Cosmetics Import Registration (COS-2) in Lucknow
Import and sell cosmetics in India with a CDSCO Import Registration Certificate. We classify your products by category and variant, build the COS-1 dossier with the manufacturer’s documents, file on SUGAM as your authorised agent route requires, and handle CDSCO queries until the COS-2 is issued.
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Cosmetics Import Registration (COS-2) in Lucknow
RoC Cawnpore — 10/499-D, Khalasi Line, Cawnpore – 208001 · roc.cawnpore@mca.gov.in
Allahabad High Court (Lucknow Bench)
09 (Uttar Pradesh) · state tax portal
Uttar Pradesh does not levy professional tax, so there is no PT registration or return for employers here.
Uttar Pradesh Dookan Aur Vanijya Adhishthan Adhiniyam, 1962
Not applicable in Uttar Pradesh.
Hazratganj, Gomti Nagar, Vibhuti Khand, Aliganj, Tech Zone
Lucknow is UP's capital and a rapidly growing business hub in North India. The city has seen significant investment in IT, real estate, and retail sectors, supported by UP's Startup Policy and ODOP initiative.
Cosmetics Import Registration (COS-2) in brief
Who it applies to, what it costs, how long it takes and which law governs it — before the details.
Cosmetics manufactured outside India can be imported only after the products and manufacturing site are registered with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. The application is made in Form COS-1 on the SUGAM portal by the manufacturer, its authorised agent or subsidiary in India, or an importer, and the Import Registration Certificate is issued in Form COS-2 under Rule 13. The government fee is prescribed in US dollars per category, site and variant, and the COS-2 stays valid in perpetuity subject to a retention fee paid every five years.
- Professional Fee
- Custom quote
- Governing Law
- Cosmetics Rules, 2020
- Application
- Form COS-1
- Certificate
- Form COS-2
- Authority
- CDSCO (DCGI)
- Portal
- SUGAM
- Validity
- Perpetual + retention fee
- Govt Fee
- Per category, site & variant
- Act
- Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
- Rules
- Cosmetics Rules, 2020 (Rule 13)
- Forms
- COS-1 → COS-2
- Authority
- CDSCO — DCGI
- Portal
- SUGAM
- Last Reviewed
- 23 Sep 2026
What Is Cosmetics Import Registration (COS-2)?
A quick, plain-language explanation before the details.
Cosmetics import registration is CDSCO’s approval for a specific set of imported cosmetic products from a specific manufacturing site, so they can be imported into and sold in India.
Import of cosmetics is regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020 (G.S.R. 763(E) dated 15 December 2020). The application is made in Form COS-1 and the Import Registration Certificate is granted in Form COS-2 under Rule 13.
The Drugs Controller General (India), as Central Licensing Authority, grants the registration through the Cosmetics Division of CDSCO headquarters, New Delhi. Applications are filed online on the SUGAM portal.
A COS-2 remains valid in perpetuity, subject to payment of the registration certificate retention fee before the end of each five-year period from issue, unless suspended or cancelled.
Is This Service Right for You?
Ideal for
- Indian importers and distributors of international beauty brands
- Indian subsidiaries of foreign cosmetics manufacturers
- Authorised agents appointed by overseas manufacturers
- D2C and e-commerce brands sourcing products made abroad
- Importers of bulk finished formulations for filling in India
- Salons, spas and professional-use product distributors
You may need this if
- You import skin care, hair care, make-up, fragrance or personal care products
- Your products are made at a manufacturing site outside India
- You want to add new categories, variants or sites to an existing COS-2
- You import bulk finished formulation ready to fill
- You want to import a cosmetic already registered by someone else
- Customs has held a consignment for want of registration
Not sure if you need this?
Talk to an Expert →Why Is Cosmetics Import Registration Essential?
Without a COS-2 covering the product, variant and site, cosmetics cannot be imported into India. Here is why getting it right matters.
Talk to a Cosmetics Regulatory Expert →Mandatory for Import
No cosmetic manufactured abroad can be imported for sale unless the product and manufacturing site are registered with CDSCO.
Smooth Customs Clearance
Customs checks the COS-2 at the port. Products or variants not covered can be held or refused entry.
Consumer Safety & Quality
Registration ties imported products to standards, ingredients, labelling and a responsible importer in India.
Marketplace Listing
Retailers and e-commerce marketplaces commonly ask for the COS-2 before listing imported cosmetics.
Room to Grow
New products at the same site, new categories and new sites can be added by endorsement to the existing COS-2.
Perpetual Validity
Once granted, the COS-2 continues as long as the retention fee is paid every five years.
Simple, Transparent Pricing
Custom quote for your case
Fees depend on your business type and scope. Get a clear, itemised quote upfront — no hidden professional charges, government fee billed at actuals.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility checklist
- An Indian applicant — manufacturer’s agent, subsidiary or importer
- Authorisation / power of attorney from the overseas manufacturer
- Products classified into the categories in the Fourth Schedule
- A sale certificate (FSC) from the country of origin for every variant
- Label and ingredient details meeting Indian standards
- A valid Import Export Code (IEC) for customs clearance
Everything You Need. One Professional Team.
Product Classification
Confirm each product is a cosmetic (not a drug or device) and map it to the right category.
Variant & Site Mapping
List every variant and manufacturing site so the fee and certificate cover all products.
Manufacturer Documents
Coordinate authorisation, FSC, ingredient lists and specifications from the overseas manufacturer.
Label Review
Review labels against the Cosmetics Rules and applicable standards before filing.
SUGAM Filing
Prepare and file Form COS-1 on SUGAM with the government fee paid through Bharatkosh.
Query Handling
Respond to CDSCO queries and deficiency letters on the application.
COS-2 Delivery
Hand over the Import Registration Certificate once granted.
Endorsements & Retention
Manage additions of products, categories and sites, and the five-yearly retention fee.
What You’ll Receive
What Documents Are Required for Cosmetics Import Registration?
CDSCO’s guidance document lists the dossier for Form COS-1. Much of it comes from the overseas manufacturer, so early coordination saves time. Keep clear scans (PDF) ready — we collect everything securely over email.
Applicant & Authorisation
Indian applicant proof- Constitution documents and PAN of the Indian applicant
- Import Export Code (IEC)
- Authorisation / power of attorney from the overseas manufacturer
- Wholesale or trade licence details where applicable
Product Dossier
Product-level proof- List of products by category and variant
- Free Sale Certificate (FSC) for every variant
- Ingredient list with percentages and product specifications
- Labels and packaging artwork as intended for India
Manufacturer & Site
Site-level proof- Manufacturing licence or approval of the overseas site
- Details of the actual manufacturer and brand owner
- Methods of testing and quality control details
- Government fee challan paid through Bharatkosh
Government fee (Third Schedule)
Per CDSCO, the fee is USD 1,000 per category, USD 500 per manufacturing site and USD 50 per variant (or the rupee equivalent), paid through Bharatkosh. There is no provision for a refund.
FSC for every variant
CDSCO requires an FSC covering all variants, issued or authenticated as CDSCO specifies — by the national regulator, or apostilled / attested where issued by another competent body.
Variants mean shades & flavours
A different colour, shade or flavour of a product is treated as a variant. Missing variants are a common reason for consignments being held.
New cosmetics need prior permission
A cosmetic with a novel ingredient needs prior permission in Form COS-3 (application in COS-12) before it can be registered for import.
Don’t have all the documents?
We’ll identify what your case needs →How to Get Cosmetics Import Registration (Step by Step)
The application is filed online on the CDSCO SUGAM portal.
Scope & classification
We confirm the products are cosmetics and map categories, variants and manufacturing sites.
Manufacturer documents
Coordinate authorisation, FSCs, ingredient lists, specifications and labels with the overseas manufacturer.
Fee & SUGAM filing
Pay the government fee on Bharatkosh and file Form COS-1 with the dossier on SUGAM.
CDSCO review
The Cosmetics Division examines the application and documents.
Queries & deficiencies
We respond to any queries or deficiency letters on your behalf.
COS-2 granted
On approval, CDSCO grants the Import Registration Certificate in Form COS-2.
How Long Does Cosmetics Import Registration Take?
| Stage | Expected Time |
|---|---|
| Classification, manufacturer documents & dossier | Depends on the overseas manufacturer |
| Fee payment & COS-1 filing on SUGAM | Once the dossier is complete |
| CDSCO decision on a complete application | Within six months under Rule 13 |
Under Rule 13, the Central Licensing Authority decides a complete application within six months. The biggest variable is how quickly the overseas manufacturer supplies FSCs, ingredient data and authorisations, and how quickly queries are answered.
Key Dates — At a Glance
| Frequency | What Is Due |
|---|---|
| Every 5 Years | Pay the retention fee before the five-year period ends · Late payment attracts a monthly late fee for up to 180 days · Non-payment leads to deemed cancellation |
| Per Consignment | Import only registered products, variants and sites · Keep labels compliant for every consignment · Keep the COS-2 ready for customs clearance |
| Event-Based | Apply for endorsement to add products, categories or sites · Update CDSCO on changes in the manufacturer or agent · Seek prior permission for any new cosmetic |
| Ongoing | Maintain records of imports and distribution · Track CDSCO notices and standards · Handle complaints and quality issues promptly |
Dates are indicative and may change with government notifications. Our team tracks every deadline so you never miss a filing.
Doing It Yourself vs TaxClue
Doing It Yourself
- Classify products and variants yourself
- Chase FSCs and data from the manufacturer alone
- Work out fees per category, site and variant
- Learn the SUGAM portal and dossier format
- Review labels without a checklist
- Answer CDSCO deficiency letters unaided
- Risk held consignments for missing variants
With TaxClue
- Products and variants mapped for full coverage
- Manufacturer documents coordinated
- Fee computed correctly before filing
- COS-1 filed on SUGAM for you
- Labels reviewed before submission
- CDSCO queries answered by our team
- Endorsements and retention fee tracked
Skip the guesswork.
Let an expert handle it →What happens next
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Application
TaxClue reviews your documents before filing to reduce avoidable errors.
What Compliance Applies After COS-2?
Every 5 Years
- Pay the retention fee before the five-year period ends
- Late payment attracts a monthly late fee for up to 180 days
- Non-payment leads to deemed cancellation
Per Consignment
- Import only registered products, variants and sites
- Keep labels compliant for every consignment
- Keep the COS-2 ready for customs clearance
Event-Based
- Apply for endorsement to add products, categories or sites
- Update CDSCO on changes in the manufacturer or agent
- Seek prior permission for any new cosmetic
Ongoing
- Maintain records of imports and distribution
- Track CDSCO notices and standards
- Handle complaints and quality issues promptly
Penalties & Consequences
What is at stake if you do not comply
- Consignments held or refused at customs without a valid COS-2
- Unregistered variants or sites cannot be imported
- Deemed cancellation if the retention fee is not paid
- Action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act for non-compliant labels
Regulatory Updates 2025–26
- 2020: Cosmetics Rules, 2020 (G.S.R. 763(E), 15 December 2020) replaced the earlier cosmetics provisions, with import registration in Forms COS-1 / COS-2 on SUGAM.
- 2026: CDSCO continues to process cosmetics import registration online, with fees paid through Bharatkosh and COS-2 valid in perpetuity subject to the retention fee.
Why Businesses Choose TaxClue
Regulatory Team
Professionals familiar with the Cosmetics Rules, SUGAM filings and CDSCO queries.
Dossier Discipline
We map every category, variant and site so nothing is left out.
Always Updated
We track CDSCO notices, guidance documents and rule amendments.
Fully Online
Everything over email and calls — including coordination with overseas manufacturers.
Transparent Fees
A clear quote upfront — government fees at actuals, zero hidden charges.
Post-Registration Support
Endorsements, retention fees and label reviews after the COS-2.
Your Documents Deserve Professional Care
- Formulation and ingredient data handled under confidentiality
- Access limited to the team working on your file
- Communication over secure digital channels
- Documents retained only as long as needed for compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
Is registration mandatory to import cosmetics into India?
What is Form COS-1?
What is Form COS-2?
Who can apply for cosmetics import registration?
What is the government fee for COS-2?
How long is the COS-2 valid?
How long does CDSCO take to grant COS-2?
What is a variant for cosmetics registration?
How are cosmetics categorised?
Can I add products or sites to an existing COS-2?
Can I import a cosmetic already registered by another company?
Is an FSC from the country of origin required?
What if my product contains a new ingredient?
Can I import bulk formulation for filling in India?
Can registered cosmetics be imported through any port?
Official Sources & Legal References
Every regulatory detail on this page is drawn from primary law and official government sources. Verify them directly:
- CDSCO — FAQs on Registration and Import of CosmeticsForms COS-1 / COS-2, fees, validity, retention fee and timelines
- CDSCO — Guidance Document on Registration and Import of CosmeticsDossier and document requirements for Form COS-1
- CDSCO — Official WebsiteCosmetics Rules, 2020, notices and the SUGAM online portal
Related Guides
Cosmetics Import Registration (COS-2) Resources — All Free
Get Your Cosmetics Import Registration — Fully Managed
Expert-managed CDSCO cosmetics import registration — category and variant mapping, manufacturer documents, label review, COS-1 filing on SUGAM and query handling, end to end. Consultation, transparent fees, zero hidden charges.
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