How to Import Cosmetics from China?

Import cosmetics from China will be very profitable for any Manufacturer, Importer, or any person who wants to start a new business or profession. The demand for Cosmetics in India is increasing day by day and due to its high demand, its market is expanding rapidly and will never go deflation. China is the second largest cosmetics product consumer in the world because of its variety and affordability.

Who Can Import Cosmetics from China to India?

When you are going to import cosmetics products then you must comply with the rules of cosmetics regulatory. The following must have to apply for the license:

• Manufacturers having a manufacturing license in India can apply for the import of cosmetics from China.
• Any authorized person appointed by the Manufacturer or Importer can apply for the import of cosmetics from China to India.
• Any other person who just wants to import and sell products in India can also import cosmetics from China.

What Is The Regulation For Labelling Of Cosmetic Products? 

As per rule 21 of the Drug and Cosmetic Act 1940, the following are essential Regulations for the Labelling of Cosmetic Products:

• The name of the product along with the complete manufacturing address should be mentioned on both the inner and outer label of the product. The manufacturing address and pincode should be mentioned in case of small size container
• The list of ingredients used in cosmetic products should be mentioned on the outer label
• The Direction for use along with warning and caution must be mentioned on the inner label
• The Batch number represented by letter B and the Manufacturing number is represented by letter M on the label

Documents Required for Import of Cosmetics From China to India

A list of various documents required for the easy import cosmetics from China to India is discussed below:

• Application Form: The COS-1 application form must be filled out carefully with all the details asked for about the Manufacturer, Importer anyone willing to import.
• Cover Letter: A cover letter containing all the details like a reason for the letter, details of the product, Manufacturer details, and many more.
• Import Export Code Certificate: The IEC is a 10-digit business identification number important for the import and export of products and it is granted by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
• Power of Attorney: A Power Attorney Certificate must be submitted in case of Authorization given to another person by the manufacturer or Importer.
• Labeling Details: The label of the product must be according to Rule 2 of the Drug and Cosmetics Rule, 1945. It contains the product name, Manufacturer and Manufacturing details, Ingredients and their quantity, Dosage, Warning, Batch number, and Manufacturing License number.
• Package Insert: It contains details about the product and information about dosage and precautions etc
• Payment Receipt: Fee receipt of COS-1 Import registration must be submitted for verification of payment
• Product details along with chemical and safety data:
• Free sale Certificate: as proof that the product was safe of good quality and effective when used by customers of the manufacturing country.
• List of other countries in which the product is already Imported: Document containing other countries in which the product is already Imported and their report also.
• Non-animal testing certificate: No cosmetic product that is tested on animals can be imported into India as per Drug and Cosmetic, Rule 1945.
• Toxicology and specification and Heavy metals test Reports.

Procedure for Import Cosmetics from China to India

The various steps to be followed for easy Import of cosmetics from China to India are:

1. Market Research, Target Audience & Choose the Product: Do the Market survey, identify the customer’s needs, and choose the product they want to Import.

2. Understand the Regulatory guidelines of the Importing Country: Understand the policies of the Indian   Regulatory body CDSCO and all the other governing bodies involved like the (BIS) Bureau of Indian Standards.

3.  Import License Registration and Certificate: Apply for Import License Certificate COS-2 by applying Form COS-1 and IEC (Import Export Code) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) which is very important for Import or Export in India.

4.  Search Supplier: The various Chinese suppliers are AliExpress, Alibaba, etc. After the confirmation of the supplier sample is asked for testing quality for the product and then price, quantity, payment method, and delivery are finalized.

5. Import medium: The various Transport mediums for the product are Sea Freight, Air Freight, and Rail. But among all these, the most suitable is the sea. Transport medium is decided according to the shelf life of the product. Import duties, taxes, and customs clearance must be cleared before Transportation.

6.  Prepare Marketing, Distribution, and after-sale services: Promotion of product on social media platforms and by collaboration. The various methods of distribution are Retail shops, salons, and online platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, etc.

Lab Test Required for Import Cosmetic from China to India 

The quality of the cosmetic product is checked and updated from time to time by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The following Lab Tests are done to check the quality and safety of cosmetic products as per Indian Standards:

• Performance Testing: For Evaluation of the durability and functionality of the cosmetic product. It confirms the quality of cosmetic products.
• Toxicology Testing: The safety is checked by checking the list of ingredients used and the final product as per regulatory guidelines
• Microbiology Testing: Various test methods are used to detect the presence of bacteria and microorganisms, to ensure that the product is free from contamination.
• Chemical Stability Testing: The product’s shelf life and storage conditions determine its chemical stability over time.
• Safety Testing: The presence of heavy metals, banned colors, and prohibited chemicals to confirm the product’s safety in compliance with regulations.

Validity of Cosmetics Import License Certificate

The Validity of the Import License Certificate for the import of cosmetics from China issued by the CDSCO Regulatory Authority is five years. After the license is Renewed within 120 days, another fine is charged and if a license is not renewed in this period, then it gets canceled.

How can we Assist You To Import Cosmetics from China to India?

At ELT our regulatory experts help you with the complete process of Cosmetics Import license certificate issuance. Our expert team carefully reviews all the documents required for the Import of Cosmetics from China to India as per Regulatory guidelines. ELT provides seamless and fast service for starting your business.

Charges for applying for COS-1 Import License Registration: –

A/c to the Third Schedule of Cosmetic Rule 2020 fee of 1000 US dollars or its equivalent in Indian Rupees is paid for registration or retention per product category of cosmetics, a fee of 50 US dollars for registration of each variant, and a fee of 1000 US dollars for grant or retention of registration certificate for an additional category of cosmetic is paid along with COS -1 application form for Import of Cosmetics from China to India.

Conclusion – Import Cosmetics from China

Importing cosmetics from China is a profitable business. After understanding the market demand and regulatory guidelines of the Indian Regulatory body, License requirements, and documentation process anyone can easily start an import business that can lead to very profitable business from a business point of view.

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