CDSCO Cosmetic Import Registration or License in India

The CDSCO mandates the Cosmetic Import License (also known as Cosmetic Import Registration) as a mandatory regulatory approval for importing cosmetic products into India. Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Cosmetics Rules, 2020, CDSCO grants this approval to authorized Indian entities, enabling them to legally import, sell, and distribute cosmetic products in India.

Any foreign cosmetic manufacturer, Exporter, Global brand or Indian importer planning to sell skincare, haircare, makeup, personal care products or other cosmetic products in India must obtain this license or registration before importing goods into India. The terms cosmetic import license and cosmetic import registration are often used interchangeably in India.

Therefore, understanding the CDSCO Cosmetic Import License – specifically COS-1 and COS-2 is critical for importers who want smooth customs clearance, uninterrupted sales, and long-term regulatory compliance.

This guide by Regacats Solutions explains what the CDSCO Cosmetic Import License or Cosmetic Import Registration is, who needs it, how to apply, documents required, fees, approval timelines, labeling rules, and common compliance mistakes, based on practical regulatory experience.

What Is the CDSCO Cosmetic Import License or Cosmetic Import Registration (Cos-1 & Cos-2)?

CDSCO cosmetic import license or registration (Cos-2) is an approval granted by CDSCO allowing the import of cosmetic products into India for sale, distribution, or marketing. It authorizes an Indian entity to legally import cosmetic products into India for sale, distribution, or marketing.

Importers must secure this registration before customs clearance. Indian law does not permit post-import registration or retrospective approvals. The COS-2 license confirms that imported cosmetic products:

• Use ingredients permitted under Indian cosmetic & BIS standards

• Meet safety and quality requirements

• Comply with Indian labeling norms

• Protect public health and consumer safety

What Are Cos-1 and Cos-2?

COS-1 is the online application submitted to CDSCO for cosmetic import registration, while After reviewing the COS-1 application submitted on the SUGAM portal, CDSCO issues the COS-2 registration certificate on Sugam Portal. These terms are widely used across the industry to describe the registration stages.

What is Cos-1 (Cosmetic Import Registration Application)

The Cos-1 is a primary application filed on CDSCO SUGAM portal to obtain cosmetic import registration. It includes importer, foreign manufacturer, foreign manufacturing site, and product details.

Cos-1 typically covers:

• Foreign Manufacturer and site details

• Product details

• Importer details

What is Cos-2 (Cosmetic Import Registration Certificate or Cosmetic Import License)

The COS-2 certificate allows importers to import only those cosmetic products that they included in the approved COS-1 application during Cos-1 application submission.

Once CDSCO issues the COS-2 certificate, importers may import only the approved cosmetic products, variants, and manufacturing sites that were approved under the corresponding COS-1 application.

Who Needs a CDSCO Cosmetic Import License or Registration in India?

Any entity involved in importing cosmetics into India must comply with cosmetic import registration requirements in India. This includes:

• Indian cosmetic importers or distributors

• Authorized Indian agents appointed by foreign manufacturers or exporter

• Indian subsidiaries of overseas cosmetic brands

• Indian Manufacturers

Applicants must have:

• A legally registered Indian entity

• Import Export Code (IEC)

• GST registration

• Authorization from the foreign manufacturer

Foreign manufacturers cannot apply directly without appointing an Indian authorized agent.

When is the CDSCO Cosmetic Import License or Registration is Mandatory?

CDSCO cosmetic import registration is mandatory before:

• Importing cosmetic products into India

• Clearing goods through Indian customs

• Selling cosmetics online or offline on own brand name

• Exporting cosmetics into India

Indian customs authorities treat any cosmetic consignment imported without prior CDSCO approval as non-compliant and may detain, reject, or confiscate it.

CDSCO Cosmetic Import License or Registration Approval Process Overview

The CDSCO cosmetic import registration process involves CDSCO assessing both the manufacturer and the cosmetic products.

At a high level, the CDSCO cosmetic import registration process includes:

1. Appointment of an authorized Indian agent  

2. Preparation of regulatory documentation  

3. Online submission through CDSCO SUGAM portal  

4. Payment of government fees  

5. Regulatory review and query resolution  

6. CDSCO issues the COS-2 registration certificate

In practice, applications with accurate documentation and compliant labels move faster.

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain CDSCO Cosmetic Import Registration or License

What are the Documents Required for Cosmetic Import Registration or License (Overview) 

Importers must submit accurate, complete, and compliant documents for cosmetic import registration. Accurate documentation significantly impacts approval timelines. 

CDSCO evaluates both manufacturer-level documents and product-specific documents during cosmetic import registration review.

Importers must submit:

• Power of Attorney from manufacturer

• Free Sale Certificate from the country of origin

• Manufacturing license

• Complete ingredient list with composition

• Product specifications and safety data

• Label artwork compliant with Indian rules

• Covering letter and declarations

What are the Cosmetic Labeling Requirements for Imported Cosmetics

Compliance with Indian cosmetic labeling requirements in India is mandatory before import. Every cosmetic label must include:

• Product name

• Manufacturer’s name and address

• Importer’s name and address

• Batch number

• Manufacturing and expiry date

• Net quantity

• “Imported by” declaration

• Consumer care details

• Precautions to use product, if any

• MRP, USP

CDSCO Fees for Cosmetic Import License

The CDSCO cosmetic import registration fees depend upon:

• Number of product categories

• Number of manufacturing sites

• Number of variants

CDSCO charges government fees of USD 1,000 per category, USD 500 per manufacturing site, and USD 50 per variant.

Importers pay these government fees only once per approved category, site, or variant, not per shipment.

Since fees are non-refundable, accurate classification during filing is essential.

Timeline for CDSCO Cosmetic Import Registration (Cos-1, Cos-2) Approval

A realistic approval timeline is:

• 2 to 3 months for standard applications

• Additional time if CDSCO raises technical or documentation queries

Approval timelines may vary based on product formulation, labeling accuracy, and responsiveness to CDSCO queries.

Applications with compliant ingredients, labels, and consistent documentation typically receive faster approvals.

With expert handling, Regacats Solutions typically completes approvals in around 40 days.

Common Mistakes in Cosmetic Import Registration or License

Many applications face delays due to common mistakes in cosmetic import registration or license. Avoidable errors cause most delays and rejections in cosmetic import registration applications.

• Ingredient non-compliance with Indian standards

• Incorrect or incomplete labeling

• Poorly drafted Power of Attorney

• Mismatch in manufacturer details

• Incorrect product categorization

How Regacats Solutions Helps with CDSCO Cosmetic Import License or Registration

Regacats Solutions provides end-to-end CDSCO cosmetic import license or registration support, including documentation, filing, query handling, and post-approval compliance. 

Regacats Solutions supports cosmetic importers with:

• Eligibility assessment

• Documentation and labeling compliance

• CDSCO SUGAM portal filing

• Regulatory query handling

• Ongoing compliance advisory

Our approach focuses on accuracy, approval certainty, and sustainable compliance.

Regacats Solutions acts as an authorized indian agent and regulatory compliance partner for cosmetic importers, foreign manufacturer ensuring CDSCO alignment from application to post-approval stages.