Ultimate Guide to Cosmetic Registration in India: 2025 Step-by-Step Process

India’s cosmetic industry is booming, fueled by rising consumer demand and innovative products. However, launching cosmetics—whether manufactured locally or imported—requires navigating the cosmetic registration process in India. Governed by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, this process ensures products meet safety and quality standards.

This article, updated for 2025, offers a detailed, step-by-step guide to cosmetic registration in India. It covers manufacturing and import licenses, recent updates, compliance tips, and expert strategies to streamline your journey. Whether you’re a manufacturer, importer, or entrepreneur, this resource provides everything you need to bring your cosmetics to market efficiently and legally.

Why Read This? This guide includes 2025 updates, expert insights, and practical tools—making it your go-to resource for mastering cosmetic registration in India.

Content Outline

  • Understanding Regulatory Bodies
  • Manufacturing License Process
  • Import License Process
  • Key Compliance Requirements
  • What’s New in 2025
  • Expert Tips and Common Challenges
  • FAQ: Cosmetic Registration in India
  • Resources and Support

Table of Content

Understanding Regulatory Bodies

Two key authorities oversee cosmetic registration in India:

  • State Licensing Authorities (SLA): State-level regulators responsible for issuing manufacturing licenses for cosmetics produced in India.
  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO): The national body that manages import licenses for cosmetics entering India.

Quick Tip: Manufacturers coordinate with SLAs, while importers deal with CDSCO. Knowing your regulator is the first step to success.

Manufacturing License Process

For companies producing cosmetics in India, obtaining a manufacturing license involves these steps, optimized for 2025:

Submit Online Application

Log into your State Licensing Authority’s portal and file Form COS 5 (standard license) or Form COS 6 (loan license for third-party manufacturing).

Upload Documentation

Submit these streamlined documents:

  • Proof of premises (ownership/lease agreement)
  • Site layout plan
  • Technical staff qualifications
  • List of machinery and equipment
  • Manufacturing process overview
  • Water treatment and effluent details

Facility Inspection

The SLA may inspect your premises to verify compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Schedule M-II standards.

License Issuance

Once approved, you’ll receive your license via Form COS 8 (standard) or Form COS 9 (loan).

  • Timeline: 30-40 days (down from 45 days in 2023)
  • Fees: ₹10,000 for up to 10 items per category; ₹500 per additional item
  • Validity: 5 years

Expert Advice: “Label your site plan clearly—mark production, storage, and testing zones—to speed up inspections.” — Priya Sharma, Regulatory Consultant.

Manufacturing License at a Glance

Aspect Details
Authority State Licensing Authority (SLA)
Forms COS 5 (standard), COS 6 (loan)
Fees ₹10,000 + ₹500 per extra item
Validity 5 years
Processing Time 30-40 days

Import License Process

For importing cosmetics into India, secure a registration certificate through these 2025-updated steps:

Register on SUGAM Portal

Sign up on CDSCO’s online platform, SUGAM.

Gather Documentation

Prepare these simplified documents:

  • Manufacturer’s license from the country of origin
  • Free Sale Certificate or Certificate of Analysis
  • Product label (meeting Indian standards)
  • Power of Attorney (if using an Indian agent)
  • Ingredient list and formulation

File Form COS 1

Submit Form COS 1 via SUGAM, detailing the product, packaging, and manufacturing site.

Pay Fees

Current fees:

  • $1,000 per product category
  • $50 per variant
  • $500 per manufacturing site
    (Note: USD fees are up 10%-30% due to a stronger dollar, but stable in rupees.)

CDSCO Evaluation

CDSCO reviews your submission and may request additional details.

Receive Certificate

Upon approval, you’ll get your import registration certificate.

  • Timeline: 30-40 days (reduced from 45 days in 2023)
  • Validity: 5 years

Pro Insight: “A precise Free Sale Certificate—confirming sale in the home country—avoids unnecessary back-and-forth.” — Rohan Patel, Import Expert.

Import License at a Glance

Aspect Details
Authority CDSCO
Form COS 1
Fees $1,000/category + $50/variant
Validity 5 years
Processing Time 30-40 days

Key Compliance Requirements

To ensure approval, align with these critical standards:

  • Ingredients: Check against CDSCO’s permitted list; avoid banned substances like mercury compounds.
  • Labeling: Include:
    • Product name and use
    • Manufacturer/importer details
    • Net weight/volume
    • Batch number and dates (manufacturing and expiry)
    • “Made in” statement
  • Local Representation: Importers without an Indian office need an authorized agent.

Free Tool: Download our Cosmetic Registration Checklist.

If you want to find support on cosmetic registration in India let us know, we would listen.

What’s New in 2025

The cosmetic registration process in India has seen notable updates since 2023:

  • Fee Adjustments: USD fees have risen 10%-30% due to a stronger dollar, but rupee-based fees remain stable [1].
  • Streamlined Documentation: Online forms are shorter and more intuitive, reducing submission time [2].
  • Faster Approvals: Processing now takes 30-40 days, down from 45 days, thanks to digital efficiencies [3].
  • Compliance Stability: No new rules or standards have been introduced since 2023 [4].

Stay Ahead: Visit the CDSCO website for real-time updates.

Instructions: Highlight “CDSCO website” and add the link (https://cdsco.gov.in).

Expert Tips and Common Challenges

Boost your success rate with these insights:

  • Tip 1: Triple-Check Documents
    Errors in paperwork (e.g., mismatched batch numbers) are the leading cause of delays.
  • Tip 2: Prep for Inspections
    Manufacturers should maintain GMP-ready facilities and conduct mock audits.
  • Tip 3: Accurate Translations
    Importers must provide clear English or Hindi translations—vague terms can stall approvals.

Case Study: An importer faced a 60-day delay due to an unclear Free Sale Certificate. After refining it with a local agent, approval came in 35 days.

Common Pitfalls:

  • Incomplete ingredient lists
  • Non-compliant labels
  • Currency confusion in fee payments

FAQ: Cosmetic Registration in India

What are the 2025 fees for cosmetic registration?

  • Manufacturing: ₹10,000 for 10 items/category, ₹500 per additional item.
  • Import: $1,000/category, $50/variant, $500/site (USD up 10%-30%, stable in ₹).

How long does approval take in 2025?

Both processes now take 30-40 days, improved from 45 days in 2023.

Are there new compliance rules in 2025?

No, standards remain unchanged since 2023.

Resources and Support

Need assistance with cosmetic registration in India? We’ve got you covered:

  • Free Checklist: Ensure your application is perfect. Download Here.
  • Expert Help: Book a consultation with our regulatory team. Contact Us.

Written by Akshay, Regulatory Compliance Expert with 5+ Years in Cosmetics. Last Updated: October 2025.

Citations

Here are the citations: