeliner, kajal, mascara
- Highlighter, blush, eyeshadow palettes
- Nail polish and nail gel products
There are no exemptions—every SKU must be individually approved.
Step-by-Step Process to Import Colour Cosmetics India Form COS-1 CDSCO
This is the most important part for startups.
Step 1: Create CDSCO Login & Select the Importer Role
Your Indian entity or authorised agent must create a profile before applying to import colour cosmetics in India Form COS-1 CDSCO.
Step 2: Prepare All Product Documents
Prepare all documents in the correct format (PDF, clear, signed).
Missing paperwork is the #1 reason Form COS-1 gets rejected.
Step 3: Fill Form COS-1 Application
Enter product name, variant, shade name, manufacturing details, ingredient list, and brand information correctly.
Every detail must match FSC and labels to successfully import colour cosmetics in India, Form COS-1 CDSCO.
Step 4: Upload Labels and Ingredient List
Ensure labels follow Indian labeling rules:
- product name
- batch number
- shade number
- manufacturing address
- importer address
- shelf life
- net content
- caution statements
Accurate labels are essential to import colour cosmetics into India Form COS-1 CDSCO smoothly.
Step 5: Submit Fees and Final Application
Pay the government fee per product category.
Step 6: Track CDSCO Query and Respond
CDSCO may ask further questions related to:
- ingredients
- shade differences
- FSC mismatch
- label corrections
Quick response is important when trying to import colour cosmetics in India Form COS-1 CDSCO under strict timelines.
Step 7: Receive Form COS-2 Import License
After approval, your startup gets a COS-2 import license.
This license allows you to legally import colour cosmetics in India, Form COS-1 CDSCO and ship products through customs.
Documents Required to Import Colour Cosmetics India Form COS-1 CDSCO
Startups must arrange the following:
- Form COS-1 application
- Free Sale Certificate (FSC)
- Ingredient list
- Manufacturing License of the exporter
- Label artwork
- Product testing details (if required)
- Declaration of compliance
- Pack insert (if applicable)
- An authorisation letter from the foreign manufacturer
- Undertaking for heavy metal compliance
Each document must accurately match your brand details to successfully import colour cosmetics in India, Form COS-1 CDSCO.
Safety Requirements for Colour Cosmetics
To import colour cosmetics into India, Form COS-1 CDSCO, products must comply with:
- No banned dyes or colourants
- Heavy metal limits (Lead, Arsenic, Mercury)
- Microbial safety
- Allowed preservatives
- Ingredient concentrations under Indian rules
This prevents rejection during CDSCO evaluation.
Common Mistakes Startups Must Avoid
Mistakes that delay attempts to import colour cosmetics, India Form COS-1 CDSCO:
- Using unapproved colourants
- Missing laboratory test reports
- Using labels with foreign languages only
- FSC with a different brand name
- Submitting an incomplete ingredient list
- Wrong product categories
- Incorrect shade count
Avoiding these mistakes helps startups finish the import colour cosmetics India Form COS-1 CDSCO process on time.
How Long Does COS-1 Approval Take?
Average timeline to import colour cosmetics, India Form COS-1 CDSCO:
- Document preparation: 5–10 days
- CDSCO evaluation: 15–30 days
- Queries (if any): +7–20 days
Usually 30–45 days in total.
Cost Involved
Costs include:
- CDSCO government fees
- Consultant fees (optional but helpful)
- Label redesign
- Ingredient reformulation (if needed)
Startups entering the market with multiple SKUs should plan budgets accordingly.
Why Startups Need Professional Help?
Because:
- CDSCO rejects many applications due to errors
- Colour cosmetics need strict ingredient compliance
- Multiple shades complicate the application
- FSC issues are common
A consultant ensures easy and smooth approval when you want to import colour cosmetics in India, Form COS-1 CDSCO, without delays.
Conclusion
For new beauty startups, the process to import colour cosmetics in India, Form COS-1 CDSCO can be difficult—but not impossible. With the right documents, correct label design, safety compliance, and proper filing, approval becomes quick and stress-free. Form COS-1 is the first step to legally entering one of the fastest-growing cosmetics markets in the world. Following this structured process helps startups launch lipsticks, foundations, eyeshadows, nail products, and other colour cosmetics in India with zero legal risk.
Do all colour cosmetics require COS-1 registration?
Yes, every SKU must be approved before import.
How long does it take to import colour cosmetics in India, Form COS-1 CDSCO?
Usually 30–45 days, depending on queries.
Can a startup apply without an Indian company?
No, you need an Indian importer or authorised agent.
Are shade variations treated as separate products?
Yes, every shade must be listed.
Does CDSCO check ingredients for colour cosmetics?
Yes, especially dyes, pigments, and preservatives.
