CDSCO cosmetics registration is certainly going to catch your eye as you consider the import of cosmetic products in India. It looks like an esoteric concept at first glance, but you will find that it is a simple process if you get the basic understanding right.
CDSCO Cosmetics Registration
The registration of cosmetics under CDSCO is that process by which a license or approval is granted to cosmetic products that are intended to be imported into India. As per CDSCO guidelines, both the imported cosmetic products and the facility producing such products must be registered under the Cosmetic Rules, 2020. It means that not only a product needs to be registered, but the facility as well.
CDSCO Registration Mandatory for Imported Cosmetics
Yes, indeed, and nothing can really be done about it either. It is absolutely impossible to bring in any cosmetic products into India unless they have been registered according to the relevant Cosmetics Rules. And if you wish to go in for cosmetics imports in Delhi or anywhere else in India, you must begin by registering them.
Process for CDSCO Cosmetics Registration
The application process will take place through the internet by way of the CDSCO application portal. According to the existing guidelines of CDSCO, Form COS-1 is supposed to be used for filing of applications and on approval, an Import Registration Certificate shall be issued using Form COS-2. Thus, these two forms are complementary in nature, one for application and the other for issuing certificates.
Form COS-1
Form COS-1 is the form that one uses while applying for the registration certificate for importing cosmetics into India. It is the form wherein one furnishes all the details concerning the product, manufacturing company, and manufacturing facility.
Form COS-2
Form COS-2 is the actual Import Registration Certificate that gets issued once your COS-1 application is reviewed and approved. Think of COS-1 as the request, and COS-2 as the approval you’re working toward.
Eligible Candidate for Cosmetics Import Registration
The application can be submitted either by the foreign company through its authorized agent/importer present in India or authorized Indian subsidiary of the foreign company as the case may be. In this respect, it must be noted that CDSCO guideline refers to the responsibility of the manufacturer or his authorized representative only.
Documents Required for CDSCO Cosmetics Registration
Documentation is where most applicants either save themselves a lot of time or run into repeated delays. Generally, the required documents include:
- Manufacturer authorization
- Product details
- Manufacturing-site information
- Free Sale Certificate
- Other information and undertakings as prescribed under the Cosmetics Rules and CDSCO checklist
Since requirements can vary depending on the product category and manufacturing setup it helps to go through the CDSCO checklist carefully before submission rather than assuming a standard document set will work for every case.
Manufacturer Authorization Required
Yes, but it is something that applicants often underestimate. As per the guidelines from CDSCO, a letter of authorization should be submitted along with the application, and the level of authentication of this document depends upon where it has been issued. Therefore, a manufacturer authorization executed in one country will require a different level of authentication from what is required for another country.
CDSCO Cosmetics Registration Done Through SUGAM
Yes. According to the CDSCO, the application to be filled out for cosmetic imports will be done through the SUGAM portal. This is the portal that is utilized in multiple categories within the CDSCO, so if you have experience with other CDSCO registrations, then the portal will not be new to you.
CDSCO Cosmetics Registration Cost
The fee depends on the category, manufacturing site, and product variants involved. As per CDSCO’s current fee structure under the Third Schedule:
- USD 1,000 for registration or retention of each category
- USD 500 per manufacturing site
- USD 50 per variant
So if you’re registering multiple product variants or sourcing from more than one manufacturing site, these costs add up. It’s worth calculating the full fee structure before you begin rather than being surprised midway.
CDSCO Cosmetics Registration Timeline
However, there is no set time frame applicable for all applications. The timeline will depend on the completeness of the application and accuracy of the documentation provided. The more errors CDSCO finds during the review process, the longer it may take for the review to be completed.
Conclusion
The list of documents required for CDSCO cosmetics registration could vary; however, there are two key components in the entire process. They are proving that your product meets the Indian requirements and registering your manufacturing unit properly. Properly preparing the documents and obtaining the necessary approvals at the very beginning of the process will be a big step towards avoiding any delays along the way.
If you have any questions about the CDSCO cosmetics registration and other regulatory matters in Delhi, feel free to contact us at Certilize.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is CDSCO cosmetics registration?
CDSCO cosmetics registration is the registration that is mandated for cosmetics that have to be imported into India and applies to the product as well as its manufacturing facility, based on the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
2. Is CDSCO registration for imported cosmetics mandatory?
Yes, there is no way to legally import cosmetics into India without a valid registration certificate obtained based on the relevant Cosmetics Rules.
3. How do I apply for CDSCO cosmetics registration?
An application is filed online via CDSCO using Form COS-1 which results in an Import Registration Certificate in Form COS-2.
4. What is Form COS-1?
It is the application form for the purpose of obtaining the Import Registration Certificate.
5. What is Form COS-2?
It is the Import Registration Certificate granted after processing of Form COS-1.
6. Who can file an application for cosmetics import registration?
Foreign manufacturer, authorized agent/importer of India, or authorized Indian subsidiary, depending upon what the case may be.
7. Can I file for CDSCO cosmetics registration via SUGAM?
Yes, it can be filed online via the SUGAM portal of CDSCO.
8. How much does CDSCO cosmetics registration cost?
Fees currently include USD 1,000 per category, USD 500 per manufacturing site, and USD 50 per product variant, under the Third Schedule.
