CDSCO allows self-attestation of documents for import registration of cosmetics due to COVID-19

As the global pandemic soars up in the number of people infected and affected, the legalities regarding the import of cosmetics has also been seriously affected.

In response to the COVID-19, the government of India had to impose a national lockdown to prevent the further spread of this disease. As a result, all formal establishments and most government offices had been shut down completely.

The process of cosmetic product registration has not been untouched by these events, and businesses planning on obtaining cosmetic import licenses are now finding it difficult to cope up with certain legal formalities of the process. Especially the submission of notarized documents.

To counter this issue and to ensure seamless processing of applications, the Directorate General of Health Services (Cosmetic Division), CDSCO released a notification on 20th of April, 2020.

 According to this notification, applicants submitting documents for the import/registration of cosmetics can now self-attest the regulatory documents to be included with the application form. The applicant will also have to submit an undertaking mentioning to submit the notarized/apostilled documents as soon as the situation normalizes. This duration can be a maximum of four months or whichever is earlier.

Documents such as power of attorney, FSC, manufacturing license with legal signatures, etc, need to be notarized for submission of an application.

The global economy has been experiencing a setback due to the recent events arising from this pandemic. Factories have been shut and supply lines have been disrupted. However, recently the GOI has announced a big relief package to support businesses experiencing financial issues.

It is also important to note that CDSCO launched their online portal named “SUGAM” a while ago. This portal is to act as an online platform for the submission of all registration and licensing applications for drugs and medical devices. This was a commendable measure to speed up the registration process while keeping the hard copies and efforts to a minimum.

CDSCO has been very responsive and supportive for their applicants in recent years. This new notification is a result of the procedure to resolve grievances from applicants due to the lockdown.

This step will greatly benefit applicants and will ensure that no time is wasted in the licensing process, even during such difficult times. Moreover, the undertaking to be submitted by the applicant will also act as a binding document and ensure compliance with this leniency.