Skincare Import Business: Registration, Norms, and Documents

The Indian market of cosmetic products is expanding at a high speed. Due to its high demand, it’s profitable to start an import business of cosmetics. There are various types of cosmetics products among which the demand for skincare products is more. Skincare Import Business of cosmetics internationally is more. India is doing import business with foreign countries. The Indian grown market of cosmetics is giving competition to foreign but due to generic products, its safety is not determined so customers are giving preference to foreign brands of skin care products.

For starting a Skincare import business there are certain rules and guidelines given by the Indian regulatory body CDSCO (Central Drug Standard Control Organization) and Ministry of Family and Health Care for delivering good quality, safe, and effective products.

Who Can Do Skincare Import Business in India?

Those who can simply start a skincare import business in India are as follows:

• Individuals – Any individual who has the necessary license and registration can start an import business.
• Small Business Owners – Entrepreneurs looking to expand their product line can enter the skincare import market.
• Retailers – Existing beauty and skincare retailers can import products to diversify their offerings.
• Distributors – Individuals or companies that is specilized distribution can import skincare products for resale.
• Startups: New companies focused on skincare or beauty can venture into importing products.
• E-commerce Platforms: Online businesses can import skincare products for online retails.

Overview Of Types Of COS Form

1. COS-1: Application for Import license registration of Skincare products.
2. COS-2: Import registration certificate in response to application Form COS-1.
3. COS-4: Application for grant of Import registration for importation of registered products.
4. COS-4A: Import registration number of already registered skincare products.
5. COS-12: Cosmetics Import registration certificate or Manufacturing registration certificate for new cosmetic products.

Documents required for Skincare Import business in India

For the seamless Skincare Import business in India, it is mandatory to submit a list of documents along with the application form for smooth processing.If you are facing difficulty in this, then you can take the help of regulatory experts who will make the complete process hassle-free.The documents are as follows:

• Cover Letter: It describes the purpose of the Application form manufacturer or Importer details,     Product details, fresh registration, or re-registration. 
•  Application Form COS-1, COS-2, COS-4, COS-4A& COS-12
• Manufacturing License: All the details of the manufacturer along with the manufacturing number must be submitted to CLA.
•  Part 1 of the second schedule: Declaration by the Importer, Manufacturer, or the authorized person for grant of Import registration certificate.
• List of Ingredients: The name and percent of all the ingredients used in the preparation of skincare products must be mentioned. All the percent should be as per Drug and Cosmetic Rule 2020
• Labelling Standards: Labelling compliance should be according to the New Drug and Cosmetic Rule, of 2020.
• IEC (Import Export code): The Import Export code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade is important for Importing skincare products from foreign countries.
• Free sale Certificate: A free sale certificate contains the information that the skin care products are sold freely in different countries and don’t cause any harmful effects.
• Non-Animal Testing Declaration: A Declaration in the certificate is submitted that
• Specification Test: Documents for specification test for the presence of Hexachlorophene and Heavy Metal are submitted as per Cosmetic Rule, 2020
• Power of Attorney: This is a certificate that states an authorized person is given power on behalf of the Manufacturer or Importer.
• Fee receipt and challan: Fee receipt of the application form must be submitted along with the challan.

Regulatory compliances are to be followed for the Import of skin care products as per the New Cosmetic Rule, of 2020

1. For marketing of any skincare products, it must be approved by the Central Licensing   Authority.
2. Form COS-1 is filled out for the Importation of Cosmetic products.
3. Authorized persons by the Manufacturer or Importer can work on their behalf only when the first-class magistrate or concerned authority gives permission.
4. Form COS-1 is filled as per Part 1 of the Schedule second.
5. The fee amount that is paid for Import License Registration should be as per Schedule 4 and a photocopy of the same must be submitted for verification along with other documents as per sub-rule (2).
6. Form COS–1 can be filled out offline also.
7. According to rule 11, all Imported Cosmetic products must be tested in labs
8. Extra fees are charged for site inspection by the Central Licensing Authority.

Key points to remember before the Importation of Skincare: –

•  The form must be filled in English.
•  Declaration on an affidavit must be submitted by the applicant before the Import of skincare.
•  Repacking, Export Or R&D purposes cosmetic products are not eligible for COS -2
• Skin care products should be labelled carefully about uses and directions to use to avoid any kind of mistakes as well as side effects.

Conclusion

The Skincare Import business is very lucrative in India as the demand for skincare products is very high in India. But before starting the Skincare Import Business Manufacture or Importers have to follow Regulatory guidelines, the Documentation process and get Import License Registration to start business smoothly. Once all the documents are verified and reviewed by the Central Licensing Authority Import License certificate gets issued and business can be started.