Give Your Products cosmetic license

Having trouble securing Cosmetic License certification in India? Let our ISI certification experts assist you in achieving it and boosting your credibility!

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Overview of Cosmetic Licenses in India

Cosmetic licenses are mandatory licenses for firms involved in manufacturing, importing, or distributing cosmetic products in India. These licenses are granted by appropriate government bodies, ensuring that the products serve safety and quality standards as a consumer protection measure. It is essential to have the appropriate license for cosmetic products to allow a firm to operate legally and be trusted by consumers. 

Cosmetic (CDSCO)

Regulatory Authority for Cosmetic Licenses in India

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is the main regulatory body in quasi-judicial authority that regulates the cosmetic standards in India. The CDSCO lays down the standards, grants licenses, and regulates the import, manufacture, sale, and distribution of cosmetics. Importantly, the manufacturers of cosmetics must also understand the provisions related to the CDSCO Import License if they deal in importing cosmetic articles into India.

List of Cosmetic Products

Column 1 Column 2 Column 3
1. Skin Products
1. Skin Care Products
  1. Face care products other than a face mask
  2. Face Mask
  3. Eye Contour Products
  4. Lip care Products
  5. Hand Care Products
  6. Foot Care Products
  7. Body Care Products
  8. External Intimate Care Products
  9. Chemical Exfoliation Products
  10. Mechanical Exfoliation Products
  11. Skin Lightening Products
  12. Other Skin Care Products
2. Skin Cleansing Products
  1. Soap Products 
  2. Bath/Shower Products
  3. Make-up Removal Products
  4. External Intimate Hygiene Products
  5. Other Skin Cleansing Products
3. Body Hair Removal Products
  1. Chemical Depilatories
  2. Physical Epilation Products
  3. Other Body Hair Removal Products
4. Bleach for Body Hair Body Products
  1. Bleach for Body Hair
5. Correction of Body Odour and / or Perspiration
  1. Products with antiperspirant Activity
  2. Products without antiperspirant Activity
6. Shaving and pre- / after shaving Products
  1. Products of Shaving
  2. Pre- / After Shaving products
  3. Various other Shaving and pre- / After Shaving Products
7. Make-up Products
  1. Foundation
  2. Concealer
  3. Other Face Makeup Products
  4. Mascara 
  5. Eye shadow
  6. Eye Pencil
  7. Eye Liner
  8. Other Eye Makeup Products
  9. Lipstick
  10. Lipstick Sealer
  11. Other Lip Makeup Products
  12. Body or Face Paint, including “Carnival Makeup.”
  13. Other Makeup Products
8. Perfumes
  1. Hydroalcoholic Perfumes
  2. Non-Hydroalcoholic Perfumes
9. Sun and Self-tanning Products
  1. Before and After Sun Products, Sun Protection Products
  2. Self-tanning Products
  3. Other Sun and Self-tanning Products
Other Skin Products
  1. Other Skin Products
2. Hair and Scalp Products
  1. Hair and Scalp Care and Cleansing Products
  1. Hair Conditioner 
  2. Scalp and Hair Root Care Products
  3. Antihairloss Products
  4. Other Hair and Scalp Care and Cleansing Products
  5. Antidandruff Products
2. Hair Colouring Products
  1. Oxidative Hair Colour Products
  2. Non-Oxidative Hair Colour Products
  3. Hair Bleaching and Dye Remover Products
  4. Other Hair Colouring Products
3. Hair Styling Products
  1. Products for Temporary Hair
  2. Styling Permanent Wave Products
  3. Hair Relaxer/ Straightener Products
  4. Other Hair Styling Products
4. Other Hair and Scalp Products
  1. Hair Sun Protection Products
  2. Other Hair and Scalp Products
3. Nail and Cuticle Products
  1. Nail Varnish and Remover Products
  1. Nail Varnish / Nail make-up
  2. Nail Varnish Remover
  3. Nail Varnish Thinner
  4. Nail Bleach
2. Nail Care/ Nail hardener Products
  1. Nail Care Products
  2. Nail Hardener
  3. Other Nail Care / Nail Hardener Products
3. Nail Glue Remover Products
1. Nail Glue Remover

4. Other Nail and Cuticle Products

  1. Cuticle Remover/ Softener
  2. Nail Sculpting Products
  3. Other Nail and Cuticle Products
4. Oral Hygiene Products
1. Tooth Care Products
  1. Toothpaste
  2. Tooth Cleansing Powder/Salt
  3. Other Tooth Care Products
2. Mouth Wash/ Breath Spray
  1. Mouth Wash
  2. Breath Spray
  3. Other Mouth Wash/ Breath Spray Products
3. Tooth Whiteners
  1. Tooth Whiteners
4. Other Oral Hygiene Products
  1. Other Oral Hygiene Products

Categories of Cosmetics

Cosmetic products are mentioned under the broadly defined concept of Schedule M-II, which constitutes the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules,1945. This schedule specifically lays down manufacturing, testing, and quality control requirements based on the type of products. Understanding which category the product falls into will help to define the documents obtained and the procedures undertaken for licensing.

documents required for Cosmetic license

The specific documents required for a cosmetic license will differ concerning the type of license required (manufacturing or import) and the category of product specific to them. However, in a general manner, you can expect to have the following: 

  • Application Form: Duly filled and signed application form prescribed by the CDSCO. Application Form COS-5 is required.
  • Company incorporation papers: Proof of the company is set up, e.g., Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association. 
  • Manufacturing details (for manufacturers): Manufacturing process; plant layout; equipment details; and quality control procedures. 
  • Product Information: Detailed information concerning the cosmetic products, including formulations, ingredients, and labeling. 
  • Import License (for importers): Information regarding the importing company, product details, and country of origin. In this case, a CDSCO Import License is a must. 
  • Stability Study Data: Stability and shelf life data of the product. 
  • Test Reports: Reports from recognized laboratories confirming product safety and quality. 
  • GMP Compliance: Evidence of compliance with GMPs. 
  • Power of Attorney (wherever applicable): If any other person has been authorized to act for the company.

Procedure of obtaining cosmetic license?

The process of obtaining a cosmetic license in India usually follows these steps:

Preparation & Document Verification: The documents will be checked by the CDSCO. Gather all documents and requirements.

Application Submission: Submit the application form with supporting documents to the CDSCO office to whom the application is directed.

Inspection or verification: The CDSCO may inspect the manufacturing facility to ensure compliance with GMP standards. The CDSCO may conduct an inspection of your manufacturing facility (for manufacturing licenses) or your premises (for import licenses) with the help of the State Licensing Authority (SLA). Co-operate with the authorities during the inspection and provide any additional information they may ask for. Address any questions or doubts raised by the inspectors very quickly.

License Grant: If you meet all the requirements, the cosmetic license is granted by CDSCO. If the application is deemed complete and satisfactory, the Cosmetic License will be granted by either the CDSCO or SLA. 

The timelines for acquiring a license vary considerably depending upon how complex an application is and how effective the regulatory process is.

As a rule, the license is valid for a given period and it may be renewed.

Validity of Cosmetics License ?

A Cosmetics License Certification is valid for five years from the date of issue, subject to payment of the registration certificate retention fee, unless suspended or canceled by the Central Licensing Authority.

Why Choose Diligence Certifications for a Cosmetic License?

Diligence Certifications’ expert help and guidance make the difficult procedure of cosmetic licensing easy. Highlights of the reasons you should meet up with them are as follows:

  • Expert Knowledge: Diligence Certifications possess in-depth knowledge of the regulatory landscape and the latest CDSCO guidelines. 
  • Comprehensive Support: They provide end-to-end support from document preparation to application submission and follow-up. 
  • Reduced Risk of Rejection: Their expertise helps ensure that your application is complete and accurate, minimizing the risk of rejection or delays. 
  • Time and Cost Savings: By streamlining the licensing process, Diligence Certifications can save you valuable time and resources. 
  • Focus on your Business: It means for you to focus on core business activities while experts license your process.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A cosmetic license is a compulsory permit issued by the Central Drug Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) or State Licensing Authority (SLA) for the manufacture, importation, or trading of cosmetics in India.

Any person or entity engaged in manufacturing, importing, distributing, or selling cosmetic products in India must obtain the appropriate license.

  • There are two main types of cosmetic licenses:
  • Manufacturing License (Form 32 and Form 32-A): required for companies that manufacture cosmetics in India, and
  • Import License (Form 42 and Form 43): required for importing cosmetic products into India.
  • Manufacturing license: Given by the respective state drug control department.
  • Import license is given by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

✅ Yes! Diligence Certification offers expert assistance in obtaining:

  • Cosmetic Manufacturing License
  • CDSCO Cosmetic Import Registration
  • BIS compliance for cosmetics
  • Labeling & Regulatory Approvals

The registration fee differs mostly with the number of products and categories. Government fees are charged per brand and per product category. A detailed cost estimate can be provided by Diligence Certification.

Yes, registration is mandatory for cosmetics.

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