Do US Cosmetic Brands Need CDSCO Registration to Sell Products in India?

Yes. US cosmetic brands must obtain CDSCO cosmetic import registration before selling cosmetic products in India.
Under the Cosmetics Rules 2020, all cosmetic products imported into India require approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). Importers must submit a COS-1 application through the CDSCO SUGAM portal to obtain the COS-2 Cosmetic Import Registration Certificate.
Without COS-2 registration, imported cosmetics cannot be legally sold, distributed, or marketed in India.
In most cases, US manufacturers appoint an Authorized Indian Agent or importer in India to handle the regulatory process and communicate with CDSCO authorities.
Businesses planning to import cosmetics should understand the complete regulatory framework for cosmetic imports in India, including documentation requirements, government fees, and approval timelines. You can refer to our detailed guide on import cosmetics from USA to India to understand the entire CDSCO registration process step by step.
Companies may also review the CDSCO cosmetic license for importer (COS-1 & COS-2 guide), which explains the complete regulatory pathway for obtaining cosmetic import registration in India.
For professional regulatory assistance, businesses can explore our cosmetic import license India consulting services, where our experts support the CDSCO application process from documentation preparation to COS-2 approval.