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Import Cosmetics into India — CDSCO Compliance & Clearance

CDSCO licences, AIR mandates, Rule 145 label compliance and customs clearance for skincare, colour cosmetics, haircare and fragrance brands.

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Why Cosmetics Imports Are Complex

India regulates cosmetics under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, administered by CDSCO. Every product — skincare, colour cosmetics, haircare, fragrance — requires a valid CDSCO import licence before a single unit can clear customs. Non-compliance means detained cargo, re-export at your cost, or destruction.

  • Every cosmetic requires a CDSCO Import Licence (Form COS-1) — no exceptions
  • Foreign brands without an Indian entity must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR)
  • Labels must comply with Rule 145 of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020 — non-compliant labels are held at customs
  • A Free Sale Certificate (FSC) from the country of origin is mandatory
  • Manufacturing facility must hold acceptable GMP certification
  • Schedule-prohibited ingredients must be screened before import

What We Handle

ServiceWhat We Do
CDSCO LicenceComplete SUGAM portal application, documents, query responses through to grant
AIR MandateWe act as your Authorised Indian Representative — no Indian entity needed
Label ReviewRule 145 compliance check before printing — avoiding costly rework at port
LMPC ApprovalLegal Metrology registration for pre-packaged declarations
Customs ClearanceBoE filing with licence declaration at JNPT / Mumbai Air
FreightItaly, France, Korea, UK lanes — beauty-cargo experienced

Licence Timeline at a Glance

StageDuration
Document preparation (FSC, GMP, formulas, labels, AIR letter)2–4 weeks
SUGAM application filing1 week
CDSCO review & queries60–90 days
Licence grant (valid 3 years)~30 days post-query
Total — plan for3–5 months before first shipment

We import beauty brands for our own group companies — this is home turf, not theory.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate CDSCO licence for each product?
Largely yes — licences are granted per product, though multiple shades or variants of an identical formulation can often be grouped on one application. We advise on the most efficient grouping for your portfolio.
We are a foreign brand with no Indian office. Can we still import?
Yes. Through our AIR mandate we act as your Authorised Indian Representative — holding the CDSCO licence and clearing shipments to your Indian distributor without you incorporating locally.
How long is a CDSCO cosmetics import licence valid?
Three years from grant, renewable. Our compliance retainer tracks renewals so licences never lapse mid-season.
What happens if cosmetics arrive without a licence?
The consignment is detained and a show-cause notice issued. Realistic outcomes are re-export or destruction, both at your cost. Always obtain the licence before shipping.

Ready to Simplify Your Imports?

Tell us what you're importing — we'll respond within 24 hours with a clear assessment and a transparent quote.

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