Cosmetic
Registration
in India
End-to-end compliance support — from CDSCO Import Registration and Schedule S reviews to manufacturing licences, BIS certification and label compliance under Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
Cosmetic Compliance Services
From import registration certificates to manufacturing licences, label reviews and safety assessments — complete cosmetic regulatory compliance in India.
Import Service
⏱ 45–90 days
Foreign cosmetic brands must obtain an Import Registration Certificate (IRC) from CDSCO before selling in India. We handle Form Cos-5 filing, IRP appointment and Sugam portal submission.
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Manufacturing
⏱ 3–6 months
Indian manufacturers require a state-level manufacturing licence under Cosmetics Rules, 2020. We assist with GMP compliance, factory preparation and state drug controller applications.
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Safety Assessment
⏱ 2–4 weeks
A qualified cosmetic toxicologist's safety assessment is mandatory for CDSCO import registration. We coordinate complete assessments covering all ingredients, usage patterns and risk profiles.
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Schedule S
⏱ 5–10 days
We review every ingredient in your formulation against India's Schedule S prohibited and restricted list — identifying non-compliant ingredients and recommending permissible alternatives.
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Label Review
⏱ 3–7 days
Labels must comply with Cosmetics Rules, 2020 — INCI list, MRP, batch number, expiry, country of origin and more. We review and correct labels before submission to avoid rejection.
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BIS Certification
⏱ 4–9 months
Baby care and sunscreen products require mandatory BIS certification under IS standards. We manage the complete application, factory audit preparation, product testing and ISI mark licensing.
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We register all categories of cosmetics defined under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act — skincare, haircare, colour cosmetics, fragrances, oral care and more.
Schedule S — India's Cosmetic Ingredient Standard
Schedule S lists ingredients that are prohibited or restricted in cosmetics sold in India. Non-compliance means import rejection at customs and legal liability for the importer.
📋 What is Schedule S?
Schedule S under the D&C Act lists cosmetic ingredients that are either completely banned in India, restricted to certain concentrations, or permitted only in specific product types. It mirrors EU Cosmetics Regulation with India-specific additions.
Common Issues We Identify & Resolve
Our 6-Step Registration Process
A structured approach that achieves CDSCO cosmetic registration with zero rework and maximum speed — backed by 200+ successful registrations.
Product & Formulation Assessment
We determine whether your product qualifies as a cosmetic under Indian law, identify the product category, conduct a preliminary Schedule S scan, and create a full regulatory roadmap with timeline and fee estimate — all before you commit to anything.
Mandatory Cosmetic Labelling Requirements
Cosmetics Rules, 2020 specifies exactly what must appear on all cosmetic product labels sold in India — imported and domestic alike. Incorrect labels are the #1 reason for IRC rejection.
India-Compliant Label — Mandatory Fields
As per Cosmetics Rules, 2020
Our label review catches every non-compliance before you file — saving weeks of back-and-forth with CDSCO. Here's what we verify:
INCI Ingredient List
Complete ingredient list in INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) in descending order of concentration — a strict Cosmetics Rules, 2020 requirement.
MRP Declaration
"MRP ₹XX (Incl. all taxes)" must be printed or stickered. Missing MRP is a Legal Metrology Act violation carrying serious penalties.
IRC Number on Label
The CDSCO Import Registration Certificate number must appear on every pack before commercial import — customs will reject shipments without it.
Importer (IRP) Details
Full name and address of the Indian Responsible Person (importer) must appear on label or an adhesive sticker affixed before customs clearance.
No Drug Claims
Claims like "treats acne," "cures dandruff," or "reverses ageing" reclassify your product as a drug — we review all claims and marketing copy for compliance.
Batch Number & Dates
Batch/lot number, month & year of manufacture, and "Best Before" or "Use Before" date are all mandatory per Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
Documents Required by Registration Type
Required documents vary by registration type. Select a category below to see the complete checklist for your specific application.
Registration Fees & Approval Timelines
Government fees for cosmetics are relatively modest. Timelines depend on application completeness and CDSCO workload.
| Service Type | Authority | Approx. Govt. Fee | Validity | Timeline | Key Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Import Registration (IRC) | CDSCO Central | USD 100–500 / product | 3 years | 45–90 days | Form Cos-5 |
| Manufacturing Licence | State Drug Controller | ₹ 3,000 – ₹ 25,000 | 5 years | 3–6 months | State Form |
| BIS — Baby Care | Bureau of Indian Standards | ₹ 20,000 – ₹ 75,000 | 1–2 years | 4–9 months | BIS Licence |
| BIS — Sunscreens | Bureau of Indian Standards | ₹ 20,000 – ₹ 75,000 | 1–2 years | 4–9 months | BIS Licence |
| IRC Renewal | CDSCO Central | USD 50–250 / product | 3 years | 30–60 days | Renewal Application |
| Variation / Amendment | CDSCO Central | USD 50–100 | Per change | 30–45 days | Amendment Form |
| Schedule S Review | Internal / Guidance | No govt. fee | Per submission | 5–10 working days | Compliance Report |
Why RegPath for Cosmetic Registration?
15+ years of cosmetic regulatory expertise, a 100% IRC approval rate, and deep Schedule S knowledge — India's most trusted cosmetic compliance partner.
100% Cosmetic Approval Rate
Every cosmetic product we've filed for CDSCO IRC has been approved — driven by thorough pre-submission checks and zero-defect applications.
Deep Schedule S Expertise
We've reviewed thousands of formulations for Schedule S compliance. Our ingredient database is updated with every MOHFW Gazette notification.
Global Brand Experience
Registered brands from France, South Korea, Japan, USA and Germany in India — expert at bridging EU CPSR and FDA formats to CDSCO requirements.
Fastest IRC Turnaround
Pre-built Cos-5 dossier templates and established CDSCO relationships mean we consistently achieve IRC certificates faster than the statutory 90-day timeline.
Cosmetic Registration FAQs
Answers to the most common questions from cosmetic brands, importers and manufacturers about CDSCO registration in India.