Cosmetic Manufacturing License in Delhi (COS-8)

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Delhi is home to hundreds of cosmetics manufacturers, private label brands, and beauty entrepreneurs — from Karol Bagh’s established beauty wholesalers to Okhla’s contract manufacturers to startups launching D2C brands from Noida and Gurugram. If you plan to manufacture cosmetics in Delhi for commercial sale, distribution, or export, one licence is mandatory before a single unit is produced: the COS-8 Cosmetic Manufacturing Licence, issued by the Delhi Drug Control Department — the State Licensing Authority for Delhi.

What Is the Cosmetic Manufacturing Licence (COS-8) in Delhi?

The COS-8 licence is the legal permit to manufacture and sell cosmetic products in India. Under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, permissions are granted by the State Licensing Authority (SLA), while CDSCO oversees policy. Applications are made to the state drugs control department, followed by document review, facility inspection and issuance of COS-8 (manufacturing licence).

In Delhi, the State Licensing Authority is the Delhi Drug Control Department, operating under the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi. All COS-5 applications for Delhi-based manufacturing units are submitted to this authority — not to CDSCO directly.

The three key forms to understand:

Form	Purpose	Stage
Form COS- 5	Application for licence to manufacture cosmetics for sale or distribution	Application — submitted to Delhi Drug Control Department
Form COS-7	Self-declaration of GMP compliance (Seventh Schedule)	Submitted along with COS-5
Form COS-8	Manufacturing Licence — granted after review and inspection	Issued by Delhi Drug Control Department

Key point: In simple terms, Form COS-5 is your application, while Form COS-8 is your approval. Without COS-5, you cannot start the process, and without COS-8, you cannot legally manufacture cosmetics in India. Manufacturing without a valid COS-8 is a violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 — attracting imprisonment and fines.

Who Needs a Cosmetic Manufacturing Licence in Delhi?

You need a CDSCO cosmetic manufacturing licence if you formulate or blend cosmetics in India, even if in small batches; fill, pack or otherwise process a cosmetic where activities can affect safety or quality; or wish to place your manufactured-in-India product on shelves or marketplaces with your brand name.

Specifically in Delhi, this includes:

Cosmetic manufacturers with production units in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, or Ghaziabad
Private label and D2C beauty brands manufacturing under their own name
Contract / third-party manufacturers offering services to other brands
OEM manufacturers producing for export markets
Startups launching their own cosmetics line from a Delhi NCR facility
Brands transitioning from imported to domestically manufactured products

Who does NOT need a manufacturing licence: You don’t need a manufacturing licence if you only import finished cosmetics (you would need import registration instead) or if you are purely a distributor or retailer. For importing cosmetics, a separate COS-2 Import Registration Certificate from CDSCO is required.

Types of Cosmetic Manufacturing Licences in Delhi

Delhi Drug Control Department issues two types of manufacturing licences:

Licence Type	Application Form	Licence Issued	Best For
Own Manufacturing Licence	COS-5	COS-8	Brands with their own GMP-compliant manufacturing facility in Delhi NCR
Loan Licence	COS-6	COS-9	Brands manufacturing under their name at another licensed facility — without owning a factory

Both options are common — direct manufacturers opt for full control, while brand owners often use third-party plants to speed up operations. The loan licence route is particularly popular for Delhi NCR D2C startups that want regulatory ownership without the capital investment of setting up a full manufacturing facility.

Eligibility Requirements for COS-8 in Delhi

1. Qualified Technical Person

The manufacturer must meet one of the following educational qualification criteria: hold a Diploma in Pharmacy approved by the Pharmacy Council of India under the Pharmacy Act, 1948 and be registered under that Act; have passed the Intermediate Examination with Chemistry as one of the subjects or an equivalent examination recognized by the Licensing Authority; or hold a bachelor’s degree in Cosmetic Technology from a recognized university.

2. GMP-Compliant Manufacturing Premises

The factory must meet all requirements and conditions outlined in the Seventh Schedule on the premises. The factory needs to be located in a clean environment and should not be linked to residential zones. Schedule M-II of Cosmetics Rules, 2020 specifies the GMP requirements for cosmetic manufacturers — including segregated manufacturing areas, quality control laboratory, storage areas, change rooms, and utility requirements.

3. Laboratory Facilities

The manufacturer must either provide and maintain adequate staff, premises, and laboratory equipment for testing the cosmetics and raw materials, or make arrangements with a laboratory approved by the Central Licensing Authority and accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration.

4. Business Registration

Valid business registration — Certificate of Incorporation (for companies), Partnership Deed (for firms), or equivalent documentation. GST registration must be in place before application.

Complete Documents Checklist — COS-5 Application in Delhi

Business and Premises Documents

Covering letter addressed to Delhi Drug Control Department (State Licensing Authority) Constitution of the firm — Certificate of Incorporation, Partnership Deed, Udyam Aadhaar (as applicable) List of Directors / Partners / Proprietors with PAN and identity proof GST Registration Certificate Premises documents — registered ownership proof, rent/lease agreement, or possession letter with Tax Receipt Site plan and layout of the building — drawn to scale, showing all areas per Schedule M-II GMP requirements Proof that premises are not connected to residential area

Technical and Manufacturing Documents

List of cosmetic products intended to be manufactured — category-wise as per Schedule M-II Plant layout — showing manufacturing, storage, QC, packaging, change rooms, utilities List of plant and machinery with specifications Site Master File — manufacturing site details, process description, QC systems Form COS-7 — GMP self-declaration (Seventh Schedule compliance) — signed by authorised signatory SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) — for manufacturing, QC, cleaning, and hygiene GMP compliance affidavit / undertaking Declaration of compliance with Cosmetics Rules, 2020 Labelling and Packing Artwork — labels per CDSCO guidelines including batch number, expiry, MRP, etc.

Technical Staff Documents

Details of the competent technical staff to be employed for manufacturing and testing cosmetics products, along with copies of educational qualifications and experience certificates Appointment letter and designation of qualified technical person Pharmacy Council registration proof (for D.Pharm holders)

Fee and Additional Documents

Fee payment receipt as per Delhi Drug Control Department fee schedule Authorization letter — if a regulatory consultant or representative is applying on your behalf Power of Attorney (where applicable) Previous Drug Control Department approvals (if any existing licences)

Schedule M-II GMP Requirements — What Your Delhi Facility Must Meet

Schedule M-II of Cosmetics Rules, 2020 sets the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards for cosmetic manufacturers in India. The Delhi Drug Control Department inspects your facility against these requirements. Key areas assessed:

Manufacturing Area

Separate, clearly demarcated manufacturing zones — no cross-contamination risk between product categories

QC Laboratory

Adequate lab equipment for testing raw materials and finished products, or arrangements with NABL-accredited external lab

Storage Areas

Segregated raw material, finished goods, rejected goods, and quarantine storage — with proper labelling and FIFO system

Personnel Hygiene

Change rooms, handwashing facilities, and documented hygiene procedures for all manufacturing personnel

Utilities

Adequate water supply (purified water for products requiring it), ventilation, lighting, and waste disposal systems

Documentation

Batch manufacturing records, SOPs, raw material records, QC test records — maintained and accessible for inspection

Step-by-Step Process — COS-8 Manufacturing Licence in Delhi

1. Business Registration and Premises Setup

Register your business entity (company, LLP, or proprietorship) and secure your manufacturing premises in Delhi NCR. The premises must be in a sanitary location — not connected to residential areas. Have your site plan drawn to scale per Schedule M-II requirements before proceeding. Simultaneously, obtain GST registration and keep all business documents current.

2. GMP Compliance Gap Analysis

Assess your facility against Schedule M-II GMP requirements — before submitting any application. Identify gaps in manufacturing areas, QC setup, storage segregation, hygiene facilities, and documentation systems. Close all gaps proactively. The Delhi Drug Control Department inspects your premises — what inspectors find must match your COS-7 self-declaration exactly. Gaps discovered during inspection can result in licence refusal or suspension.

3. Appoint Qualified Technical Staff

Appoint at least one full-time qualified technical person holding the required educational credentials. Prepare appointment letters, qualification certificates, experience documentation, and Pharmacy Council registration proof (for D.Pharm holders). The Delhi Drug Control Department verifies that qualified technical staff are actually employed — not just listed on paper. This is a common inspection check point.

4. Prepare Complete Document Dossier

Compile all documents — business registration, site plan, product list (categorized per Schedule M-II), equipment list, Site Master File, SOPs, COS-7 self-declaration, technical staff credentials, and label artwork. Every document must be current, accurate, and cross-consistent. Inconsistencies between documents trigger queries and delay your application significantly.

5. Submit COS-5 Application to Delhi Drug Control Department

Submit Form COS-5 along with Form COS-7 self-declaration, all supporting documents, and applicable fee payment to the Delhi Drug Control Department. The State Licensing Authority is mandated to grant a Manufacturing Licence within forty-five days from the date of application after scrutinizing the submitted application and documents. Keep your application acknowledgement number for all follow-up communications.

6. Application Scrutiny and Query Response

The Delhi Drug Control Department scrutinizes your submitted application and documents. If deficiencies are found, a query is raised. Respond completely with corrective documentation — partial responses lead to repeat queries and extended timelines. Your response must address every point raised with documentary evidence, not just written explanations.

7. Site Inspection by Delhi Drug Control Department

Within 30 days of licence issuance, the SLA may inspect the manufacturing premises to verify the information in the submitted GMP self-certificate (Form COS-7). If the self-certificate contains false information, the licence may be cancelled. If correctable deficiencies are identified, the SLA will direct the licensee to stop manufacturing until the issues are resolved. If the SLA does not conduct the inspection within 30 days, the licence is considered valid for all purposes.

8. COS-8 Issued — Upload to CDSCO and Begin Manufacturing

After obtaining the licence, upload it to the CDSCO website for transparency. Your COS-8 licence number must appear on every product label as “Mfg. Lic. No. …”. Your licence is valid for lifetime — provided the retention fee is paid every 5 years. You may now legally begin manufacturing the products listed in your approved COS-5 application.

Licence Validity, Fees, and Ongoing Compliance

Aspect	Details
Licence validity	Lifetime — does not expire unless cancelled by Licensing Authority
Retention fee	Payable every 5 years — if not paid on time, may still be paid within 180 days with a late fee of 2% per month
Post-licence inspection	Within 30 days of licence grant — to verify COS-7 self-declaration accuracy
Routine GMP inspection	At least once every 3 years by Delhi Drug Control Department
Product additions	Amendment application required for new products or product categories
Facility changes	Prior approval from Delhi Drug Control Department for significant changes to site, layout, or equipment
Technical staff change	Must notify Delhi Drug Control Department and submit new staff documents

Labelling Requirements for Delhi-Manufactured Cosmetics

Mandatory fields on your label include: product name, manufacturer’s name and address, manufacturing licence number (Mfg. Lic. No.), batch number, manufacturing date, best-before or expiry date (as the product demands), net quantity, directions for use, and precautions where relevant. The ingredients list must be in descending order of weight at the time of manufacture.

Additional Legal Metrology requirements for Delhi NCR:

MRP inclusive of all taxes — mandatory on all retail cosmetics
Net quantity in metric units (g or mL)
Customer care details (name, address, email/phone)
Country of origin (“Made in India” for domestic manufacture)

Claims compliance: Avoid drug-like or therapeutic claims — “treats acne disease”, “cures dandruff permanently” — these cross the cosmetic-drug boundary and can trigger regulatory action. Ensure all label claims are cosmetic in nature and substantiated.

Common Mistakes That Delay COS-8 Approval in Delhi

Mistake	Impact	Prevention
Facility not Schedule M-II compliant at inspection	Licence refused or manufacturing stopped — re-inspection required	GMP gap analysis before submission — close all gaps proactively
Technical staff qualification documents missing or insufficient	Delhi Drug Control query — mandatory qualified person requirement	Appoint qualified technical person before applying — prepare all credential documents
Site plan not to scale or not per Schedule M-II layout requirements	Query or rejection — site plan must show all required areas	Engage a professional to prepare a compliant, to-scale site layout plan
COS-7 self-declaration not submitted with application	Incomplete application — returned for resubmission	COS-7 is mandatory at application stage in Delhi — not post-inspection
Product list not categorized per Schedule M-II	Query on classification — may require fee recalculation	Map all products to Schedule M-II categories before application
Drug-like claims on label artwork submitted with application	Delhi Drug Control flags label — revision and resubmission required	Label compliance review before submission
Manufacturing started before COS-8 issued	Violation of Drugs and Cosmetics Act — legal action possible	Never manufacture for commercial sale without valid COS-8 in hand
Retention fee not paid within 5-year cycle	Licence validity at risk — 2% per month late fee up to 180 days	Calendar retention fee deadline from licence grant date

Frequently Asked Questions — Cosmetic Manufacturing Licence Delhi

How long does it take to get a COS-8 licence in Delhi?

The Delhi Drug Control Department is mandated to grant the licence within 45 days of a complete application. In practice, including document preparation, query responses, and inspection scheduling, the total timeline for a complete, well-prepared application is typically 2–4 months. Incomplete applications or facility gaps can extend this to 6+ months.

Can I manufacture all cosmetic products under one COS-8 licence in Delhi?

Your COS-8 licence covers the specific products listed in your COS-5 application — organized by Schedule M-II categories. You can list multiple products across multiple categories. To add new products after the licence is issued, an amendment application with applicable fees must be filed with the Delhi Drug Control Department.

My manufacturing unit is in Noida (UP) but my office is in Delhi — which state authority applies?

The manufacturing licence is issued by the State Licensing Authority of the state where the manufacturing facility is physically located — not where your registered office is. If your factory is in Noida (Uttar Pradesh), you apply to the UP Drug Control Department, not Delhi. If your factory is in Gurugram (Haryana), you apply to Haryana. If it is in Delhi, you apply to the Delhi Drug Control Department.

Does COS-8 need to be renewed annually?

No. The COS-8 manufacturing licence has lifetime validity — there is no annual renewal. However, you must pay a retention fee every 5 years to maintain its validity. Missing the retention fee triggers a late fee of 2% per month for up to 180 days — after which the licence is at risk of cancellation.

I don’t have my own factory — can I still get a cosmetics manufacturing licence in Delhi?

Yes — through the Loan Licence route (COS-6 → COS-9). A loan licence allows you to manufacture under your brand name using another company’s licensed facility — without owning a factory. You hold the regulatory ownership; the licensed manufacturer provides the production capability. This is a common and legitimate route for D2C brands and smaller beauty companies in Delhi NCR.

Can I also import cosmetics with a COS-8 manufacturing licence?

No — COS-8 authorises domestic manufacturing only. Importing cosmetics requires a separate COS-2 Import Registration Certificate from CDSCO (the Central Licensing Authority). Many Delhi NCR beauty brands hold both — a COS-8 for domestically manufactured products and a COS-2 for imported products sold under the same brand.