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Cosmetic License Registration

Cosmetic license registration is mandatory for manufacturing, importing or selling cosmetic products. Regulated by CDSCO, it ensures product safety and compliance with legal standards. Obtain your cosmetic license hassle-free with our expert guidance to meet regulatory requirements and expand your business in the cosmetic industry. Apply today!

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Overview of Cosmetic License Registration in India

According to the latest data of September 2023, India had over 3,500 beauty and personal care companies, and the market was valued at about $17 billion. The cosmetic industry in India is expanding at an incredible pace, driven by rising consumer demand for beauty and personal care products. Businesses that are looking to manufacture, import, or distribute cosmetics in India must comply with strict regulatory requirements.

A valid cosmetic license is mandatory under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 and its associated rules and regulations to ensure that all products meet safety, quality, and legal standards. The Cosmetic license is crucial for establishing consumer trust and prevents the circulation of substandard or harmful products in the market. Without proper authorization, operating such a business is illegal and attracts severe legal consequences, including huge penalties and product recalls. Understanding the nuances of cosmetic license registration is essential for manufacturers, importers, and distributors looking to establish their presence in the Indian market.

What is a Cosmetic License in India?

A cosmetic license is an official authorisation granted by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) or the respective State Drug Control Authority (SLA) to manufacture, import, distribute, or sell cosmetic products in India. The SLA is authorised to grant the cosmetic license for manufacturing, stocking, or offering for sale or distribution all types of cosmetics and grant approval to carry out tests on cosmetics and their raw materials.

The registration and regulation of cosmetic products in India fall under:

The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945
Amendments and Guidelines Issued by CDSCO

Types of Cosmetic Licenses in India

The licensing requirement depends on the nature of the cosmetic business. There are two primary types of cosmetic licenses in India:

1. Manufacturing License for Cosmetics

Required for businesses engaged in manufacturing or repacking cosmetics in India.
Issued by the State Licensing Authority (SLA) of the respective state.
Two kinds of licenses are issued under this kind:
1. COS-8: This license is issued to manufacture, sell, or distribute cosmetics.
2. COST-8A: This is a loan license issued for the manufacture, sale, or distribution of cosmetics.
Manufacturing units must comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) as prescribed by the law.
The loan licensing license is granted under Form 32, Form 32A, and Form 31-A.

2. Import License for Cosmetics (Form 42 and Form 43)

Required for businesses importing cosmetics from other countries into India.
Issued by the CDSCO at the central level.
Importers must ensure that the cosmetic products meet the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications.
The license is granted under Form 42, and an approval certificate is issued under Form 43.
A manufacturer who has a registered office in India, an authorised agent of the manufacturer, a subsidiary manufacturer, or an importer can apply for an import license in India.

3. License for approval for carrying out tests on cosmetics

Form 37 is filed with the manufacturers who wish to carry out tests on cosmetics and the raw materials used in their manufacturing.

Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining a Cosmetic License

To apply for a cosmetic permit in India, businesses must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:

1. For Manufacturing License:

The applicant must have a manufacturing unit and appropriate infrastructure.
The manufacturing unit should comply with GMP and hygiene standards.
The applicant should appoint a competent technical staff with qualifications in pharmacy, chemistry, or microbiology.

2. For Import License:

The applicant must be a registered entity in India (such as a company or partnership firm).
A valid Free Sale Certificate from the country of origin is mandatory.
The applicant must submit detailed product composition and specifications.

Documents Required for Cosmetic License Registration in India

The required documentation varies based on the type of license being applied for.

Documents for Manufacturing License

Application Form (Form 31/32)
Declaration Form of the Director
Affidavit of non-conviction or the partners, proprietor of the firm, and directors
Notarized affidavit of a competent person spending time working with the manufacturing firm
Covering Letter stating the purpose of the application
Company Registration Certificate
Details of the Manufacturing Premises (layout, area, location proof)
List of Equipment & Machinery used in production
List of Cosmetic Products to be manufactured
Quality Control Measures & Testing Facilities
Details of Technical Staff (qualifications, experience, appointment letter)
Affidavit of Compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pollution Control Board

Documents for Import License

Application Form (Form 42)
Covering Letter detailing the purpose of import
Free Sale Certificate from the manufacturer’s country
List of Cosmetic Products with formulations and labels
Product Labels in English as per Indian labelling requirements
Manufacturing License from the origin country
Undertaking on safety & quality standards compliance
Bank Challan for Payment of Fees
No Objection Certificate from the Pollution Control Board
Schedule D III, signed by the manufacturer or authorised agent

Process of Cosmetic License Registration in India

The process for registering a cosmetic license can vary depending on whether you’re applying for a manufacturing license or an import registration. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the procedure.

1. Submit the Application

Manufacturing License: If you are a manufacturer, you’ll need to submit your application form to the State Licensing Authority. You can apply directly through the respective state authority’s platform.
Import Registration: If you are importing cosmetics into India, you need to submit your application through the SUGAM Portal, managed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).
For both types of applications, you need to submit the required documents, including an ID proof of the authorized signatory, an undertaking, and the company’s address proof.

2. Scrutiny and Verification

After submitting your application, the concerned authority will thoroughly review all the documents you’ve provided to ensure everything is correct and complete. For manufacturers, the licensing authority will schedule an inspection of your manufacturing premises to verify that it meets the necessary standards. The authority will check whether your application is in order and if the premises and staff qualifications comply with the regulations set by the law.

3. Approval and Issuance of License

Once the review is complete and all conditions are met, the licensing authority will approve your application. For manufacturing licenses, you will receive your license in Form 32 or Form 32A, depending on the type of license you’ve applied for. For import registrations, the authority will issue a Form 43 (the registration certificate) after approval.

Online Process for Import Registration via SUGAM Portal

Step 1: First, visit the SUGAM Portal and create an account. At the ‘Sign Up Here’ button, select ‘For Cosmetic Registration’ for your registration purposes.
Step 2: Enter all the required details and upload the necessary documents, such as ID proof, company address proof, and an undertaking.
Step 3: After submission, you’ll receive a verification link at your registered email. Click on it to verify your email, and your application will be forwarded to the CDSCO officials for approval.
Step 4: Once the CDSCO approves your application, you will receive a confirmation email.
Step 5: Log into the SUGAM Portal with your credentials. From here, you can select the department and application type to proceed further.
Step 6: Apply, fill out any remaining information, and upload all required documents.
Step 7: The portal will guide you to a payment page. After making the payment, you will be able to generate a PDF of the application form.
Step 8: Once the form is finalised, submit the form and documents via the portal.
Step 9: Your application will be reviewed by a designated officer. If everything is in order, the officer will forward it for final approval.
Step 10: Once the approval is granted, the license will appear on your SUGAM dashboard and be ready for download.

Fee For Cosmetic License Registration

Type of License	Fees Details
For Manufacturing Cosmetics for Sale/Distribution	Application Fee: ₹2,500 Inspection Fee: ₹1,000 per inspection
For Loan License for Manufacturing Cosmetics	Application Fee ₹2,500 Inspection Fee: ₹1,000 per inspection
For Approval to Carry Out Tests on Cosmetics	Inspection Fee: ₹1,500 for testing cosmetics
Registration Certificate for Import of Cosmetics	Application Fee: USD 250 or its equivalent in INR per cosmetic brand

Compliance Requirements After Obtaining a Cosmetic License

Obtaining a cosmetic license is not the once; once a cosmetic license is granted, businesses must adhere to the following compliance requirements:

Labelling Compliance: Ensure all cosmetic products comply with labelling rules as per BIS and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
Quality Control: Maintain batch-wise records and conduct regular testing.
Periodic Renewal: Renew the license periodically before expiry.
Adherence to Safety Standards: Follow GMP and quality control standards to ensure product safety.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Manufacturing or Selling Adulterated or Spurious Cosmetics: Manufacturing or selling adulterated or spurious cosmetics can result in imprisonment for up to three years and a fine of at least ₹50,000 or three times the value of the confiscated cosmetics, whichever is higher.
Manufacturing or Selling Cosmetics Without a Valid License: Operating without the necessary cosmetic license may result in imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to ₹20,000, or both.
Non-Disclosure of Manufacturer Details: Failure to disclose the name and address of the manufacturer when required can attract imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of at least ₹20,000 or both.
Failure to Maintain Required Records: Failure to keep the mandated documents or failing to disclose necessary information may result in imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of at least ₹20,000, or both.
Utilizing Government Analyst's Report for Advertising: Using a Government Analyst's report for promotional purposes is punishable with a fine of up to ₹5,000.

Additional Consequences

Product Confiscation: Non-compliant products may be seized and removed from the market, which can lead to financial losses and reputational damage.
License Suspension or Cancellation: Authorities can suspend or cancel the licenses of businesses found violating regulatory norms, which can halt operations.
Legal Proceedings: Continuous non-compliance can result in legal actions, including court cases, further fines, and imprisonment.

Recent Regulatory Updates

As of August 2024, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has implemented a restriction on cosmetics applications submitted through the Sugam online portal, limiting them to a maximum of 50 products per application.

Why Choose Kanakkupillai for Your Business Needs?

Kanakkupillai is the leading service provider for Cosmetic Registration in India. Kanakkupillai has emerged as the top choice among several entrepreneurs for the following reasons:

Experienced Professionals: Our team of experienced professionals will assist you in the registration process to ensure the safety of your product.
Simplified Registration Process: Our speciality is making the registration process easier for you, saving you time and effort while making sure that all requirements are fulfilled without a hitch.
Dedicated Support: You can rely on receiving specialized assistance at every stage of your application process at Kanakkupillai. Our staff is dedicated to providing you with prompt, efficient assistance.
Reliable Partner for Cosmetic Registration: Choose Kanakkupillai as your trusted partner for all your cosmetic registration needs. Trust in our experience and knowledge to protect your identity with care and responsibility.

By choosing Kanakkupillai, you are going for a trusted partner who offers knowledge, speed, committed support, and reliability in handling your cosmetic registration needs!