India's beauty market is booming — and so is regulatory scrutiny. Every cosmetic imported commercially into India requires prior approval from CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Ship without it, and your consignment will be detained at the port with only two exits: re-export or destruction.
Step 1 — Confirm Your Product Is a "Cosmetic"
Skincare, colour cosmetics, haircare, fragrances, oral care and personal care products all qualify. Products making therapeutic claims may be classified as drugs — a completely different (and heavier) pathway. Get classification right first; everything downstream depends on it.
Step 2 — Appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR)
Foreign manufacturers without an Indian entity must appoint an AIR — an Indian entity that holds the import licence and carries regulatory responsibility. The AIR relationship is formalised through a power of attorney and named on the licence. Bruce Logistics acts as AIR for multiple international beauty brands.
Step 3 — Assemble the Dossier
- Free Sale Certificate (FSC) from the competent authority in the country of origin
- GMP certificate for the manufacturing site
- Product formulations and specifications
- Label artwork complying with Rule 145 of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020
- AIR authorisation and applicant credentials
Step 4 — File on SUGAM
Applications are filed electronically on CDSCO's SUGAM portal (Form COS-1 for cosmetics). Expect technical queries — response quality here determines whether you close in weeks or drift for months.
Step 5 — Plan the Timeline Honestly
Document preparation: 2–4 weeks. CDSCO review: 60–90 days. Grant: ~30 days after query resolution. Total: 3–5 months before your first shipment. The licence is valid for three years.
The Mistake That Costs the Most
Printing packaging before a label compliance review. Rule 145 violations are the most common cause of customs holds on cosmetics — and reprinting packaging for a full shipment is brutally expensive. Review artwork first; it costs a fraction of one reprint.
Duties & Costs Snapshot
Cosmetics typically attract BCD of 20% plus applicable surcharge and IGST (commonly 18%). Budget separately for licence professional fees, AIR retainer where applicable, and testing where required.
Planning a beauty brand launch in India? See our cosmetics import service or get a free assessment.