New startup brands can take advantage of the growing demand of the cosmetics industry in India. Cosmetic products can legally be sold in India once the requirements of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Cosmetics Rules are fully adhered to.
Prior to selling in India, imported cosmetics are required to have a CDSCO issued Certificate of Registration. This guide explains how startup makeup brands can correctly use CDSCO cosmetic registration and Form COS-1 to legally import and sell products in India without delays.
What Is CDSCO Cosmetic Registration?
The central authority in charge of governing cosmetics as per the rules in India is the central drugs standard control organisation (CDSCO). It is the responsibility of the CDSCO to verify that the products sold as cosmetics in India are safe to use, have the appropriate labeling, and are in accordance with the laws of the country.
All imported cosmetics must be registered with CDSCO, including lipsticks, foundations, powders, eye makeup, and skincare-cosmetic products, before they can be imported, sold, or distributed in India.
What Is Form COS-1 and Why Is It Required?
Form COS-1 is the official application form used to obtain permission to import cosmetic products into India. This registration is mandatory for:
- Foreign manufacturers exporting makeup products to India
- Indian importers bringing overseas cosmetic brands into the Indian market
Once approved, CDSCO issues a registration certificate in Form COS-2, allowing the import and sale of the listed cosmetic products in India.
Who Needs Form COS-1?
Form COS-1 is required if:
- The makeup products are manufactured outside India
- The brand is entering India through an Indian importer or authorised agent
Who Can Apply?
The application must be submitted by an Indian Authorised Agent, Importer, Subsidiary, or Indian office on behalf of the foreign manufacturer.
Key Documents Required for Form COS-1 Registration
Startup makeup brands must prepare the following documents carefully:
- An authorisation letter from the foreign manufacturer
- Free Sale Certificate from the country of origin
- Product ingredient list (INCI format; percentage details may be required if requested by CDSCO)
- Safety and non-animal testing declarations
- Product labels compliant with Indian rules
- Manufacturing license or GMP certificate
- Power of Attorney in favor of the Indian Authorised Agent
Incomplete or incorrect documents are the most common reason for CDSCO delays.
How does CDSCO Registration and Form COS-1 Work Together?
For startup makeup brands, CDSCO cosmetic registration and Form COS-1 are part of the same approval process. The steps include:
- Appointment of an Authorized Indian Agent
- Preparation and verification of product documents
- Online submission of Form COS-1 through the CDSCO portal
- Review and query handling by CDSCO
- Issuance of Form COS-2 upon approval
This combined approach ensures faster market entry and regulatory compliance from day one.
Timeline for CDSCO Cosmetic Registration
In most practical cases, approvals take 6–10 weeks for complete applications, but may extend up to 4–6 months if CDSCO raises technical queries.
- Complete and correct applications usually move faster
- Delays occur due to labelling issues or missing safety data
Proper regulatory guidance can significantly reduce approval time.
Labeling Requirements for Makeup Products in India
All imported makeup products must comply with Indian labelling rules, including:
- Product name and variant
- Manufacturer and importer details
- Country of origin
- Net quantity
- Batch number
- Manufacturing date or expiry/BBD as per cosmetic labelling norms
- Maximum Retail Price (MRP)
Non-compliant labels must be corrected before customs clearance.
Common Mistakes Startup Makeup Brands Should Avoid
- Incorrect ingredient disclosures
- Non-compliant labels
- Missing authorisation letters
- Assuming registration is optional for trial imports
- Applying without an experienced regulatory consultant
Avoiding these mistakes saves time, money, and repeated submissions.
Why Choose ELT Corporate?
ELT Corporate supports startup makeup brands at every stage of CDSCO cosmetic registration. Their services include:
- Eligibility assessment and regulatory planning
- End-to-end Form COS-1 preparation and submission
- Label compliance review
- CDSCO query handling
- Ongoing post-approval compliance support
With regulatory expertise and practical experience, ELT Corporate helps brands enter the Indian market confidently and compliantly.
Conclusion
For startup makeup brands, combining CDSCO cosmetic registration with Form COS-1 approval is essential for a smooth and legal entry into the Indian market. Understanding the regulatory process, preparing accurate documents, and ensuring label compliance can significantly reduce delays. With the right guidance, startups can launch their makeup products in India faster while staying fully compliant with Indian cosmetic laws.
Is Form COS-1 mandatory for imported makeup products?
Yes, Form COS-1 is mandatory before importing any cosmetic product into India.
Is Form COS-1 required for Indian-made cosmetics?
No, Indian manufacturers require a state cosmetic manufacturing license instead.
How long does CDSCO cosmetic registration take?
Timelines vary depending on document accuracy and CDSCO queries.
Can one registration cover multiple makeup products?
Yes, multiple variants from the same manufacturer can be included in one application.
Can startups apply for COS-1 without an agent?
No, a registered Indian Authorised Agent is mandatory.
