Noida has become one of India’s leading hubs for cosmetic manufacturing, private label skincare, and international beauty imports. As the Indian cosmetic market grows, every private label brand entering the market must complete must complete CDSCO cosmetic import registration through Form COS-1 to ensure compliance to ensure their products meet the safety and regulatory requirements under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) is the authority responsible for approving imported cosmetics and verifying that every product entering India is safe, cruelty-free, and compliant. For private label cosmetic brands in Noida, a proper understanding of Form COS-1 (application) and Form COS-2 (registration certificate) is essential to avoid delays, customs issues, or rejection.
Why CDSCO Registration Matters for Private Label Brands?
CDSCO registration is mandatory for all imported cosmetic products, including private-label cosmetics, white-label cosmetics, and repackaged skincare items.
Successful CDSCO registration helps brands:
- Legally import and sell cosmetics in India
- Avoid customs seizures or shipment delays
- Build consumer trust with compliance
- Follow Indian safety and labelling rules
- Launch products smoothly in both online and retail markets
Step-by-Step Guide for private label cosmetics CDSCO registration, Noida
1. Confirm Whether Your Product Needs CDSCO Approval
All imported skincare and cosmetic products must be registered under Form COS-1 before entering India. This includes serums, cleansers, sunscreens, creams, makeup products, toners, shampoos, and more. If your products are manufactured outside India, CDSCO registration is compulsory.
2. Appoint an Authorised Indian Agent in Noida
Foreign manufacturers must appoint an authorised Indian agent or importer who will file the COS-1 application.
This can be:
- A Noida-based private label company
- A distributor
- An importer
- A regulatory consultant
The agent must have a valid IEC, GST, and authorisation from the manufacturer.
3. Prepare All Required Documents for COS-1
Private label brands must prepare a complete document set, including:
- Free Sale Certificate (FSC)
- Full ingredient list (percentages may be required if CDSCO requests them for safety evaluation)
- Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- Stability test data (required for emulsions, water-based products, or if requested by CDSCO)
- Product specifications
- GMP or ISO certificate of the manufacturer
- Manufacturing license
- Label artwork (as per Indian rules)
- Importer’s IEC & GST
- Brand undertaking
- Non-animal testing declaration (mandatory in India)
- Authorisation letter / Power of Attorney
Missing documents are the biggest cause of delays and CDSCO queries.
4. Create Labels as Per CDSCO Guidelines
Product labels must clearly mention:
- Brand name & product name
- Ingredient list (INCI format)
- Batch number
- Manufacturing & expiry date
- Net quantity
- Manufacturer details
- Importer’s name and address
- Country of origin
- Any mandatory warnings
Incorrect or incomplete labels often lead to COS-1 rejection.
5. Submit Form COS-1 on the CDSCO SUGAM Portal
Your authorised agent must:
- Create a SUGAM account
- Upload documents
- Fill Form COS-1
- Pay the government fees
- Submit the application
This starts the official CDSCO evaluation process.
6. Pay the Applicable CDSCO Fees
- The fee depends on the number of products and variants.
- Payment is made online on the SUGAM portal.
7. CDSCO Review and Evaluation
CDSCO checks:
- Ingredient safety
- Label correctness
- Stability and test data
- Non-animal testing compliance
- Document accuracy
They may raise queries if clarification is needed.
8. Respond to CDSCO Queries
- CDSCO may ask for updated labels, revised documents, missing certificates, or additional safety data.
- Responding quickly ensures faster approval. Late responses slow down the entire process.
9. Receive COS-2 Registration Certificate
- Once approved, CDSCO issues Form COS-2, which is your official cosmetic import registration certificate.
- Must be provided during customs clearance. It is not printed on product labels.
10. Maintain Compliance After Registration
Even after receiving COS-2, private label brands in Noida must follow:
- Correct labelling rules
- Stable formulation (no changes without approval)
- Batch-wise records and COA maintenance
- Renewal of registration before expiry
- Import through approved ports
Non-compliance can lead to suspension or cancellation of your registration.
Additional Requirements for Private Label Cosmetic Brands in Noida
1. Non-Animal Testing Rule
India bans animal testing for cosmetics. Brands must submit a signed declaration confirming no animal testing of products or ingredients.
2. Choosing a Noida-Based Private Label Manufacturer
If you manufacture in Noida:
- The manufacturer must have a valid cosmetic manufacturing license
- The facility must follow GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
- All product records must be maintained properly
3. Why Noida Is Ideal for CDSCO Registration
Noida offers several advantages:
- Proximity to the Delhi CDSCO headquarters
- Availability of testing laboratories
- Strong logistics & warehousing support
- Large private label manufacturing ecosystem
- Easy access to regulatory consultants
Documents Checklist for private label cosmetics CDSCO registration Noida
- Free Sale Certificate
- Ingredient list (percentages may be required if requested by CDSCO during safety evaluation)
- Product specifications & COA
- Stability test data
- Label artwork as per CDSCO rules
- Manufacturer’s GMP or ISO certificate
- Authorised agent’s IEC & GST
- Power of Attorney / Authorisation letter
- Non-animal testing declaration
- Brand undertaking
- Government fee receipt
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing or incomplete documents
- Wrong label format
- No proper authorisation letter
- Incorrect ingredient percentage list
- Delayed responses to CDSCO
- Changing the formula after registration
- Avoiding these mistakes ensures faster approval.
Conclusion
Completing CDSCO registration for private label cosmetic brands in Noida is essential for every brand that wants to import or sell cosmetics in India. With proper documentation, correct labelling, quick responses to queries, and strong coordination with your Noida-based agent or manufacturer, the COS-1 and COS-2 approval process becomes smooth and hassle-free. CDSCO compliance not only ensures legal import but also builds customer trust and strengthens your brand’s presence in the competitive Indian beauty market.
Is Cdsco Registration Mandatory For Private-Label Imported Cosmetics?
Yes, all imported private label cosmetic brands in Noida must be registered under Form COS-1 before entering India.
How Long Does COS-1 Approval Take?
Usually 4–8 weeks, depending on document accuracy and response time to queries.
Can One Cos-2 Certificate Cover Multiple Products?
Yes, multiple products under the same brand can be included if filed together.
Do Indian-Manufactured Private Label Products Need COS-1?
No, COS-1 is only required for imported products, not for those manufactured within India.
Is An Animal Testing Declaration Necessary?
Yes, India strictly bans the import of animal-tested cosmetics, so the declaration is mandatory.
