To Import Cosmetics from USA to India, there is a set of processes that should be followed by either the manufacturer or the authorized/unauthorized person who wants to import and sell the cosmetic products in India. The governing body of the India Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is responsible for maintaining the safe and proper labelling of cosmetic products that have been listed in Schedule ‘S’ of the Drug and Cosmetic Act, of 1940. CDSCO is the major regulatory authority who is responsible for the successful import of cosmetics in India.
Why Import Cosmetics From USA To India?
The demand for cosmetics in India is rising each year with continuous improvement in the market as well as business growth. The beauty or cosmetic industry keeps on becoming a multi-billion-dollar market in the United States of America (USA) and will grow continuously with time because of its advantage in enhancing beauty. The regulations of cosmetics are regulated by the competent authority of the USA i.e., the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA). In India, the Central Drug Standard Control Organization looks after the regulations of cosmetic products to ensure the safety and quality of products.
Who Can Import Cosmetics from USA to India?
- A manufacturer has an import license for the import and sale of cosmetics from the USA to India.
- Any authorized person appointed by the Manufacturer or Importer has the right to import cosmetics from the USA to India.
- Any person who wants to start their own business importing and selling cosmetics from the USA to India can apply.
Documents Required To Import Cosmetics from USA to India
For the seamless process of importing Cosmetics from the USA to India, some documents are required to be submitted along with the application form for review by the Regulatory authority. The documents are as follows:
- Basic information including ID proof, contact details, and address of the manufacturer or authorized person.
- Import Export Code Certificate
- Payment receipt of fees for registration
- The US. FDA production/ manufacturing license/ marketing authorization certificate.
- Information on ingredients used in the product & labelling of product information.
- Undertaking for Non-Animal Testing Declaration
Procedure To Import Cosmetics from USA to India
The Regulatory body responsible for granting Import registration certificates to cosmetic products in India is CDSCO along with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The Bureau of Indian Standards is responsible for maintaining the safe use of cosmetics falling under the schedule ‘S’ of the Drug and Cosmetic Act, 1940. For the import of cosmetic products from the USA below are the steps that must be followed:
- Firstly, the manufacturer, Importer or authorized person must have the registration as per the rules and regulations of the competent authority of India by applying for Form COS-1 to obtain the import license with ease.
- Â After, the grant of an import license Certificate under Form COS-2 by submitting the applicable fees for registration and fulfilling all the cosmetics regulatory compliance of the product as per the standard one can import the cosmetic products from the USA and sell them in India.
Who are the Governing Bodies For Import Cosmetics From USA to India?
The Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is the main Governing Regulatory Body for the Import of Cosmetics from the USA to India as per the Drug and Cosmetic Act, 1940 and Rules, 1945. The labelling standard for Cosmetic products is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
Charges for Import of Cosmetics from USA to India
As per the third schedule of cosmetics rule 2020, the fee for the registration to import cosmetics from the USA to India will cost $1000 or it’s equivalent to indian rupees. The retention of the per product category of cosmetics will cost $50 for registration of each variant.
What Are The Restrictions on Cosmetics Imports From USA?
As per Chapter III and Sections 134, 135, 135A of Drug and Cosmetic Rules, 1945 there are cosmetic products whose import is prohibited from USA to India. the list is as follows:
- Misbranded, Adulterated, or Spurious cosmetic products
- Cosmetic products containing harmful ingredients
- Cosmetic products containing Hexachlorophene and Arsenic
- The presence of coloured additives like Lead and Mercury
- Any product that does not obey Drug and cosmetic rules, 1945 is Restricted/prohibited
- Standard Cosmetic products
Conclusion
For the import of cosmetics from the USA to India, a grant of the import license is mandatory for the safe and effective import of cosmetic products in India, the regulatory authority of India CDSCO is responsible for analyzing the regulatory compliance of products which need to be imported must meet the requirements. The grant of import license will be submitted through the application Form COS-1 by submitting the fees as a mandate and if the regulatory requirements are matched with the standard set by the competent authority, then the import license is granted in Form COS-2 for successful import of cosmetic products in India.
FAQS
Which Regulatory Authority That Oversees The Registration Process Of Cosmetics In India?
Central Drug Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) which works under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and lastly the Bureau of Indian Standards.
What Is The Import Export Code?
This is the certificate issued by the Director General of Foreign Trade for carrying out the import and export activities.
What Is Custom Clearance?
Compulsory or mandatory requirement during the import or export of products from the country. It includes everything from labelling and packaging to bills, invoices, etc.
