The Indian cosmetics industry is witnessing rapid growth, with many Indian private label brands in Pune importing finished cosmetic products from countries such as South Korea, France, Italy, and China. However, importing cosmetics into India is a regulated activity governed by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
As per Indian regulations, no cosmetic product can be imported for commercial sale in India without prior registration and approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). This approval is issued in the form of a Cosmetic Import Registration Certificate, which is mandatory for customs clearance and legal sale.
What Is a Cosmetic Import Licence?
A cosmetic import licence is officially known as a Cosmetic Import Registration Certificate issued by CDSCO.
The process involves two prescribed forms:
- Form COS-1 – Online application for import registration filed on the CDSCO SUGAM portal
- Form COS-2 – Import Registration Certificate issued by CDSCO after approval
Only after the issuance of Form COS-2 can cosmetic products be legally imported, cleared by customs, and sold in the Indian market.
Applicability for Indian Private Label Brands in Pune
Private label cosmetic brands typically:
- Import finished cosmetic products
- Sell products under their own Indian brand name
- Rely on overseas third-party manufacturers
Even though Pune is not a regulatory requirement for CDSCO registration, it serves as a strong operational and commercial hub due to access to logistics, consultants, and distribution networks. The CDSCO cosmetic import licence is central in nature and valid across India, irrespective of the importer’s location.
Who Can Apply for a Cosmetic Import Licence?
An application for cosmetic import registration can be submitted by:
- An Indian company or LLP
- An authorised Indian agent appointed by the foreign manufacturer
- A subsidiary of the foreign manufacturer in India
- Any importer authorised by the manufacturer through a valid Power of Attorney
Foreign manufacturers cannot apply directly unless they have an established legal presence in India.
Cosmetic Products Covered Under Import Registration
The licence is mandatory for all imported cosmetic products, including:
- Skincare and haircare products
- Makeup and colour cosmetics
- Fragrances and perfumes
- Personal care cosmetic products
Each product variant, shade, or formulation must be declared individually during registration.
Step-by-Step Cosmetic Import Licence Process
Step 1: Product and Ingredient Compliance Review
The product formulation and ingredients are reviewed to ensure compliance with Indian cosmetic regulations and prohibited substance lists.
Step 2: Appointment of Authorised Indian Agent
The foreign manufacturer appoints an Indian entity through a legally executed Power of Attorney to act before CDSCO.
Step 3: Documentation Preparation
All technical, safety, manufacturing, and labelling documents are prepared strictly as per CDSCO requirements.
Step 4: Online Filing of Form COS-1
The application is submitted on the CDSCO SUGAM portal along with the prescribed government fees.
Step 5: CDSCO Review and Queries
CDSCO examines the application and may raise queries, which must be addressed within the stipulated time.
Step 6: Issuance of Form COS-2
Once CDSCO is satisfied, the Cosmetic Import Registration Certificate (Form COS-2) is issued, permitting legal import and sale in India.
Government Fees for Cosmetic Import Licence
As per the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, the government fees include:
- USD 1,000 for grant or retention of registration per category
- USD 500 for registration of each manufacturing site
- USD 50 per cosmetic product variant
These are statutory CDSCO fees only. Professional or consultancy charges are separate and depend on the scope of services.
Expected Timelines of Cosmetic Import Licenses for Indian Private Label Brands in Pune
| S.No. | Stage | Approximate Duration |
| 1. | Documentation preparation | 5–10 working days |
| 2. | CDSCO review and approval | Up to 6 months |
| 3. | Total expected timeline | 4–6 months |
Timelines may vary depending on product complexity and CDSCO queries.
Validity and Retention
- The cosmetic import registration certificate is valid for five years
- Retention (renewal) must be applied for before expiry
- Any change in formulation, manufacturer, or labelling requires fresh approval
- The retention fee is the same as the initial government fee.
Post-Approval Compliance Obligations
After obtaining Form COS-2, importers must:
- Maintain import and distribution records
- Ensure labels remain compliant with Indian regulations
- Report adverse reactions, if any
- Inform CDSCO of any regulatory or manufacturing changes
Failure to comply may result in suspension or cancellation of the registration.
Why Choose ELT Corporate?
ELT Corporate provides end-to-end regulatory support for Indian private label cosmetic brands seeking CDSCO cosmetic import licences. Their expertise includes:
- Regulatory assessment and eligibility evaluation
- Ingredient and label compliance review
- Complete documentation preparation
- Filing and management of COS-1 applications on the SUGAM portal
- Handling CDSCO queries and approval coordination
- Post-approval compliance and retention support
With in-depth regulatory knowledge and hands-on experience, ELT Corporate helps brands in Pune and across India obtain cosmetic import licences smoothly and compliantly.
Is a cosmetic import licence mandatory for private label brands in Pune?
Yes, all cosmetic products imported for commercial sale in India require a valid CDSCO import registration certificate.
Which forms are used for cosmetic import registration?
Form COS-1 is the application form, and Form COS-2 is the import registration certificate.
Can foreign manufacturers register cosmetics in India?
Foreign manufacturers cannot apply directly unless they have an Indian presence. They must either appoint an authorised Indian agent or establish a legal office/subsidiary in India.
How long is the Indian import registration for cosmetics valid?
For a period of 5 years, as long as the retention is done without delay.
Can CDSCO suspend the import license for cosmetics?
Yes, in case of failure to comply with the rules, CDSCO is entitled to suspend or revoke the license.
