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- LMPC for cosmetic products ensures MRP, net quantity, and importer details are correctly printed on every retail cosmetic pack sold in India.
- Even if cosmetics are legally importable under CDSCO or IEC, LMPC is still required before customs clearance.
- Correct LMPC compliance prevents shipment holds, re-labeling orders, penalties, and demurrage charges.
Introduction
In November, a Delhi-based beauty brand imported a shipment of Korean moisturizers. The products had Korean FDA certification, valid IEC and GST, and even brand approval for online sales. Everything seemed correct — until customs held the shipment at Nhava Sheva Port.
The issue was not product safety.
It was packaging.
The labels did not include:
- MRP
- Importer name and address
- Customer support contact
- Month and Year of Import
Under Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities (LMPC) Rules, these details are mandatory on every cosmetic pack sold in India. Because the labels were incomplete, customs withheld clearance, forcing relabeling in a bonded warehouse and causing over 10 days of unnecessary delay.
This is the most common confusion:
CDSCO controls cosmetic product safety. LMPC controls cosmetic packaging and declarations.
Both apply separately — and both are mandatory.
Why LMPC Matters for Cosmetic Products(LMPC for cosmetic products)
Cosmetics are used directly on skin, hair, and body, and consumers rely on the packaging to understand:
- What they are applying
- How much product they are paying for
- Who to contact in case of a complaint
LMPC ensures:
- Honest and transparent pricing
- Accurate product quantity declarations
- Clear importer accountability
- Proper customer support access
In cosmetics, packaging is not only branding — it is a legal statement.
Legal Framework Governing Cosmetic Packaging
| Regulation | Regulates | Applies To |
| Legal Metrology Act, 2009 | Standard weights & measurements | All packaged cosmetics |
| Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 | MRP, importer name, customer care info | Retail cosmetic units |
| Drugs & Cosmetics Act + CDSCO | Formula safety, ingredients & claims | Cosmetic composition |
Who Needs LMPC Certificate for Cosmetics? (Eligibility Check)
LMPC Certificate is required if:
- Cosmetics are imported in ready retail packaging
- Packaging displays MRP
- Products will be sold online (Amazon/Nykaa/Flipkart) or offline retail
- Importer details appear on the label
This applies to:
- Skin care (serums, facewash, creams, moisturizers)
- Hair care (shampoos, oils, conditioners)
- Makeup (lipstick, foundation, tint, compact)
- Personal care (perfumes, deodorants, body spray)
If it’s sold to a consumer, LMPC is compulsory.
LMPC Exemptions for Cosmetic Imports
LMPC is not required when:
| Import Scenario | Reason |
| Bulk packs imported in drums, barrels or 20kg tubs | Product will be filled/repacked in India |
| Items imported only for lab testing or formulation trial | Not for sale |
| Supplies made only to salons without MRP | B2B supply, not consumer retail |
LMPC Rules for Cosmetic Product Packaging (Mandatory Declarations)
Every cosmetic pack must display:
| Label Requirement | Example Format |
| Product Name | Brand + Variant |
| Net Quantity | 50g / 100ml etc. |
| MRP (₹) | “MRP ₹— (Incl. of all taxes)” |
| Batch/LOT Number | Must match supplier documentation |
| Month & Year of Import | Not manufacturing month |
| Importer Name + Full Postal Address | With PIN code |
| Customer Support Contact | Working phone / email |
| Country of Origin | “Made in Korea / Italy / UAE” etc. |
LMPC Label Format Example (Placement Guide)
- Front Panel: Product name & net quantity
- Back Panel: Importer name, address, customer care
- Top / Upper: Batch and import month-year
- Near Barcode: Country of origin
- Any visible panel: MRP (Printed clearly, readable)
MRP Labeling Rules for Cosmetics in India
- MRP must be printed, not applied at store level.
- MRP stickers are allowed only if applied before customs clearance.
- E-commerce sale price cannot exceed printed MRP.
- Dual MRP for the same unit is not allowed.
LMPC Registration for Cosmetic Import (Step-by-Step Process)
- Confirm warehouse jurisdiction (state-level registration)
- Prepare LMPC-compliant label artwork
- Collect required documents:
- IEC
- GST Certificate
- Company/Owner ID
- Warehouse Address Proof
- Packaging Artwork File
- Submit application to State Legal Metrology Office
- Inspection may occur (depends on state)
- LMPC Certificate is issued
- Use certificate for customs clearance + retail sale
LMPC Certificate Timeline & Validity
| Stage | Duration |
| Application Preparation | 1–2 days |
| Department Processing | 5–15 working days |
| Certificate Issue | Same day after approval |
Validity: Usually 1–5 years, depending on the state.
Cost Factors in LMPC Registration (No Amounts)
Cost depends on:
- State issuing authority
- Number of cosmetic variants
- Warehouse inspection requirements
- Packaging corrections needed
Common LMPC Label Mistakes in Cosmetics (Avoid These)
- Using foreign packaging directly in India
- Net quantity printed in fl oz / oz instead of ml / g
- Missing importer full postal address
- Customer care contact not functioning
- MRP added after customs arrival
These mistakes almost always lead to customs hold.
Cosmetic Import Regulations in India (LMPC vs CDSCO Role)
| Compliance | Controls | Purpose |
| CDSCO Registration | Formula & ingredients | Product safety |
| LMPC License | Packaging declarations | Consumer transparency |
Both must be satisfied for legal retail sale.
Customs Clearance LMPC Rules for Beauty Products
Customs checks:
- LMPC Certificate copy
- Packaging accuracy
- Documentation consistency
If LMPC is missing:
- Shipment is held
- Relabeling must occur under customs bon
- Demurrage + warehouse storage + handling charges increase
LMPC Requirements Checklist
| Stage | Action |
| Before Ordering | Request editable packaging file from supplier |
| Before Printing | Insert LMPC declarations |
| Before Shipment | Ensure LMPC certificate is ready |
| At Customs | Provide label compliance sheet & certificate |
Why Choose Diligence Certification
Diligence Certification focuses on clear, lawful, and complete documentation for LMPC, CDSCO, BIS, WPC, and other regulatory approvals related to imported cosmetic products. The approach is not limited to filing applications — the emphasis is on ensuring that every detail is correct before submission, so clearance happens smoothly without objections.
1. Correct Classification and Compliance Guidance
Cosmetic imports often fall under multiple regulatory layers.
Diligence Certification helps classify the product correctly and ensures compliance with both:
- Packaging rules (LMPC)
- Ingredient and formula regulations (CDSCO)
This reduces the risk of disputes during customs review.
2. Packaging Artwork Verification Before Shipment
Most customs delays occur because packaging declarations are incomplete.
The team reviews and aligns:
- MRP formatting
- Net quantity units
- Importer information placement
- Customer care and origin declarations
This prevents hold orders and re-labeling instructions at the port.
3. Clear and Structured Documentation Handling
Instead of trial-and-error, documentation is handled in a step-by-step, structured process:
- Certificate drafting
- Application filing
- Responding to department queries
- Final approval support
Documentation remains consistent, traceable, and compliant.
4. Communication That Is Direct and Practical
Importers receive updates clearly and at the correct stage of the process, without lengthy delays or confusing technical language.
Instructions are simple, actionable, and aligned with customs and legal requirements.
5. Smooth Customs Clearance Coordination
The goal is to minimize:
- Demurrage costs
- Handling charges
- Time delays
By planning compliance before the shipment lands, clearance becomes streamlined and predictable.
Conclusion
LMPC compliance is not just a paperwork formality for cosmetic imports in India. It directly affects customs clearance, retail legality, and brand credibility. Even when your cosmetic products are high quality and legally importable under CDSCO or IEC, they cannot enter the Indian retail market unless the packaging and labeling follow the LMPC rules.
Correct LMPC compliance ensures:
- The product can be cleared smoothly at customs
- The packaging clearly communicates price, quantity, and responsibility
- The importer is protected from penalties, shipment holds, and re-labeling orders
In cosmetics, packaging is part of consumer trust. A compliant label not only meets the law — it signals authenticity, safety, and transparency to your buyer.
If you want to avoid delays and ensure smooth imports, simply share:
- Your product packaging photo/label
- Warehouse location
I will check LMPC applicability free and guide exactly what needs to change before your next shipment arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
As per the regulations under the Legal Metrology Act, is it necessary to obtain LMPC for Imported Cosmetic Product in India?
Yes, LMPC is required for each imported cosmetic product that is sold in retail.
When do I need to obtain LMPC during the imported cosmetic process?
You need to obtain LMPC before importing your cosmetics through customs.
What does LMPC verify on the packaging of a cosmetic product?
LMPC verifies the MRP, net quantity, name and address of the importer, customer care information, and the port of entry date.
Can I sell imported cosmetics online without LMPC?
No, LMPC is required for any sale of the cosmetic product, online or offline.
Do bulk cosmetic packages require LMPC?
No, bulk/non-retail packages intended for repacking do not require LMPC.
After I get the imported cosmetics into the country can I stick different MRP stickers on cases?
No, the MRP must have been printed or affixed to the packaging of the product before customs release.
Is the LMPC certificate redundant if I have CDSCO approval for safety?
CDSCO does not replace LMPC, which is only used for compliance checks on packaging information.
What if my shipment is missing the LMPC certificate, will customs release my shipment?
Your shipment will be held once they inspect that the label does not conform to LMPC requirements until you correct the labels under their supervision.
How long does it take to get registered for the LMPC?
LMPC usually takes between 5 and 15 working days depending on the state.
Who provides me with a certificate for the LMPC?
The State Legal Metrology Department provides the LMPC certificate.
