Cosmetics Import Registration in India

Helping global cosmetics manufacturers and brand owners comply with the registration requirements under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the Cosmetics Rules 2020.

On 29 November 2018, the Government of India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MHFW) published the Draft Cosmetics Rules 2018. The Draft Cosmetics Rules 2018 aimed to update the requirements relating to the manufacture, import, and labelling of cosmetic products in India.

Copies of the Official Gazette containing the Draft Cosmetics Rules 2018 were made available to stakeholders for comment. Under section 12 and 33 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 (23 of 1940), the MHFW subsequently updated and enforced a new Rule, Cosmetics Rules 2020, based on feedback received from the public.

How are Cosmetics Manufacturers and Brand Owners Impacted?

Under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetic Act, 1940 and the Cosmetics Rules 2020, it is mandatory for cosmetics manufacturers, brand owners, and importers to submit Cosmetics Import Registrations, including information like pack size, variants, and manufacturing premises, in order to place their cosmetics products on the Indian market.

Cosmetics Import Registration Certificate

The import of cosmetics products into India is regulated through a registration system (online portal) by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to ensure the safety and quality of products placed on the market.

Once a cosmetic product is successfully registered via the online portal (the “SUGAM” portal), an Import Registration Certificate will be issued by the Central Licensing Authority, under Rule 13 of the Cosmetics Rules 2020, for the product’s import into and use in India.

How can Intertek help?

Our regulatory experts support cosmetics manufacturers and brand owners with the cosmetic import registration process. We provide the expertise needed to properly review all documentation required for the import registration process, and we support clients in product testing per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in approved laboratories. As well, we review the ingredients and labelling of cosmetics products and provide advisory solutions to help companies obtain the Cosmetic Import Registration Certificate to be able to market in India.

Our services include: