Starting a cosmetic manufacturing business in India requires more than setting up a manufacturing facility and developing cosmetic products. Businesses intending to manufacture cosmetics for sale or distribution in India must obtain a Cosmetic Manufacturing License from the applicable State Licensing Authority.
Under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, an applicant must submit the prescribed application form, applicable fees, supporting documents and declarations to obtain a manufacturing licence. The regular manufacturing licence is issued in Form COS-8, while a loan license is issued in Form COS-9.
One of the most important parts of the application is preparing the correct documentation. Missing, inconsistent, or incomplete documents can delay the licensing process.
This guide explains the key documents required for a Cosmetic Manufacturing Licence in India.
What is a Cosmetic Manufacturing License in India?
A Cosmetic Manufacturing License is the regulatory authorization required for manufacturing cosmetics for sale or distribution in India.
The manufacture of cosmetics is regulated by the State Licensing Authorities. The Cosmetics Rules, 2020 provide that applications for a manufacturing license are made in Form COS-5, while applications for a loan license are made in Form COS-6.
After approval, the manufacturing license is granted in Form COS-8, and a loan license is granted in Form COS-9.
The application must be accompanied by the documents specified in Part II of the Second Schedule of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, along with the applicable fee.
📄Documents Required for Cosmetic Manufacturing License
According to Part II of the Second Schedule of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, the following information and documents are required with an application for a cosmetic manufacturing license or loan license.
1. Fee Payment Receipt or Challan
The applicant must submit:
- Receipt for the applicable license fee, or
- Challan/payment proof, as applicable.
The fee must be paid according to the applicable provisions of the Third Schedule of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
The payment document should correspond with the application and the applicable manufacturing licence category.
2. Approved Layout Plan of the Manufacturing Area
An approved layout plan of the manufacturing area is one of the important documents required for the application.
The layout should clearly represent the manufacturing premises and relevant areas involved in the production and testing of cosmetics.
Depending on the manufacturing setup, the facility may include areas such as:
- Manufacturing/processing areas
- Raw material storage
- Packaging areas
- Finished product storage
- Quality control/testing areas
- Equipment and machinery areas
- Personnel facilities
- Other relevant sections required for compliant manufacturing
The facility must also comply with the applicable requirements for premises, plants and equipment under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
3. Proof of Lawful Possession of the Manufacturing Premises
The applicant must provide documents demonstrating lawful possession of the premises where cosmetics will be manufactured.
Examples mentioned in the Second Schedule include:
- Rent receipt
- Purchase documents
- Other documents establishing lawful possession of the premises
Attested copies may be required as specified under the Rules.
The address mentioned across the application, premises documents, and layout should be consistent.
4. List of Machinery and Equipment
A detailed list of machinery and equipment installed or proposed for the manufacturing facility must be submitted.
The list should accurately represent the equipment available for the intended manufacturing activities.
Depending on the type of cosmetic products being manufactured, equipment requirements can vary significantly. For example, the equipment needed for creams, lotions, shampoos, hair oils, soaps or colour cosmetics may differ.
Therefore, the machinery list should be prepared according to the proposed product categories and manufacturing processes.
5. Constitution of the Firm
Documents relating to the constitution of the business entity must be submitted.
Depending on the type of organization, this may include documents such as:
- Partnership deed for a partnership firm
- Memorandum and Articles of Association for a company
- Relevant constitution documents for other business structures
The Cosmetics Rules specifically require documents relating to the constitution of the firm, including partnership deeds and memorandum and articles of association, where applicable.
6. Competent Technical Staff Documents
A cosmetic manufacturing facility must have appropriate, competent technical staff responsible for manufacturing and testing activities.
The application requires full particulars of the competent technical staff, along with relevant supporting documents, including:
- Educational qualification certificates
- Experience certificates
- Approval letter as competent staff
- Consent letter confirming full-time employment with the applicant firm
The Cosmetics Rules specify qualification requirements for competent technical staff. These include certain pharmacy qualifications, relevant chemistry qualifications and a bachelor’s degree in Cosmetic Technology from a recognised university.
This is an important area because the technical staff documentation should correspond with the
regulatory requirements and the responsibilities assigned to the personnel.
7. List of Cosmetics, Composition Formula and Labelling Details
Applicants must provide a list of the cosmetics proposed to be manufactured.
The submission should include:
- Name of each cosmetic
- Composition/formula
- Proposed labelling details
- Undertaking as required
The Second Schedule specifies submission of the list of cosmetics along with their composition formula and manner of labelling in triplicate, together with the required undertaking.
The product information should be reviewed carefully before submission because inconsistencies between the product composition, manufacturing details and proposed labelling can create regulatory issues.
8. Brand Ownership Documents
The applicant must provide documents relating to the ownership of the cosmetic brand, where applicable.
This may include documentation showing whether the brand is:
- Registered, or
- Under trademark
Brand ownership documentation becomes particularly important where the manufacturing entity is producing products under a brand owned by another entity.
Applicants should ensure that the ownership/authorisation documentation is consistent with the product and brand information submitted in the application.
9. Details of Proprietor, Partners or Directors
The application must include the relevant details of the persons responsible for the business entity.
The Second Schedule requires:
- Full name of the proprietor, where applicable
- Full names of partners, where applicable
- Full names of directors in the case of private or public limited companies
- Details of the authorized signatory, where applicable
These details should be consistent with the entity’s constitution documents and the person signing the application.
10. Self-Certificate for Good Manufacturing Practices
The applicant must submit a self-certificate of compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for cosmetic manufacturing in Form COS-7.
This declaration covers compliance with the applicable requirements relating to:
- GMP
- Premises
- Plants
- Equipment
- Cosmetic manufacturing requirements
Rule 23 of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020 specifically requires the applicant to furnish Form COS-7 in addition to the documents specified in Part II of the Second Schedule.
The information provided in the self-certificate should accurately represent the actual manufacturing facility.
Additional Documents and Information for a New Cosmetic
If the applicant intends to manufacture a new cosmetic, additional regulatory requirements may apply.
Under Rule 23, an applicant manufacturing a new cosmetic must obtain prior permission in Form COS-3 from the Central Licensing Authority. The State Licensing Authority cannot grant the manufacturing licence for such a product without the required prior permission.
Therefore, businesses developing innovative or novel cosmetic products should determine whether the product falls within the definition of a new cosmetic before applying for the manufacturing licence.
👉Why Accurate Documentation Matters
Submitting the correct documents is only one part of obtaining a cosmetic manufacturing license.
The information submitted in the application should accurately correspond with the actual manufacturing facility.
Under Rule 23, the State Licensing Authority is required to scrutinise the application and supporting documents. After the licence is granted, the authority is also required to inspect the site and verify the information provided in the self-certificate.
If false information is found during inspection, regulatory action can follow, including cancellation of the licence in applicable circumstances. Where deficiencies can be corrected, the authority may direct the licence holder to stop manufacturing until the requirements are complied with.
This makes it important to ensure that the documentation, facility, equipment, technical staff and manufacturing activities are properly aligned before submitting the application.
🔎Cosmetic Manufacturing License vs. Cosmetic Import Registration
It is important not to confuse a Cosmetic Manufacturing License with Cosmetic Import Registration.
For cosmetics manufactured in India, manufacturing for sale or distribution is regulated by the State Licensing Authority. For imported cosmetics, registration is handled under the central regulatory framework by the Central Licensing Authority.
Therefore:
| Requirement | Indian Cosmetic Manufacturing | Imported Cosmetics |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory route | Manufacturing licence | Import registration |
| Main authority | State Licensing Authority | Central Licensing Authority |
| Application | COS-5 | COS-1 |
| License/Certificate | COS-8 | Registration Certificate |
| Main purpose | Manufacture for sale/distribution in India | Import cosmetics into India |
Understanding this distinction is essential for businesses deciding whether they need a manufacturing licence or import registration.
✅ Cosmetic Manufacturing License Document Checklist
Before submitting the application, manufacturers can use the following checklist:
Business & Premises
- Fee payment receipt/challan
- Approved manufacturing area layout
- Proof of lawful possession of premises
- Constitution documents of the firm/company
- Proprietor/partner/director details
Manufacturing Facility
- Machinery and equipment list
- Manufacturing facility information
- GMP compliance documentation
- Form COS-7 self-certificate
Technical Staff
- Technical staff details
- Educational qualification certificates
- Experience certificates
- Competent staff approval documentation
- Full-time employment consent letter
Product Documentation
- List of cosmetic products
- Composition/formula
- Labelling details
- Brand ownership/trademark documents
- Required undertakings
Additional Regulatory Requirements
- Form COS-3 permission, where applicable for a new cosmetic
- Any additional documents required by the applicable State Licensing Authority
What Happens After Document Submission?
Once the application, applicable fee and required documents have been submitted, the State Licensing Authority scrutinises the application.
Under Rule 23, where the requirements of the Act and Cosmetics Rules, 2020 are fulfilled, the State Licensing Authority is required to grant the licence or loan licence within 45 days of the application. If the requirements are not fulfilled, the deficiencies are to be communicated within the prescribed period.
After the licence is granted, the State Licensing Authority is required to inspect the site and verify the information provided in Form COS-7 within 30 days of granting the licence.
The manufacturing licence is granted in Form COS-8, while the loan licence is granted in Form COS-9.
Common Documentation Mistakes to Avoid
Manufacturers should carefully check the application before submission. Common issues can include:
❌1. Inconsistent company information
The name and address of the applicant should be consistent across the application and supporting documents.
❌2. Incorrect premises information
The premises documents and approved layout should correspond to the actual manufacturing site.
❌3. Incomplete technical staff documentation
Qualification and experience documents should be available for the competent technical personnel.
❌4. Product information inconsistencies
Product names, composition and labelling information should be carefully reviewed before submission.
❌5. Incomplete GMP declaration
Form COS-7 should accurately reflect the manufacturing facility and its compliance status.
❌6. Missing brand ownership documentation
Where applicable, the applicant should maintain appropriate documentation relating to the ownership of the cosmetic brand.
🎯Conclusion
Obtaining a Cosmetic Manufacturing License in India requires careful preparation of regulatory, business, premises, technical staff and product-related documentation.
The Cosmetics Rules, 2020 specifically require applicants to submit documents such as the fee receipt, approved layout plan, premises possession documents, machinery and equipment list, constitution documents, competent technical staff records, product composition and labelling information, brand ownership documents and GMP self-certification.
Preparing these documents correctly before filing can help manufacturers avoid unnecessary deficiencies and delays during the licensing process.
If you are planning to establish a cosmetic manufacturing facility or require assistance with COS-8 Cosmetic Manufacturing Licence, COS-9 Loan Licence, documentation, GMP compliance or regulatory consultation, professional regulatory support can help you prepare the application according to the applicable requirements.
📍FDApals provides regulatory consulting support for cosmetic businesses seeking to understand and meet India’s cosmetic regulatory requirements.
Contact FDApals:
📞 +91 9890512558
📧 info@fdapals.com
Regulatory requirements may depend on the nature of the cosmetic product, manufacturing facility and applicable State Licensing Authority. Applicants should verify the current requirements applicable to their specific case before filing.
