Starting a cosmetic business in India, you require government approval by means of a Cosmetic Manufacturing License. This licence authorises the production and distribution of cosmetic products in full legal compliance.
It also informs the retailers, marketplaces, and consumers that the goods meet the safety and quality standards. In this guide, we cover regulatory authorities, government charges, and the necessary documents, and describe the complete procedure in a clear, step-by-step timeline.
Understanding Cosmetic Manufacturing Licenses in India
In India, cosmetics are regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Cosmetic Rules, 2020. These laws say that any company that makes things like makeup, creams, shampoos, soaps, or perfumes must get a license to do so.
The State Licensing Authority, which is usually the State Drugs Control Department, gives out this license after looking over your papers and checking out your factory. As long as you pay a fee every five years and follow all the rules and guidelines, the license stays valid.
Regulatory Bodies and Fee Structure for Cosmetic Manufacturing License
Three authorities in India issue cosmetic manufacturing licenses, each having distinct application types and fees. Identifying the correct authority for the business helps avoid filing errors.
Key Regulators and Fee Comparison
| Regulatory Authority | Role | License Form | Government Fee |
| CDSCO | Sets Cosmetic Rules, 2020, manages the national fee schedule, and handles import licenses | Form COS-5 → COS-8 | ₹10,000 for up to 10 items per category; ₹500 per extra item; ₹10,000 retention fee every 5 years |
| SLA – Own Unit | Issues license for a business running its own manufacturing facility | Form 31 → Form 32 (Rules, 1945) | ₹2,500 license fee + ₹1,000 inspection fee; ₹100 per extra item, up to ₹3,000 |
| SLA – Loan License | Issues license to a brand using another licensed factory for production | Form 31-A → Loan License; COS-6 → COS-9 (new rules) | ₹2,500 + ₹1,000 inspection fee; ₹500 per extra item under COS-9 |
Note: Fees may vary by state. Always confirm current amounts on the CDSCO or relevant state portal before filing.
Documents and Eligibility for Cosmetic Manufacturing License in India
The licensing authority requires a complete legal and technical business profile before it will grant approval.
The standard documents include the following items:
- Completed Form COS-5 with the applicant’s name, unit address, product categories, and technical staff information
- Proof of business registration such as Incorporation Certificate, partnership deed, or proprietorship documents
- Premises documents, including the lease or ownership deed, property tax receipts, and the landlord’s NOC
- Approved plant layout showing production, quality control, storage, and packing areas
- Full list of all machinery and equipment with specifications and installation location
- Technical staff credentials, including pharmacy or science qualifications, registration certificates, and signed consent letters
- The manufacturing process, cleaning performance, quality testing, record keeping and product recall are described in the SMF and SOPs
- Design product labels that show name, manufacturer details, license number, batch number, ingredients and usage
- Fire and pollution NOCs were required, along with a fee payment receipt and a signed compliance undertaking
Drafting SOPs, aligning plant layouts with Schedule M-II, and matching every document to the state checklist are areas where a business compliance advisor provides direct support.
Step-by-Step License Timeline
Timelines vary by state and applicant readiness. A standard own-unit license follows a clear and consistent process.
Facility Planning and Setup (4–8 Weeks)
The business selects a compliant, non-residential site and establishes areas for production, quality control, storage, and packing. The business hires qualified technical staff to draft standard operating procedures and create the Site Master File before proceeding with the application.
Documentation and Online Application (1–3 Weeks)
The CDSCO portal[1] requires registration before users can complete Form COS-5 and submit the required documents with their payment. Users need to do a complete submission review before sending their documents because any mistakes will lead to processing delays.
Review and Inspection Scheduling (4–8 Weeks)
The State Licensing Authority review process begins with application assessment before they assign site inspectors for actual site inspection work. The majority of states conduct inspections within a 30 to 60 day period which depends on both their inspection workload and the current status of applications.
On-Site Inspection and Clarifications (1–3 Weeks)
The inspectors check the building, hygiene, equipment, SOPs, staff credentials, records and product labels. If the applicant is raised with difficulty, he or she has to submit a writing sample. Along with this, an applicant also needs to submit further documents within the deadline.
Grant of License and Number Activation (1–2 Weeks)
After approval, the authority grants the COS-8 license and activates the license number online. A well-prepared unit can achieve this within 2-3 months.
Post-Approval Compliance and Renewals (Ongoing)
The COS-8 is a permanent license but requires retention payment every five years for its validity. The business must inform the authority of any alteration related to ownership, key staff, or changes in the facility layout. The relevant batch records are maintained for at least 3 years and the unit is ready for a scheduled and surprise inspection.
Conclusion
Getting a cosmetic manufacturing license in India constitutes a structured process that assesses a unit’s facility, documents, staff, and quality systems. Most manufacturers get approval in two to three months with detailed planning and correct filings and build a cosmetic business that is credible and scalable.
A clean license record also supports retail credibility and long-term market growth. If you need reliable support with any compliance challenge, you can trust Advisou. Our experts guide your business to securely navigate compliance and achieve success.
Also Read: CDSCO License: Complete Guide to Registration, Process, and Fees in India
