If you are looking to prepare homemade cosmetic products for personal use or selling on a small scale, it is essential to understand the regulatory requirements. To start a business it is necessary to obtain a Homemade Cosmetics license in India. Whether you are preparing skin care products, organic products for beauty, or a small batch of cosmetic products, meeting the regulatory requirements and adhering to safety standards are essential.
The regulatory guidelines of Cosmetic Rules, 2020, ensure that the manufactured cosmetic products are safe for consumer use, and maintain transparency about the ingredients used during manufacturing practice. For all the cosmetic products falling under the Drug and Cosmetics Act, of 1940, the manufacturing license is important for cosmetic product commercialization in India and for preparing homemade cosmetics for selling on a small scale or for personal use. The application for a grant of manufacturing license is submitted in Form COS-5.
What Are HomeMade Cosmetics?
Under the Drug and Cosmetic Act, of 1940, homemade cosmetics are referred to as cosmetics that are generally prepared at home for personal use instead of commercial sales. These are prepared using natural ingredients including herbs, oils, and other raw materials. However, the Drug and Cosmetics Act primarily focuses on cosmetic products sold in the Indian market. Homemade cosmetics for personal use don’t need to adhere to the same regulatory requirements as commercially sold cosmetics.
Why License for Homemade Cosmetics is Important?
Licensing is important for homemade cosmetics for the following reasons:
- Build customer trust
- Ensure quality standards and safety of the product
- Enhance brand reputation and market access to the product
- promote legal sale and marketing of the product
- protect the brand from legal issues.
- Quality assurance promotes consumer safety
What are the Essential Requirements To Obtain a License For Homemade Cosmetics Manufacturing?
Even for homemade cosmetic products in India, you need to comply with the products as per the regulatory requirements but not a stringent regulatory framework. Here’s what are the essential requirements:
- Manufacturing License (Form COS 8): For anyone manufacturing cosmetic products whether on a small scale or large scale, a manufacturing license is essential including homemade cosmetic products.
- Product Testing: Homemade products shall be tested to ensure their safety for consumer use.
- Labeling Requirements: The homemade cosmetic products shall be labeled as per the Cosmetic Rules, 2020, including net content, expiry date, and manufacturing date.
- No License For Sale: If you are not manufacturing homemade cosmetic products for selling on a small scale or large scale, then you can get some leniency from the State Licensing Authority depending upon state laws.
- Non-Animal Testing Certificate: You must have this certificate to provide evidence for cruelty-free preparation of homemade cosmetic products.

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ELT Corporate is here for you to assist about the importance of License and how you can start your own business under expert guidance.
What Is Form COS-8 Application?
Form COS-8 is the application for a grant of permit to manufacture cosmetics for sale in the Indian market, including homemade cosmetics products. This manufacturing license is issued by the State Licensing Authority, ensuring the products meet quality and safety standards. The license is issued after a successful evaluation of the COS-5 application along with the audit inspection of the manufacturing site.
Who Can Apply For COS-5 License For Grant Of Manufacturing License Under Form COS 8?
Following are the entities or individuals who can apply for a COS-5 application for a grant of manufacturing license:
- An individual who wants to prepare homemade cosmetic products.
- If you are a manufacturer, then you can fill and apply Form COS-5 for a manufacturing license.
- Existing license holders can apply for COS-5.
Who Issues Manufacturing Licenses for Cosmetics?
The manufacturing license is issued by the State Licensing Authority also known as the State Drug Controller for manufacturing cosmetic products for domestic sale in India or export purposes. The State Drug Controller is an authorized person responsible for the evaluation of COS-5 applications and the grant of manufacturing license.
What Are The Essential Documents Required For Form COS-5 Application?
To apply for a manufacturing license for homemade cosmetics under Form COS -5, the following documents are required to be submitted to the licensing authority:
- Cover letter.
- Manufacturing site details.
- Site master file.
- Cosmetic products list intended to be manufactured.
- Proof of qualified technical staff.
- GMP compliance of the product.
- Fee receipt.
- Plant layout.
- Undertaking for product compliance as per Cosmetic Rules, 2020.
Procedure To Obtain a License for Homemade Cosmetics In India Â
Following are the steps that must be taken by the applicant to obtain the license for homemade cosmetics manufacturing as fast as possible:
- Visit the SUGAM portal and register yourself.
- Fill in the COS-5 application.
- Gather all the required documents as mentioned in part II of the second schedule of Cosmetic Rules, 2020, ensuring compliance with the regulatory requirements.
- Fees must be paid as mentioned in the third schedule of Cosmetic Rules, 2020.
- Submit the application to the state licensing authority for review of an application.
- Once the application is reviewed and documents are verified successfully without any query, the State Licensing Authority will grant the license within 45 days of document verification.
- After the grant of a license, be ready for audit inspection within 30 days of obtaining the license, confirming the product compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
What Is The Validity Of Cosmetics Manufacturing License?
The validity for a cosmetic manufacturing license for homemade cosmetics is for a lifetime unless the licensing authority cancels it and the manufacturer shall pay the fees after every 5 years for maintaining validity.
Contact Us, ELT Corporate For Your Help In Homemade Cosmetic Products Preparation
At ELT Corporate, we are here to help you at every step in preparing your homemade cosmetic products. Whether you need guidance or support in cosmetics regulatory compliance, labelling, or licensing, our expert team will ensure a smooth process. Let’s contact us to turn your homemade cosmetic products into a successful business.
Our offering includes:
- Regulatory compliance for homemade cosmetics.
- Guidance in obtaining licenses.
- Product testing support.
- GMP certificate.
Do I Need a License For Preparing Homemade Cosmetic Products?
Yes, you need a manufacturing license from the State Licensing Authority, even if you are planning to prepare homemade cosmetics.
Why Should I Choose ELT Corporates?Â
Because of ELT corporate dedicated team of experts and proven track record in successful submission and grant of licenses and navigating the difficulties of regulatory compliance.
Are There Specific Requirements For Homemade Cosmetic Products?Â
Yes, the label must include the product name, ingredients name and net content, batch number, manufacturing date, and expiry date along with the requirements as per Cosmetic Rules, 2020.
How to sell homemade cosmetics in India?
Here is the step-by-step guide to selling homemade cosmetics in India:
Develop safe & effective products,
Obtain the necessary license,
Establish a strong identity,
Market your products online using social media and E-commerce platforms,
Set competitive prices, and
Provide efficient client-support
Do I need a license to sell skin care products?
Yes, you need a license to sell skin care products, such as a cosmetics manufacturing license(if manufacturer), GST registration, FSSAI registration, or labeling compliance.