Shampoo Registration In India [Process & Documents]

The Central Drugs Standards Control Organization has mandated shampoo registration in India, as this falls in the list of cosmetics under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. India is a rapidly growing market for Hair care products, as people are becoming more aware of grooming themselves. Whether you are a manufacturer, importer, or distributor, applying for a cosmetic certificate for haircare is an essential step.

This article provides you with complete guidance about the registration of Shampoo in India, including types, the registration process, & documentation required.

Types Of Shampoos Available In The Market

There are various types of shampoos available in the Market, each based on the requirements & skin type for solving specific problems respectively. Such types are:

• Regular Shampoo: This daily shampoo is perfect for individuals without specific hair needs. It is gentle and features minimal cleaning agents. Suitable for all hair types, regular shampoo offers benefits to everyone. A clarifying shampoo contains a high percentage of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) to effectively eliminate product buildup.
• Protein Shampoo (Anti-Breakage Shampoo): Protein shampoos strengthen damaged hair and impart a shiny, healthy look due to the inclusion of hydrolyzed keratin or plant proteins.
• Volumizing Shampoo: These shampoos elevate the roots, creating a fuller and bouncier appearance for your hair.
• Shampoo Bars: Resembling soap bars, shampoo bars have lower water content compared to traditional liquid shampoos. Color-safe shampoos feature ingredients that prevent hair dye from fading. They help maintain the moisture, protection, and hydration of colored hair, making them suitable for all hair types. Moisturizing Shampoo: These shampoos contain a high amount of hydrating ingredients like silicones, oils, shea or cocoa butter, and aloe vera, which hydrate hair and help prevent dryness.
• Natural or organic shampoos: These consist of plant-based ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals such as alcohol, sulfates, phthalates, silicones, and synthetic preservatives like parabens and PEG. Anti-dandruff shampoos combat dandruff and relieve itchy scalps. Their formulations include ketoconazole to treat dandruff while enhancing hair conditioning and reducing hair loss.
• Swimmers Shampoo or Chlorine Removal Shampoo: This type of shampoo removes chlorine residue and odor while replenishing lost moisture. It includes nourishing conditioners to keep your hair soft and protected.
• Dry shampoos: These are designed to refresh your hair between washes and are available in liquid, powder, and aerosol spray forms. Curl-defining shampoos are ideal for natural hair, which can often be frizzy and dry. These shampoos contain hydrolyzed proteins, amino acids, and hydrating ingredients to moisturize hair and enhance curl definition.

What Is The Process For Shampoo Registration In India?

To register shampoo in India, follow these step-by-step guidelines for a smooth registration process:

1. Confirm if the Product Qualifies as a Cosmetic:

• Check if your product, including shampoo, falls under the definition of “cosmetics” as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940.
• Refer to the CDSCO’s list of cosmetic products to confirm. 

2. Identify the Correct License Type: Determine the appropriate license required for manufacturing or importing cosmetics (e.g., COS-8 for manufacturing, COS-2 for import).

3. Register on the SUGAM Portal:

• Visit the SUGAM portal by CDSCO for online registration.
• Sign up and create login credentials.
• Select “For Cosmetic Registration” as the registration purpose.
• Enter all the required details and upload the necessary documents.
• A verification link will be sent to your registered email ID; click on it to proceed.

4. Submit the Application:

• After verification, log back into the portal.
• Select the application form for cosmetic registration.
• Enter the details and upload the required documents.
• Pay the applicable fees and submit your application.

5. Obtain Registration Certificate (COS-2):

• The CDSCO will review your application.
• Upon approval, you will receive a registration certificate in Form COS-2.
• This certificate is valid for 5 years. 

Forms Required For Shampoo Registration In India

In the following table, we have mentioned all the forms you may require for shampoo registration in India.

Application Form	Approval Form	Fees	Licensing authority	Validity	Penalty
Form Cos -1:Application to import cosmetics	Form Cos- 2:Permission to import cosmetics	$1000 for each category+ $50 for each variant + $500 for each manufacturing site	CDSCO	Five years	Under section 10 A, a person can get imprisonment for three years, a five-thousand-dollar fine, or both.
Form Cos– 5: Application to manufacture cosmetics	Form Cos– 8: Permission to manufacture cosmetics	Rs. 10,000/- (Ten items of each category are free)		Five years	A person can get imprisonment for one year, a one thousand fine, or both, which can be extended to 2 years imprisonment and a fine up to INR 2000.
Form Cos– 6: Loan license application to manufacture cosmetics.	Form Cos–9: Permission for loan license to manufacture cosmetics.	Rs. 2500 and Rs. 1000 inspection fees for each inspection.		Five years	NA

Shampoo Belongs To Which CDSCO Category Of Cosmetics Products?

Shampoo falls under the haircare category of cosmetic products as per the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). Unlike medicine, CDSCO does not classify cosmetics into different categories based on the risk involved. Instead, cosmetics are categorized according to their intended use as outlined in the Drugs & Cosmetic Act. 

Documents Required For Shampoo Registration In India

As per the CDSCO guidelines, there are multiple documents you will require to apply for shampoo registration in India. These documents can vary if you are a manufacturer or importer of cosmetics including shampoo. Below we have provided you with a list of documents for manufacturers and importers:

To Manufacture	To Import
Form Cos 5;	List of documents required for Import registration in COS-2:
Adhar card number with a valid mobile number (mandatory)	Document required from the overseas manufacturer: Legal documents (which need to be attested): 1. First Schedule 2. Free Sale certificate 3. GMP certificate of an actual manufacturing site Technical Documents (on manufacturer’s letterhead with a sign and stamp): 1. Product Specification/COAIngredients 2. ListTesting Method 3. Heavy Metal declaration 4. Non-animal testing declaration
Fee challan; Cover letter	Documents from Authorised Agent: 1. Cover Letter 2. Second Schedule 3. The applicant must provide the translated version if any documents are in a foreign language.
Ownership of the cosmetics brand.	After getting the registration certificate, 1. If there are any changes in labeling or composition or testing, specification, or documentation of any of the cosmetics about this Registration Certificate, etc., then it need to be informed to CLA within 30 days of such changes. 2. If there is any Change in the Name or address of the Authorized Agent or Legal manufacturer without a constitutional change, then it needs to be informed to CLA within 60 days of such changes.
Documents of the firm constitution, such as the articles of association	An affidavit shall be present if there is no provision for a manufacturing license for cosmetics in a country.
Declaration of partners and the list with the names of Directors, Partners, and Trustees with their complete addresses	For those cosmetic products imported for R&D purposes, a registration certificate is not required.
Power of Attorney on behalf of the company to authorized agents to submit applications	Fresh/ New registration cases:  1. Any change in the constitution of a Licensee.In case of the acquisition or merger of the company with any other company. 2. Change in share capital or Board of Directors. 3. Proprietorship to a partnership, including a limited Liability Partnership or vice versa. 4. Conversion from a private to a public company or from a public to a private company
Approved layout plan for manufacturing site with the section-wise layout of the site and machines.	No fresh/new registration cases: 1. Testing Method change. 2. Composition changeUpdates in packs and labels 3. Minor manufacturing changes not affecting the final product. 4. Change in the Name or address of the Authorized agent or Legal manufacturer without constitutional change. 5. A fresh registration certificate has been taken from the CLA within 180 days of such change.
Possession of documents, such as ownership, Registry, lease, and rent papers.
Master file of the site
List of plants according to a section of machinery and safety equipment
Technical staff’s full particulars
Declaration of a manufacturing analytical chemist
List of cosmetic products with their composition formula and manner of labelling
Manufacturing process details, flow chart of the process
Details of the water system with water testing report
Registration from the district industries centre
Permission from the state pollution control for the manufacturing site
NOC from the fire safety office
Approval from the government for testing

How ELT Corporate Can Help You?

For the past 20 years, ELT Corporate has helped over 5000 clients around the world in haircare cosmetic registration. Our regulatory team has more than 10 years of experience & knows how to handle the challenges companies face when trying to sell or distribute products in India. We make the registration process hassle-free and faster, so you can focus on your business growth.