CDSCO Cosmetic Import License Products: Complete Product List COS-1 & COS-2

• CDSCO Cosmetic import license products over 12 distinct cosmetic product categories require a CDSCO import license before they can legally enter and be sold in India.
• Schedule M of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020 is the definitive reference — if your product appears there, registration is non-negotiable.
• Each product needs a separate Registration Certificate (Form Cos-6) and a government fee of USD 2,000 — no bundling allowed.
• Missing a single required document — like an apostilled Certificate of Free Sale — is the top reason for application delays in 2026.

Introduction

So you want to import cosmetics into India — great market, massive opportunity. But before a single unit clears customs, you need to answer one very specific question: does your product need a CDSCO cosmetic import license? The answer depends entirely on what the product is, what it contains, and what claims appear on its label.

This guide focuses exclusively on cosmetic products — what they are, which ones fall under the mandatory import license requirement, which ones are exempt, and why certain borderline products are treated differently by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). If you have ever searched for 'CDSCO cosmetic import license products list' and found vague or outdated answers, this is the definitive, up-to-date breakdown for 2026.

What Qualifies as a Cosmetic Under Indian Law?

Before diving into the product list, it helps to understand exactly how Indian regulations define a cosmetic — because the definition directly determines whether your product needs a CDSCO import license or a drug import license (which is a completely different and more complex process).

Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, a cosmetic is defined as any article intended for use by rubbing, pouring, sprinkling, or spraying on, or introducing into, or otherwise applying to, the human body or any part thereof, for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance.

Complete List of CDSCO Cosmetic Import License Products (Schedule M, 2020)

Schedule M of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020 is the official government list of cosmetics that must be registered with CDSCO before they can be imported and sold in India. Below is the most detailed, plain-language breakdown available — covering all regulated categories with product examples, key ingredients that trigger the registration requirement, and important notes for each.

1. Sunscreens and Sun Protection Products

Sunscreens are one of the highest-volume imported cosmetic categories in India, and all of them — regardless of SPF level — require a CDSCO import license.

Key point: Even a moisturizer with added SPF triggers the sunscreen registration requirement. It is the SPF claim on the label — not the primary function — that matters.

2. Hair Dye and Hair Coloring Products

Hair coloring products are among the most tightly regulated cosmetic imports in India, primarily because of safety concerns around para-phenylenediamine (PPD) and other oxidative dye intermediates that can cause allergic reactions.

Note on plain henna: Pure, natural henna (Lawsonia inermis) without any synthetic dye additives is exempt from CDSCO import registration. The moment any synthetic colorant or PPD is added, it becomes a Schedule M product.

3. Skin-Lightening, Whitening, and Brightening Products

Skin-lightening cosmetics represent one of the most sensitive and closely watched categories in Indian cosmetic regulation. The CDSCO has strict ingredient limits, and several substances that were previously in common use — such as mercury salts and hydroquinone above certain concentrations — are now either banned or tightly restricted.

Prohibited ingredients to watch: Mercury compounds in any concentration are banned in Indian cosmetics. Hydroquinone above 2% is not permitted in cosmetics and requires drug classification. Steroids (corticosteroids) are completely banned as cosmetic ingredients in India.

4. Anti-Dandruff and Scalp Treatment Products

Anti-dandruff products occupy an interesting middle ground. Products with mild anti-dandruff cosmetic claims and low-concentration actives are treated as cosmetics and require a CDSCO cosmetic import license. Products with higher-strength active pharmaceutical ingredients are re-classified as OTC drugs.

If the anti-dandruff product is sold over the counter for general use and contains zinc pyrithione 1% or piroctone olamine, apply for a CDSCO cosmetic import license. If it contains ketoconazole 2% or any prescription-strength steroid, approach a drug regulatory consultant instead.

5. Teeth Whitening and Oral Care Products with Active Claims

Oral care products range from fully exempt (plain fluoride toothpaste) to cosmetic-regulated (whitening toothpaste) to drug-regulated (high-concentration bleaching gels). The split depends on the hydrogen peroxide concentration and the label claims.

6. Hair Straightening, Relaxing, and Chemical Treatment Products

Chemical hair treatment products that permanently alter hair structure — through thioglycolate chemistry, formaldehyde-releasing agents, or strong alkalis — are regulated cosmetics requiring a CDSCO import license.

• Permanent wave (perm) kits — ammonium thioglycolate-based wave solutions and neutralizers.
• Chemical hair relaxers — sodium hydroxide (lye) or guanidine hydroxide-based cream relaxers.
• Keratin smoothing treatments — formaldehyde-releasing or glyoxylic acid-based keratin treatments. Note: formaldehyde above 0.2% in rinse-off products is restricted.
• Thermally activated straightening creams — silicone-based heat-activated smoothing creams with label claims for structural straightening.
• Neutralizers for perm and relaxer systems — hydrogen peroxide or sodium bromate-based neutralizing solutions used with perm kits.

7. Depilatory and Hair Removal Products

Chemical depilatories break down the keratin structure of hair using thioglycolate or calcium hydroxide. All depilatory cosmetics with active chemical hair-removal action require CDSCO cosmetic import registration.

• Depilatory creams — thioglycolate-based creams for face, legs, underarms, and bikini area.
• Depilatory sprays — aerosol-format hair removal products.
• Wax-based depilatory strips — cold-wax or warm-wax pre-coated strips with cosmetic hair-removal claims.
• Enzymatic hair removal products — enzyme-based products with label claims for hair growth inhibition.

8. Antiperspirants and Clinical-Strength Deodorants

Standard deodorants that only mask body odour are generally exempt from CDSCO import registration. Antiperspirants — which actively reduce sweat production using aluminium salts — require registration.

9. Nail Products with Active Ingredients

• Nail hardeners with formaldehyde — formaldehyde above 0.1% in nail hardeners triggers Schedule M; below 0.1% is exempt.
• Anti-fungal nail treatments with cosmetic claims — tea tree oil nail serums or nail hardeners claiming anti-fungal action.
• Nail growth serums with peptide or biotin actives and specific nail-health claims.
• Cuticle removing products — containing potassium hydroxide or urea-based cuticle dissolvers.
• Gel nail polishes with photo-initiators — UV-cured gel systems with active monomer ingredients.

10. Skin Exfoliation and Peeling Products with AHA / BHA

Chemical exfoliants using alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) above defined concentration thresholds are regulated cosmetics in India. The EU Cosmetic Regulation benchmark is closely followed by CDSCO for these limits.

11. Lip Care Products with Active Whitening or SPF Claims

Standard lipsticks and lip glosses without active claims are exempt from Schedule M. However, the following lip product types require registration:

• Lip balms or lip treatments with SPF — SPF claim immediately triggers sunscreen registration requirement even in a lip format.
• Lip-lightening or lip-brightening products — products targeting dark lips with active whitening ingredients like kojic acid or niacinamide.
• Medicated lip balms with therapeutic claims — these typically cross into drug territory.

12. Baby and Children's Cosmetics with Active Claims

Baby cosmetics are a growing import category, and CDSCO applies additional scrutiny to products intended for children under 3 years of age.

• Baby sunscreens — all SPF claims, even on baby-specific products, require CDSCO cosmetic import registration.
• Baby hair oil or scalp products with active ingredients — products claiming to treat cradle cap or scalp conditions.
• Baby rash creams with zinc oxide above threshold — if zinc oxide is used at concentrations that cross from cosmetic to drug action.
• Baby wipes with preservatives or antimicrobial claims — standard baby wipes are exempt, but wipes with active antimicrobial claims are reviewed under Schedule M.

Cosmetic Products Exempt from CDSCO Import License — Complete List

The following cosmetic product categories do not require a CDSCO Registration Certificate before import, provided they carry no active claims that push them into Schedule M territory. All exempt products must still comply with Schedule S safety standards and labelling rules under Rule 133.

Important reminder: The exempt status is entirely claim-dependent. A plain moisturiser becomes a Schedule M product the moment the label says 'SPF 15' or 'brightening complex'. Train your label review process to catch these triggers before submitting to customs.

Borderline and Dual-Use Products — Cosmetic or Drug?

Some products genuinely sit on the fence. These are the products that cause the most confusion and the most customs delays in India. Here is a clear guide to how CDSCO typically classifies them:

When in doubt, always get a regulatory opinion from a CDSCO-experienced consultant before importing. A wrong classification costs not just a penalty — it can mean seizure of your entire consignment.

Why the Product Category Matters for Your CDSCO Application

The product category you declare on Form Cos-6 affects everything — which documents you need, which tests CDSCO will scrutinise, how long the review takes, and whether your samples go to a government lab. Here is a category-by-category guide to what CDSCO looks for most closely during technical review:

Benefits of Getting Your CDSCO Cosmetic Import License Right

Compliance is not just about avoiding penalties. For the right cosmetic brand, getting a CDSCO Registration Certificate opens up India properly:

• Legal market access — only registered products can be imported commercially and sold through Indian retail, e-commerce, and professional channels.
• E-commerce listing eligibility — major Indian platforms including Amazon India, Nykaa, Flipkart, and Myntra require proof of CDSCO registration for Schedule M cosmetics.
• Brand trust and consumer confidence — displaying your CDSCO RC number on the label builds trust with Indian consumers who are increasingly ingredient-aware.
• Protection against counterfeit products — CDSCO-registered products have a traceable RC number that makes it harder for counterfeit versions to enter the market under your brand.
• Foundation for future product launches — once your importer entity has a track record with CDSCO, subsequent product registrations tend to be reviewed more efficiently.
• Access to institutional and B2B buyers — large hospital chains, beauty salon chains, and institutional buyers in India require proof of CDSCO registration before stocking imported cosmetics.

Labelling Requirements for CDSCO-Registered Cosmetic Products

The label you submit with your Form Cos-6 application must meet Rule 133 of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. This is not a formality — CDSCO carefully checks the label during technical review, and a non-compliant label is a common reason for deficiency letters. Here is what must appear on the label of every imported cosmetic:

• Name of the cosmetic — as registered in the application.
• Name and address of the manufacturer — full legal name and country of manufacture.
• Name and address of the importer in India — the registered RC holder.
• CDSCO Registration Certificate number — must appear on the label post-approval (RC number format: COS/IMP/2024/XXXXX).
• Complete list of ingredients — in INCI nomenclature, in descending order of concentration; ingredients below 1% can be listed in any order after the 1% threshold.
• Net contents — weight or volume in metric units.
• Batch number and manufacturing date.
• Best before / expiry date — month and year.
• Directions for use — in English.
• Precautions and warnings — including patch test advisory for hair dyes; SPF application instructions for sunscreens; acid warnings for AHA/BHA products.
• Country of origin — 'Made in [Country]'.
• MRP (Maximum Retail Price) — for India market; must be printed or stickered on Indian market units.

Language requirement: All mandatory label information must be in English. Additional Indian languages are permitted but not mandatory for import registration.

How to Apply for CDSCO Cosmetic Import License for Your Products

The entire process runs through the CDSCO Sugam portal (sugam.gov.in). There is no offline or manual application route for new cosmetic import registrations as of 2026.

• Product classification check — confirm your product is a cosmetic (not a drug) and whether it is Schedule M or exempt. If Schedule M, proceed with registration.
• Prepare the product dossier — compile all required documents for your specific product category (see category-specific checklist above).
• Register your company on Sugam portal — create an importer account; verify your IEC and GST details.
• Fill Form Cos-6 online — one form per product; enter INCI ingredient list, label text, manufacturing details, and product category.
• Upload all documents — in PDF format; total upload size limit is 50 MB per application.
• Pay the registration fee — USD 2,000 per product; payment through the online portal (debit card, credit card, or NEFT).
• Submit physical product samples — minimum 3 samples per product; send to the CDSCO regional office address provided during submission.
• Track application status — log in to Sugam portal to check status; deficiency letters are communicated through the portal.
• Respond to deficiencies — if CDSCO raises a deficiency, you have 30 days to upload the corrected documents.
• Receive Registration Certificate — once approved, download the RC from the portal; print the RC number on your product label before importing.

Required Documents for CDSCO-Registered Cosmetic Products

CDSCO Cosmetic Import License Fees Per Product 

INR amounts are indicative, calculated at approximately INR 83 per USD. Actual INR equivalent is calculated at RBI reference rate on date of payment. All fees are paid through the Sugam portal and are non-refundable once the application is submitted, regardless of outcome.

Validity and Renewal of Product-Wise CDSCO Import License

Every Registration Certificate issued by CDSCO is product-specific and valid for 3 years from the date of issue. There is no blanket company-level RC — each product has its own certificate.

Renewal Checklist

• File renewal application on Sugam portal at least 90 days before the RC expiry date.
• Update Certificate of Analysis (CoA) — submit a new CoA dated within 12 months of the renewal application.
• Update GMP/ISO 22716 certificate — must be currently valid at the time of renewal.
• Declare any formula changes since original registration — undisclosed formula changes are a compliance violation.
• Submit updated product label if any changes were made since original registration.
• Pay renewal fee of USD 1,000 per product.
• If any ingredient is now on the CDSCO restricted or prohibited list, address this proactively — do not renew without reformulating.

What Happens If You Miss the Renewal Deadline?

Up to 30 days after expiry: You can still renew, but a 25% late fee applies. Between 30 days and 6 months after expiry: CDSCO may allow renewal on a case-by-case basis with a penalty — consult a regulatory advisor. Beyond 6 months after expiry: The RC is permanently lapsed; a fresh application must be filed at full fee (USD 2,000).

Conclusion

Getting clarity on which cosmetic products need a CDSCO import license is the single most important step before planning your India market entry in 2026. The regulated product list —sunscreens, hair dyes, skin-lightening and brightening products, anti-dandruff shampoos, teeth-whitening products, chemical hair treatments, depilatories, antiperspirants, active nail products, AHA/BHA exfoliants, and several others — covers a wide range of everyday cosmetics that are commonly imported.

The classification is not always intuitive. A plain moisturizer is exempt; a moisturizer with SPF 15 needs registration. A standard shampoo is exempt; an anti-dandruff shampoo with zinc pyrithione needs registration. A perfume is exempt; an antiperspirant roll-on needs registration. The product itself, combined with its label claims and active ingredient concentrations, determines the regulatory pathway.

If you are unsure about your product's classification, invest in a pre-submission consultation with a CDSCO-experienced regulatory consultant before preparing your full application dossier. It is significantly cheaper than getting it wrong at customs.

Frequently Asked Questions