License And Permission Required For Making Cosmetics In India.

The cosmetic product registration in India has been a tedious process in the past. However, the procedures have improved to keep the Indian regulations in-line with the global standards. To obtain a registration quickly and easily, it is always better hire a licensed consultant to aid with the paperwork.

India's cosmetic industry is developing at an unprecedented rate. In recent years, the requirement of cosmetic products has increased exponentially, especially among the urban population. A driving factor of this upsurge is the prevalence of the western culture and people’s interest in looking beautiful and attractive.

There are tons of different cosmetic products available in the Indian market. Such as skin whitening products, anti-ageing creams, lip care products, hair care products etc. People being overwhelmed by this vast array of products tend to forget to think about the safety of the product. Every cosmetic product comprises one or multiple chemicals in their base. Therefore the government must take care of the consumer's interest and make sure they get only the best quality and safe products.

The manufacture, import and sale of cosmetic products in India is regulated by the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940. The enforcement and application of the provisions made for cosmetic products under this act is the responsibility of CDSCO or the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization.

CDSCO has formulated several regulations for the manufacture or import of cosmetics in India. Some of the important guidelines under these regulations include:

●       The manufacturers have to produce an undertaking for not testing products on animals.

●       A letter of authorization if the cosmetic is manufactured by a third party based out of India and the importer has to obtain an FSC or the free sale certificate from the country where the product has been manufactured.

●       The bulk importers of cosmetics can get their cosmetics tested in a government laboratory for obtaining the custom clearance.

For getting the legal approval to manufacture cosmetics in India, the manufacturer has to obtain the required license or the registration certificate. The important permissions required to operate a cosmetics business include:

●       The license will be issued in form 32 for cosmetics manufacture and distribution.

●       To obtain a loan for manufacture, sale or distributing cosmetics a license will be issued in Form 32-A.

●       License will be issued in form 37 for granting or renewing the approval for carrying out various tests on the cosmetics or the ingredients used for making cosmetics.

As per Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945, every cosmetics product that is manufactured or imported should be registered with the required licensing authority.

The documents required for obtaining a cosmetics business license include:

●       Duly filled and signed form 42 with the list of products to be renewed

●       Print layout of the manufacturing premises along with a rent agreement (if the property is leased)

●       List of laboratory equipment and machines for manufacturing

●       Applicable fees and affidavit of the applicant

●       Valid NOC from Pollution Control Board

The application for obtaining a cosmetic license can be filed by the authorized agent of the manufacturer, or its subsidiary or the manufacturer itself.

Every manufacturer is bound to comply with every requirement set forth by the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945 for obtaining the license to operate a cosmetics business in India. Moreover, this compliance is critically essential to ensure that all cosmetics products available in the market are safe for use.