The cosmetic industry in India is expanding quickly, with lipstick ranking among the best-selling products. If you’re a manufacturer or importer aiming to sell lipsticks, adherence to regulatory standards is essential. To meet the safety and quality benchmarks established by the CDSCO, registering your lipstick under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act is crucial. This detailed guide will provide you with all the information needed for lipstick registration in India, including legal processes, timelines, costs, and benefits.
Why Lipstick Registration Is Important In India?
Before exploring the registration process, it is crucial to understand why lipstick certification is mandatory in India. Here are a few reasons:
- Legal compliance: Avoid penalties, product bans, or legal action.
- Market access: Registration is mandatory for selling or importing.
- Consumer confidence: Certification improves product credibility.
- Brand reputation: Shows commitment to safety and quality.
Who Should Register Lipsticks In India?
Lipstick registration is compulsory for the following entities:
- Foreign manufacturers wishing to sell their products in India.
- Importers bringing in lipsticks from abroad.
- Domestic manufacturers produce lipstick under their brand name.
- Private-label brands outsource production to third-party manufacturers.
- E-commerce sellers listing lipstick on platforms like Amazon or Flipkart.
Is Lipstick Registration Mandatory In India?
Yes, obtaining a registration certificate for lipstick is mandatory under the Drugs and Cosmetic Act to legally sell cosmetics in the Indian market.
For imported lipsticks, you must apply for a registration certificate (Form COS-2). Domestic manufacturers must adhere to BIS standards and labeling compliance under Schedule S.
Governing Bodies For Lipstick Registration
Various authorities supervise the registration and regulation of beauty products in India:
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organization: CDSCO is the main regulatory body accountable for approving and registering beauty products.
- BIS (Bureau Of Indian Standards): This sets product safety and labeling standards (IS 4707, IS 4011)
- State Drugs Control Office: Manages manufacturing licenses for domestic producers.
Documents Required For Lipstick Registration In India
Preparing accurate documentation is the most crucial step in the registration process. Here we have provided the combined list of documents required by manufacturers and importers of beauty products.
- Covering letter addressed to CDSCO.
- Form COS-1 (Application form for import registration).
- Power of Attorney from the parent company.
- Free Sale Certificate (FSC) or Certificate of Marketability.
- Product specification sheet and ingredient list.
- Certificate of analysis and test reports.
- Manufacturing license and GMP certificate.
- Artwork/labeling in English.
- List of variants or shades.
- Authorization letter for the Indian agent (if applicable).
- Details of the manufacturing unit and brand owner.
- Manufacturing license under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
- Details of manufacturing premises.
- Product formula and safety data.
- Label design following BIS standards.
- Stability data, test reports, and quality certifications.
Step-By-Step Process For Lipstick Certification In India
There are a few steps you must follow to obtain a cosmetic certificate for lipstick:
Step 1: Appoint An Indian Authorized Agent
If you are a foreign company planning to sell lipsticks in India, you’ll need to appoint an Authorized agent based in India. This individual or organization must have a valid license under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, of 1940.
Step 2: Document Collection And Preparation
Compile all the essential documents, including product ingredient list, Free sale certificate, label, test reports, and application form. Avoid omission of documents, as it can lead to rejection of application.
Step 3: Submit The Application via The Sugam Portal
Once all the documents are prepared, the next step is to fill out the application through the SUGAM Portal using Form COS-1. You’ll need to upload scanned copies of all documents and fill in manufacturing details.
Step 4: Fee Payment
The applicant is required to pay the designated government fees. These fees are non-refundable and must be paid online via the SUGAM portal.
Step 5: Review And Clarifications
CDSCO officials will review the application and may ask for additional documents. Timely responses are essential to avoid delays.
Step 6: Grant of Registration Certificate (Cos-2)
After successful verification, CDSCO provides a Registration Certificate (Form COS-2) that permits the import and sale of lipstick in India.
Registration Timeline And Approval Duration
The CDSCO usually takes 60–90 working days to approve eyeliner registration. however, the process can extend up to 6 months if queries arise.
Validity Of The Registration Certificate
A Registration Certificate (COS-2) issued by CDSCO is valid for five years from the date of issue. It must be renewed before expiry to continue the import or sale of the product.
How To Renew Lipstick Registration?
To renew your lipstick registration in India, follow the steps mentioned below:
- Apply to CDSCO through the SUGAM portal
- Submit updated documents
- Pay the applicable renewal fee via Bharat Kosh
- Ensure all product details remain compliant with the latest Cosmetic Rules, 2020.
Note: Renewal should be initiated at least 6 months before the certificate expires
Post-Registration Compliance Obligations For Lipstick License
Post-registration, ensure proper labeling, maintain import and testing records, report adverse effects to CDSCO, and apply for renewal before the 5-year validity expires.
Benefits Of Lipstick Registration In India
Successfully registering your lipstick products offers numerous business advantages:
- Legal Market Entry: Essential for online and offline distribution.
- Consumer Trust: Builds confidence and brand loyalty.
- Wider Reach: Enables selling on top marketplaces like Amazon, Nykaa, and Flipkart.
- Global Recognition: Compliance with Indian regulations adds credibility worldwide.
- Risk Reduction: Avoids legal troubles, product seizures, and penalties.
Lipstick Registration: Cost Overview
| Activity | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| CDSCO Application Fees | USD 250 per variant/shade |
| Manufacturing Site Fee | USD 1000 |
| Consultant/Agent Fee | INR 50,000 – INR 1,50,000 |
| Document Notarization & Legal | INR 10,000 – INR 30,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | INR 1,50,000 – INR 3,00,000+ |
Special Guidelines For Herbal or Natural Lipsticks
Herbal or natural lipsticks must also comply with CDSCO’s Cosmetic Rules, 2020. They require the same registration process, including ingredient disclosure, non-animal testing declaration, and proper labeling. Claims like “natural” or “herbal” must be substantiated with valid documentation.
Common Reason For CDSCO Application Rejection For Lipstick Registration
Common reasons for CDSCO application rejection for lipstick registration include:
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation
- Missing Free Sale Certificate or non-animal testing declaration
- Labeling non-compliance
- Unsubstantiated claims (e.g., “100% natural”)
- Mismatch in the ingredient list or product variants
- Ensuring accuracy and compliance can help avoid rejection.
How Can ELT Corporate Help?
Navigating Indian cosmetic regulations can be complex. That’s where ELT Corporate, a leading regulatory compliance consultancy, comes in. We specialize in lipstick registration and CDSCO compliance services for global and domestic brands. Our Services Include:
- Expert guidance on CDSCO regulations
- Document preparation and review
- End-to-end registration support
- Liaising with CDSCO officials
Do I Need To Register Every Lipstick Shade?
Yes. Each shade or variant is considered a separate product and requires individual registration.
Can I Sell Unregistered Lipsticks Online?
No. All cosmetic products must be registered before being sold in the market.
Is BIS Certification Mandatory For Lipsticks?
While BIS certification is not mandatory, labeling must comply with IS 4011 and IS 4707 standards.
How Long Is The Registration Valid?
The CDSCO certificate of registration is valid for 5 years and must be renewed before it expires.
Do I Need To Submit Product Samples To CDSCO?
No, it is not required to submit product samples to CDSCO for cosmetic registration. Only documentation, including ingredient details and safety declarations, needs to be submitted.
