Cosmetics Market in India: A Rapidly Growing Industry
India’s cosmetics market is expanding at a remarkable pace, driven by a surge in demand, particularly in urban areas. Several factors are contributing to this growth, including higher purchasing power due to rising incomes, the growing influence of Western culture, and an increasing desire to enhance personal appearance. However, the cosmetics sector also requires strict regulation. According to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, a “cosmetic” refers to any product intended for application on the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering appearance. This includes any article used as a component in cosmetic products. Regulatory Framework for Cosmetics in India Cosmetics in India are regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and Rules, 1945, alongside labeling requirements set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). BIS establishes standards for cosmetics listed under Schedule ‘S’ of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. Imported cosmetic products that fall under the definition of cosmetics are also subject to these regulations. The Drugs Controller General (India) and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) are responsible for regulating the import of cosmetics in India. Schedule ‘S’ Standards for Cosmetics Cosmetic products in finished form must meet the Indian Standards specifications set forth by the BIS. These standards apply to a wide range of products, including:
- Skin Powders
- Infant Skin Powders
- Tooth Powder
- Toothpaste
- Skin Creams
- Hair Oils
- Shampoo (Soap-based and Synthetic Detergent-based)
- Hair Creams
- Oxidation Hair Dyes (Liquid)
- Cologne
- Nail Polish (Nail Enamel)
- After Shave Lotion
- Pomades and Brilliantines
- Depilatory Chemicals
- Shaving Creams
- Cosmetic Pencils
- Lipstick
- Toilet Soap (including Liquid and Baby Toilet Soap)
- Shaving Soap and Transparent Toilet Soap
- Lip Salve (IS: 10284)
- Powder Hair Dye (IS: 10350)
- Bindi (Liquid) (IS: 10998)
- Kum Kum Powder (IS: 10999)
- Henna Powder (IS: 11142)
| S. No | Application Form | Approval Received Form | Govt Fees | CDSCO | SLA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
FORM COS-1 [See rule 12(2), 12(7)] Application for issue of registration certificate for import of cosmetics into India |
FORM COS-2 [See rule 13(1), 13(4)] Import registration certificate for import of cosmetics into India |
$1000 – Each Category $1000 – Each Additional Category Site $500 – Each Manufacturing Site $50 – Each Variant $200 – Duplicate copy of RC |
|
|
| 2 |
FORM COS-12 [See rule 32(1)] Application for grant of permission for new cosmetics |
FORM COS-3 Permission to import or manufacture new cosmetics |
$500 |
|
|
| 3 |
FORM COS-4 Application for issue of Import Registration Number |
FORM COS-4A Import Registration Number to be issued |
——— |
|
|
| 4 | FORM COS-5 Application for license to manufacture cosmetics |
FORM COS-8 License to manufacture cosmetics |
Rs. 10000 (Up to 10 items per category) Rs. 500 (Each additional item) Rs. 10000 (Additional category) |
|
|
| 5 | FORM COS-6 Application for loan license |
FORM COS-9 Loan license to manufacture cosmetics |
Rs. 10000 (Up to 10 items per category) Rs. 500 (Each additional item) Rs. 10000 (Additional category) |
|
|
| 6 |
FORM COS-22 Application for grant of approval for testing cosmetics |
FORM COS-23 Approval for carrying out tests |
Rs. 1000 |
|
New cosmetic means a cosmetic containing a novel ingredient not used anywhere in the world or not recognised in National or International literature.
