Cosmetic License – Everything You Need To Know

 

Cosmetic Certification CDSCO Registration: A Complete Client-Centric Guide

Introduction: A Real Client Story

Two years ago, a European skincare brand approached us with a pressing challenge. Their organic serums were well-received in Singapore and Dubai, but India posed a new regulatory roadblock — CDSCO Cosmetic Registration. They were already negotiating with major Indian retailers, but without CDSCO approval, their shipments were stuck at port.

This is a common scenario. Whether you are an international cosmetic label or a local Indian startup, Cosmetic Certification and CDSCO Registration are not optional. They form the legal foundation for selling cosmetics in India.

At Diligence Certification, we have guided both global players and homegrown brands through the CDSCO Registration process, ensuring smooth market entry and compliance.

What is Cosmetic Certification CDSCO Registration?

Cosmetic Certification through CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization) is the formal accreditation system in India for cosmetics. It certifies that imported or manufactured locally products are safe, correctly labelled, and comply with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

Key points to understand:

Mandatory when an entity is importing, distributing or selling cosmetics in India.

Covers skincare, haircare, oral care, fragrance and cosmetics, etc.

Consequences for non-compliance are fines or customs may refuse clearance.

Quote:

“CDSCO Cosmetic Registration is not an exercise in paperwork, it is a regulatory passport for cosmetics in India.”

Why CDSCO Approval Matters for Cosmetic Brands

Many brands underestimate the weight of CDSCO approval until they face shipment seizures. A French luxury brand we assisted had to delay its India launch by six months because their initial consultant overlooked CDSCO’s safety data requirements.

Why CDSCO approval is critical:

  • Legal mandate under Indian law.

  • Increases consumer trust in product safety.

  • Required by major distributors, online marketplaces, and retailers.

Global examples reinforce this point. Sephora, Nykaa, and Amazon India only onboard brands with valid CDSCO Cosmetic Registration.

The stepwise process of CDSCO Registration

Although in India the CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization) registration can be a complicated process, it does have specific steps to follow, which makes the process a bit easier.

Step 1: Engagement of Indian Authorised Agent

A foreign manufacturer must engage an authorised Indian entity, like Diligence Certification to act on their behalf with the CDSCO.

Step 2: Dossier Preparation

This consists of technical information, ingredient declaration, a manufacturing license, a good manufacturing practice (GMP) certificate, and a free sale certificate from the country of origin.

Step 3: Submission via SUGAM Portal

CDSCO has simplified the process by introducing technology, now all submissions must go through the SUGAM online portal.

Step 4: Review & Clarification

CDSCO officers may come back to request additional safety or stability data.

Step 5: Approve, Do you have your registration certificate?

Once approved, the cosmetic product receives a unique registration certificate number valid for three years.

Something to walk away with:

“The CDSCO Registration process is less about filling out forms and more about providing evidence of product safety.”


Diligence Certification’s involvement in CDSCO cosmetic registration

For over 10 years, Diligence Certification has assisted hundreds of cosmetic companies - boutique brands making natural products overseas to large multinational corporations.

We provide: 

  • Dossier development following the CDSCO checklists.

  • Communicate with CDSCO officers to answer their questions.

  • Fast track approvals with fully blind compliant documentation.

For example: we took an Ayurvedic skin-care company in Kerala from startup to CDSCO approval in under 90 days using traditional compositions aligned with modern lab testing.

Obstacles with CDSCO registration and how to remediate them

  • Ingredient Restrictions: some global formulations have ingredients prohibited in India.

  • Documentation Gaps: The lack of Free Sale Certificates often holds up applications into further submissions.

  • Regulatory Changes: CDSCO frequently sends new circulars (most recent related to labelling rules are from 2025). 

How brands can avoid challenges:

  • Use a professional agency with experience with CDSCO.

  • Be transparent with product data sheets.

  • Keep up to date with CDSCO and BIS notifications.

Cosmetic Certification vs Cosmetic Licence: The Distinction

Clients frequently mix them up.

  • Cosmetic Certification CDSCO Registration: Approval at the product-level for sale in India. 

  • Cosmetic Manufacturing Licence: Required if you are manufacturing cosmetics in India - is issued by the State Licensing Authority.

You would want to think about Certification as your import visa, and your Licence as your factory permit.

Real-World Brand Commentary

  • L’Oréal: Obtained CDSCO approvals early, allowing them to dominate premium haircare retail.

  • Forest Essentials: Leveraged compliance to strengthen its Ayurveda-meets-luxury brand positioning.

  • Small Indie Labels: Several have struggled at customs due to incomplete CDSCO registrations, delaying their entry into Nykaa stores.

Documentation Required for CDSCO Cosmetic Registration

To make the process smoother, maintain:

  • Covering Letter

  • Authorisation Letter for Indian Agent

  • Manufacturing Licence or GMP Certificate

  • Ingredient List with % composition

  • Free Sale Certificate

  • Labels and Artwork samples

Quotable summary:
 “Documentation is not bureaucracy — it is your brand’s proof of safety and legitimacy in a competitive market.”


Conclusion: Compliance is the New Competitive Edge

For cosmetic brands, whether domestic or international, Cosmetic Certification CDSCO Registration is both a regulatory requirement and a market trust signal. CDSCO approval ensures smooth imports, retailer partnerships, and consumer confidence.

At Diligence Certification, we believe compliance should never be a barrier to creativity. By handling the technicalities of the CDSCO Registration process, we help brands focus on what matters most — building products that inspire loyalty and beauty.

If you are planning to launch cosmetics in India, start with CDSCO Cosmetic Registration today. Reach out to us for end-to-end guidance.

Ready to Get Your CDSCO Cosmetic Registration Approved?

Diligence Certification has helped global and Indian cosmetic brands navigate the CDSCO Registration process with confidence. From dossier preparation to final CDSCO approval, we ensure compliance without delays.

Take the first step today — Contact Diligence Certification for expert support on Cosmetic Certification CDSCO Registration.

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