Obtain Your CDSCO Import License

An import license from CDSCO / Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) provides entrance to the market. This market entrance is granted provided that the product is in strict accord with the standards for quality and safety.

The CDSCO import license opens gates to legal accessways into and within that very lucrative Indian market. Diligence Certifications shall explain the process so that you become clear over requirements, steps hence, and how we could take you through this early enough in securing the license.

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What is the CDSCO import license?

A CDSCO-import license is basically a pass issued by the CDSCO for importing specified pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics, and other similar products for sale, distribution, or for any other commercial purpose. The process is very tedious as it involves the safety, efficacy, and quality of the imported product and ultimately protects people’s health and well-being of the Indian populace.

The license sets out particulars including:

  • Importer: Name, address, registration particulars.
  • Product(s) being imported: Name, composition, and inner intended use thereof.
  • Manufacturer: Name and address of the manufacturing site.
  • Validity period: Generally, an up-to-date period requiring renewal upon expiry.
  • Conditions and limitations: Conditions that must be adhered to by the importer, such as conditions of storage, proper labeling, and measures for quality control.
CDSCO import License

CDSCO Import License Importance

There are a number of clear things that the CDSCO Import License reveals:

  • Legal compliance: In India, the import or regulated product without a valid CDSCO Import License is regarded as illegal, inviting penalties, in the form of heavy/fine, seizure, or prosecution against the product.
  • Market Access: These products cannot be sold or distributed in the Indian market without the license; thereby effectively blocking access to what otherwise might have been a lucrative customer base.
  • Quality Assurance: The entire licensing process ensures that products imported under its full jurisdiction comply with stringent quality requirements, thereby establishing safety and efficacy in intended use.
  • Guaranteed Patient Protection: The good international scrutiny very well guarantees that no low-quality, fake, or contaminated product heeds the Indian marketplace.
  • Reputation and Credibility: Obtaining and keeping a CDSCO Import License demonstrates the commitment to quality and regulatory compliance. Such can build the reputation and credibility of the firm to distributors, health care providers, and consumers alike.
  • Trust Building with Stakeholders: It ensures to the distributors, retailers, and health care practitioners that your products passed through the regulatory authority, therefore enlisting their trust in sourcing your products.
  • Logistics Smooth Sailing: It helps to ensure the customs clearance and freight transportation with no delay for imported products fulfilling all requirements to make possible timely delivery of these products into the market.

Types of CDSCO Import Licenses

The specific type of CDSCO import license you require would depend on the product you are intending to import. Below are the different categories for general purposes:

  • Form 10 – License to import drugs for examination, test, and analysis which are essentially for research and development.
  • Form 10A – License to import drugs for Clinical Trials. This license must be there to carry out any clinical trial in India.
  • Form 11 – License to import drugs for sale and distribution. This is the most common type of CDSCO Import License for the business intending to commercially sell or distribute pharmaceutical products in India.
  • Form 12: License for import of drugs that are new drugs. This license applies to drugs that are not yet approved for sale in India.
  • Form 28: License for the import of medical devices. Extreme carefulness is required with this as the rules keep changing.
  • Form 41: License for import of cosmetics. It includes many kinds of imports for cosmetics.

Implications for Foreign Business

Anyone who knows how to obtain his CDSCO Import License, together with the fate of success and prosperity for such a person, will tie himself up with the foreign manufacturer that someday shall target the Indian market. The following areas require evaluation:

  • Being Diligent with Planning Functions: Since the licensing process is very challenging and prolonged, it is advisable to initiate the licensing process further in advance than when looking to make investments in serious market strategies.
  • Keeping a Comprehensive Document Dossier: All documents are in country-requirements within the CDSCO. This will include all specifications relating to product specifications, production, quality control, and importer details.
  • Consulting Regulatory Experts: Connect with a party having resources with experienced regulatory consultants who are working on compliance with CDSCO. This way, they will provide essential guidance and support during licensing.
  • Compliance Post Approval: After issuing the license, ensure total compliance with all conditions and restrictions defined therein, including setting up audit and quality control procedures in your plans.
  • Being Aware of the Regulatory Changes: This fact does that because it makes it really necessary for the Indian pharmaceutical and medical devices regulations to be fast-moving. Make all possible efforts to be in tune with the changes or updates concerning CDSCO guidelines and requirements in this regard. 

Required Documentation for a CDSCO Import License

A clear and comprehensive documentation set must be compiled. Generally, these are:

Application Process for CDSCO Import License

The application procedure for CDSCO Import Licenses may be thought of as tedious and time-consuming, requiring careful preparation of several relevant documents online application submission while there may also be need for calling for further inquiry from the CDSCO. A systematic breakdown may be extended as follows:

  1. Preliminary assessment and preparation
  • Product classification: Correctly classify your product as a drug under the CDSCO, medical device, or cosmetic since this will determine the exact type of license needed.

Document Collecting: Collect your documents through the following means:

  • Manufacturing license: This is a current license for manufacture in the country of origin.
  • Certificate of pharmaceutical products: This is a statement from the regulatory authority of the country of origin certifying that the product is registered for sale there.
  • Free sale certificate: This is a certificate in regard to free sale of the product in the country of origin.
  • Stability data: Stability and shelf-life data of the product.
  • Product specifications: Specification Sheets state dosage and composition with adequate information on formulations and packaging.
  • Test reports: Certificates from accredited labs signifying product complying to quality specifications.
  • Site Master File: Detailed document describing the manufacturing facility.
  • Application form: Special form depending on type of your product (Form 10, 10A, 11, 12, 28, or 41).
  • Power of Attorney: Relating to appointing your representative in India to act on your behalf. Any relevant documents as per the requirement by CDSCO depending on the product. 

Diligence Certifications can easily act as your authorized Indian agent for the sake of easy communications and regulatory compliance support.

  1. Online Procedure for Application Submission
  • SUGAM portal registration: Register your Company at the CDSCO SUGAM portal. 
  • Application Form Completeness: Fill in the relevant online availability CDSCO Import License application form carefully. Any and all relevant data will be accurate and consistent with the actual documents supplied.
  • Upload Documents: Upload as prescribed.
  • Payment of Fees: Fees to be paid online.
  1. CDSCO Assessment and Queries
  • Application Scrutiny: The CDSCO will scrutinize the application and supporting documents.
  • Query Handling: Respond promptly since the CDSCO may require additional information or raise queries; remember that Diligence Certifications can assist you to address those queries well.
  1. Granting of License
  • Licensing: The import license shall be granted if CDSCO is satisfied with your application, together with the results of any inspections.
  • Validity of License: The period of validity of the license depends on the type of product and specific requirements.

Benefits of Working with Diligence Certifications for your CDSCO Import License

Diligence Certifications is one of the several leading regulatory consulting firms in India with the specialization in the area of CDSCO registrations and licensing. With our full-provision regulatory services, which include consultation that will see you through every aspect related to CDSCO Import Licenses, from assessment to grant, we greatly enhance the chances for the approval due to our capabilities and experience while saving priceless time and resources.

Some of the manners Diligence Certifications will assist you:

  • Coordinated Assistance: A team of regulatory practitioners functions as one and is fully aware of all intricacies connected with CDSCO regulations and requirements. Diligence Certification would provide crisp and clear guidance on each of the aspects in the process.
  • Documentation Assistance: We assist you in gathering all necessary documentation and ensuring that the documents are accurate, complete, and in conformity with CDSCO requirements.
  • Application Management: Diligence Certifications will manage all aspects of the submission process such as SUGAM registration, document upload, and fee payment.
  • Resolution of Queries: Our experts will help you to decode the questions raised by the CDSCO and shall reply immediately so as to reduce delays and maximize the chance for approval.
  • Inspection Support: We shall prepare you for the CDSCO inspections and accompany you during the inspection.
  • Post License Assistance: We assist you in maintaining CDSCO compliance even after your license has been granted.
  • Time and Cost Savings: The ability to streamline the application process saves us time and resources, which in turn allows you to focus on your core business interests.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The CDSCO Import License is an authorization granted by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and is required for importation into India of drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics.

A company or a private individual who would like to import drugs, cosmetics, or medical devices into India has to apply for a CDSCO Import License.



Form 10- For drug import by licensed wholesalers/manufacturers.

Form 15- For the import of cosmetics.

Forms MD-15/MD-16- For import of medical devices.

The process includes:

  • Registration on the CDSCO portal
  • Submission of the required documents
  • Application filing with prescribed fees
  • Review and approval by CDSCO

Some of the key documents are:

  • Manufacturing license (if applicable);
  • Free Sale Certificate issued by the country of origin;
  • Information regarding the product and labelling;
  • Information regarding the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

No, a foreign company appoints an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to apply on behalf of. 

Importing without a valid CDSCO license may result in confiscation of the product(s) along with heavy pecuniary penalties and legal actions as per the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. 

Diligence Certification offers an expert consultation for CDSCO compliance in:

  • Application preparation and submission,
  • Assistance in documentation,
  • Liaison with CDSCO authorities, 
  • Comprehensive support to license approval.

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