Types of Cosmetic Licenses in India | CDSCO Guide 2025

Are you thinking about entering the cosmetics business? Understanding different types of licenses in the area of beauty industry can help you join the industry. A person intending to manufacture, import, or supply cosmetics has to first register for a cosmetic license, as it is required. 

So, here you will find expert guidance that will provide you with information about your business and cosmetics registration requirements.

What Is A Cosmetic License?

A cosmetics license is a legal document that the CDSCO department of the producer, distributor, or seller of cosmetics items issues. It is necessary to obtain before regulating any cosmetics product in a marketplace. It indicates that the concerned person is working as per the standards and build credibility toward the product.

4 Types Of Cosmetic Licenses That Required For Regulatory

Based on the type of business activity you’re involved in importing, distributing, or manufacturing cosmetics products. Here we have listed 4 types of cosmetic licenses:

1. Cosmetic Manufacturing License

A cosmetics manufacturing license is mandatory to legally produce beauty products. A regulatory body issues it upon meeting the necessary standards. This license ensures that the offered products meet safety and quality standards.

To obtain a cosmetic manufacturing license, you may be required to fill out the following forms mentioned below:

• Form COS 5: This form is required to apply for a license for the manufacturing/ sale, and distribution of cosmetic goods
• Form COS 6: This form provides a loan license for the manufacturing and distribution of cosmetic products
• Form 37:  This form should be submitted for the grant or renewal of approval given by CDSCO.

Documents required for the grant of cosmetics manufacturing licenses are as follows:

Here’s the list of documents required for a cosmetic license to manufacture beauty products.

• Application forms
• Challan of the fee deposited
• Declaration form
• Key plan (Blueprint)
• Site plan (Blueprint)
• Basis of possession of the premises
• Proof of ownership of the premises, if rented
• Proof of the constitution of the firm (Certified copy)
• Affidavit of non-conviction of Proprietor/Partners/Directors under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940
• Certified copy of Registration Certificate of Delhi Pharmacy Council/Experience Certificate of the Registered Pharmacist/Competent person, and qualification certificates
• Bio-data form
• Affidavit of Registered Pharmacist/Competent person regarding full-time working with the firm, duly attested by a Notary.
• Appointment letter of Registered Pharmacist/Competent person in charge, if employed person

2. Cosmetic Import License

A cosmetic import license is a mandatory license to import cosmetic products in India. As it makes sure that the products you are importing meet necessary safety standards. This license is mandatory as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Rule 21, of 1940. 

The forms you may be required to fill out to obtain a cosmetic import certificate are:
COS 1–  CDSCO(Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) grants cosmetic licenses through this document.
COS 2– It is a registration certificate that is issued after the successful submission of COS 1.

Document required to apply for a cosmetic import license:

• A covering letter stating the purpose of the application
• Authorization from the manufacturer (properly authenticated)
• Completed Part I of the Second Schedule D
• List of ingredients with percentage contents
• Labels of proposed products
• Specifications and testing methods
• Manufacturing licenses/undertakings for no provision of a manufacturing license in the country. Free Sale Certificate (properly authenticated)
• Non-animal testing declaration
• Declaration for heavy metal and hexachlorophene content.
• Other documents (if any).
• Application in Form COS-1
• Fee: Original Bharatkosh e-receipt for a fee paid

3. Cosmetic export license

A cosmetics export license is a formal document that authorizes the international acceptance of beauty products, enabling their smooth movement across borders without legal disruptions. If you plan to sell your products internationally, you will likely need this license. It guarantees that your products comply with the standards established by the importing nation.

Here are the following documents you may require at the time of application for a cosmetic export license: 

• Export License Application – The form to start the application process.
• Certificate of Free Sale – Shows the product is legally sold and safe in the U.S.
• Product Information – Details like ingredients, specifications, and claims.
• Manufacturing Details – Proof of compliance with U.S. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Labeling Information – Product labels with ingredients, instructions, and claims.
• Safety Data or Testing Reports – Documentation proving the product’s safety.
• Customs Declaration – Form detailing the shipment’s contents for customs.
• Commercial Invoice – Information about the transaction (price, quantity, etc.).
• Certificate of Origin – Confirms the product was made in the U.S.
• Health and Safety Certifications – Required by some countries to meet local standards.
• Cosmetic Regulatory Compliance Statement – Confirms the product meets the importing country’s regulations.

4. Cosmetic Labeling License

A Cosmetics Labeling license is generally needed by the manufacturing companies that produce beauty products. To guarantee that items are labeled following regulatory requirements, a cosmetic labeling license may be needed in some areas. This license guarantees the inclusion of all necessary information about the product regarding ingredients, usage, and safety precautions. 

Key Considerations for Cosmetic Labeling:

1. Ingredient Listing: As part of the cosmetic product labelling, all constituents and their relative proportions must be captured in descending order volumetrically.
2. Product Identity: The brand must also mention what category of cosmetics it is (e.g., lotion, shampoo, deodorant).
3. Net Quantity: As customary with other equipment or machinery, the respective metric and US units shall apply to the amount of gas inside a container.
4. Manufacturer Information: Packaged products should indicate their respective sponsors’ address and, alternatively, senders’ contacts too.
5. Directions for Use: Precise dosages for complicated products are essential alongside a brief explanation/guide on how to optimally obtain maximum effects from using these cosmetics.
6. Warnings and Cautions: Any relevant alerts pertinent to its application (if applicable).
7. Batch Code: Enables tracking within a specified subset for purposes like audits or recalls.

How To Apply For A Cosmetic License In India?

Note: For detailed information about steps related to a particular license, you can get help from a consultancy. ELT corporate provides end-to-end support regarding licensing and makes a seamless application process. 

Why is Cosmetic Product Registration Important?

Cosmetic licensing is an essential element of operating a fair and successful beauty business. Here are several key reasons why it’s so important:

1) Protecting Products and Consumers

Cosmetic product registration in India ensures that products are safe for use. Regulatory bodies have strict requirements on product ingredients, manufacturing steps, and testing. Businesses want to avoid negative repercussions in the form of fines or legal actions, so they acquire the right licenses, which shows that their consumer products have gone through rigorous safety checks.

2) Staying Compliant with Laws

Every nation has its laws dealing with cosmetic products to ensure safety and quality control Compliance bureau makes sure that businesses operate within local regulatory frameworks or international ones. Without sufficient credentialing documentation, enterprises risk incurring fines, having their goods seized, or even being banned from manufacturing within certain jurisdictions.

3) Strengthens Loyalty of Consumers

Cosmetics companies showing interest in applying relevant licenses demonstrate a commitment to brand reputation and quality management systems, raising trust of prospective customers. Appropriate documents validate compliance with prescribed standards, thus creating confidence among clients regarding a contractor’s reliability concerning safety and efficacy of their merchandise.

4) Easing Into The Market

Entering certain areas requires acquiring a needed cosmetic license India. International trade is largely prohibited without possessing the license prerequisites. Studying abroad makes it practically impossible, as students aren’t allowed to work until they have their own desired schooling, which poses huge obstacles for ambitious firms looking forward expanding borders.

Need assistance with obtaining a cosmetic license in India? Contact us [info@cosmeticsregulatory.com] for expert guidance.