In the flourishing beauty and skincare market, introducing a face cream or moisturizer presents a captivating chance. However, it’s crucial to ensure regulatory compliance for cosmetics before launching your product. Cosmetic registration for face creams & moisturizers is a necessary step to ensure safety, transparency, and legal approval.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about the cosmetic certification process for face creams and moisturizers business in India.
What Is Cosmetic Registration?
In India, cosmetic registration is a necessary process for manufacturers and importers of cosmetics including face creams and moisturizers to legally sell their products. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) oversees the importation of cosmetics, while local manufacturing necessitates approval from the State Licensing Authority (SLA) under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940.
Who Requires Cosmetic License For Face Creams & Moisturizers?
As per the CDSCO cosmetic registration for Face creams & moisturizers is required by the following entities:
- Manufacturers: Companies that produce face creams and moisturizers in India must obtain a cosmetic manufacturing license (Form 32/33) from the appropriate state authorities.
- Importers: Businesses that bring in foreign face creams must register their products with CDSCO (Form 42/43) before they can be sold in India.
- E-commerce Sellers: Online retailers like Amazon, Flipkart, and Nykaa need compliance documents before listing their products.
Why Is It Important To Obtain A Cosmetic License For Face Creams & Moisturizer?
Cosmetic registration for face creams & moisturizers and obtaining a license is mandatory for several critical purposes:
- Legal Compliance: Helps evade legal complications by following the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, of 1940.
- Consumer Safety: Guarantees the product is safe and free from harmful substances.
- Market Credibility: Establishes trust with consumers and retailers alike.
- Smooth Import & Export: Required for foreign brands entering the Indian market.
Regulatory Authority Of Cosmetic Registration For Face Creams & Moisturizers In India
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) regulates cosmetic licensing for skincare products including face creams & moisturizers in India. Any face cream or moisturizer, whether produced locally or imported, must be registered with CDSCO before being sold.
Steps To Register Face Cream & Moisturizer In India
You need to follow the multiple steps to apply for a cosmetics license for Face creams & Moisturizers
Step 1: Determine Product ClassificationÂ
Face creams and moisturizers are classified as cosmetics under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, necessitating compliance with ingredient safety standards and cosmetic labeling regulations.Â
Step 2: Obtain A Manufacturing License (For Indian Brands)Â
Indian manufacturers must secure a Form 32 manufacturing license from the State Drug Control Authority before starting production.Â
Step 3: Registration for Imported Cosmetics Â
To import face creams or moisturizers, obtaining a Registration Certificate (Form 42) under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 is mandatory.Â
Step 4: Gather Necessary Documents Â
To register for cosmetics, you will need the following documents including a Cover letter and application form, Free Sale Certificate, an Ingredient list with a percentage breakdown, Testing protocols and safety reports, and cosmetic Labeling compliance information.
Step 5: Submit the Application To CDSCOÂ Â
The registration application must be submitted online through the CDSCO SUGAM portal, along with all required documents and the applicable fee.Â
Step 6: Product Testing & Approval Â
CDSCO evaluates the product’s safety and composition. They may request further testing to ensure compliance in certain instances.Â
Step 7: Receive Registration Certificate Â
Upon approval, CDSCO will issue the Registration Certificate, allowing legal manufacturing, importing, and selling of the product in India.Â
Documents Required For Cosmetic License For Face Cream & Moisturizers
As per the CDSCO regulation documents required for cosmetic registration for face creams & moisturizers vary depending on the business activity. Such as
Documents Required To Manufacture Face Cream and Moisturizer
- Form COS 5;
- Aadhar card number with a valid mobile number (mandatory)
- Fees challan; cover letter
- Ownership documentation of the cosmetics brand.
- Documents of the firm’s constitution, such as the articles of association.
- Declaration of partners, along with a list containing the names of Directors, Partners, and Trustees, including their complete addresses.
- Power of Attorney on behalf of the company, permitting authorized agents to submit applications.
- Approved layout plan for the manufacturing site, including a sectionwise layout of the site and machines.
- Possession documents such as ownership registry, lease, and rental agreements.
- The master file for the site.
- List of plant equipment categorized by section, including machinery and safety equipment.
- Complete particulars of the technical staff.
- Declaration of the manufacturing analytical chemist.
- List of cosmetic products, including their composition formula and labeling methods.
- Details of the manufacturing process, including a flow chart.
- Details of the water system, along with a water testing report.
- Registration from the district industries center.
- Permission from the state pollution control authority for the manufacturing site.
- NOC from the Fire Safety Department office
- Approval from the government for testing.
Documents Required for Cosmetics Import Registration For Face Cream and Moisturizer
- Covering Letter: A letter from the applicant clearly stating the purpose of the application.
- Power of Attorney: Original or a copy showing the connection between the importer and manufacturer.
- Schedule D III
- Label: Original or a copy of the label of the product.
- Free Sale Certificate (FSC)/Marketing Authorization letter/Manufacturing License If any
- Product Specification and Testing Protocol
- List of ingredients in the cosmetic product along with their percentage contents
- Pack Inserts
- Declaration of nonanimal testing
- Heavy metal declaration
- Product formulation and the certificate of analysis
- List of countries where Market Authorization import permission or registration was granted
- Soft copies of the information about the brands, products, and manufacturers of the product
- NOC from the pollution control board
- Layout plan of the premises
- Rental agreement, in case of rented premises
- List of laboratory equipment
- List of machines installed for manufacturing, if any
Labeling & Packaging Requirements For Cosmetic Registration Of Face Creams & Moisturizers
Each face cream and moisturizer must comply with the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules regarding labeling, which include:
- Product name and intended use
- Ingredient list (in INCI format)
- Net quantity and Maximum Retail Price (MRP)
- Manufacturer/importer information
- Batch number and expiration date
- Directions for use and any warnings (if applicable)
How ELT Can Help?
Navigating cosmetic registration for face creams & moisturizers can be complex, but our expert team at ELT Corporate Pvt Ltd simplifies the process for you. We offer end to end support, including document preparation, application submission, and regulatory compliance checks, ensuring a hassle-free approval process.
How Long Does It Take To Register A Cosmetic Product In India?Â
As per the new Cosmetic Rules, 2020, registering a cosmetic product takes 180 working days from the date of application.Â
Do Homemade Face Creams And Moisturizers Need Registration?Â
No, As per the CDSCO, it is illegal to produce cosmetics including face creams and moisturizers at home.
Can I Market My Face Cream As ‘Organic’ Or ‘Natural’?Â
Be cautious when using terms like ‘organic’ or ‘natural.’ Your claims must comply with FSSAI & AYUSH guidelines if they involve herbal formulations.Â
What Are The Costs Associated With Cosmetic Registration?Â
The cost varies depending on whether it’s a domestic or imported product. Government fees range from INR 50,000 to 5,00,000, in addition to costs for testing and documentation.Â