Starting a cosmetics business in India? You need a Cosmetic Manufacturing License before you can legally make and sell any cosmetic product. No license basically implies there is no existence of a legal business. It is that simple.

This guide covers everything : Right from what the license is, who gives it, how to apply, what it costs, what documents you need, and what happens after you get it, including post-approval changes and label compliance. Whether you are in Maharashtra, Gujarat, or any other state, this guide has you covered.

What Is a Cosmetic Manufacturing License?

A Cosmetic Manufacturing License is a legal permit that allows you to make cosmetic products and sell them in India. Without this license, you cannot run a cosmetics manufacturing business. It is issued under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.

Think of it like a permission slip from the government that says: “Yes, this factory is safe, clean, and qualified to make cosmetics.”

Who Regulates Cosmetics Manufacturing in India?

The State Licensing Authority (SLA) is responsible for regulating and issuing cosmetic manufacturing licenses in India. Each state has its own SLA, which is usually managed by the State Drug Controller or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of that state. They check applications, inspect units, and approve licenses for cosmetic manufacturing businesses.

It is important to understand that CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) does not issue manufacturing licenses for cosmetics. CDSCO only handles import registration for cosmetic products. This means if you want to manufacture cosmetics in India, your license will always be given by the State Licensing Authority, not CDSCO.

State-Wise Cosmetic Manufacturing Licensing Authority (India)

State / UT	Regulatory Authority (SLA)	Department Name (Common Name)
Andhra Pradesh	State Drug Control Administration	Andhra Pradesh FDA
Arunachal Pradesh	State Drug Control Authority	Health & Family Welfare Dept.
Assam	State Drug Control Organization	Assam FDA
Bihar	State Drug Control & FDA	Bihar FDA
Chhattisgarh	State Drug Control Administration	Chhattisgarh FDA
Delhi (NCT)	Drug Control Department	Delhi FDA
Goa	Food & Drugs Administration	Goa FDA
Gujarat	Food & Drugs Control Administration	FDCA Gujarat
Haryana	Food & Drugs Administration	Haryana FDA
Himachal Pradesh	State Drug Control Authority	HP Drug Control
Jharkhand	State Drug Control	Jharkhand FDA
Karnataka	State Drug Control Department	Karnataka FDA
Kerala	Drugs Control Department	Kerala FDA
Madhya Pradesh	Food & Drugs Administration	MP FDA
Maharashtra	Food & Drugs Administration	FDA Maharashtra
Manipur	State Drug Control Authority	Manipur FDA
Meghalaya	State Drug Control Organization	Meghalaya FDA
Mizoram	State Drug Control Authority	Mizoram FDA
Nagaland	State Drug Control Department	Nagaland FDA
Odisha	State Drug Control	Odisha FDA
Punjab	Food & Drugs Administration	Punjab FDA
Rajasthan	Drug Control Organisation	Rajasthan FDA
Sikkim	State Drug Control Authority	Sikkim FDA
Tamil Nadu	Drugs Control Department	Tamil Nadu FDA
Telangana	Drugs Control Administration	Telangana FDA
Tripura	State Drug Control	Tripura FDA
Uttar Pradesh	Food Safety & Drug Administration	UP FDA
Uttarakhand	State Drug Control	Uttarakhand FDA
West Bengal	Directorate of Drugs Control	West Bengal FDA

Forms Used in the Licensing Process

Form	Purpose
COS-5	Application form to obtain a manufacturing license (own premises)
COS-6	Application form for a loan license (using someone else's facility)
COS-8	Actual manufacturing license issued by the SLA
COS-9	Actual loan license issued by the SLA

Note : The license is issued by the state where your factory is located, not by the central government. The Central authority (CDSCO) only handles import licenses.

What Products Are Covered Under This License?

Under Section 3(aaa) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, a cosmetic means any product that is used on the human body for cleaning, beautifying, improving appearance, or changing looks. This license covers many daily-use personal care and beauty products.

Skin Care

Face creams, moisturizers, sunscreens
Face wash, cleansers, exfoliators
Body lotions, body butters, face masks

Hair Care

Shampoos, conditioners, hair oils
Hair dyes, hair bleaches, hair serums
Hair sprays, styling gels, hair treatments

Color Cosmetics

Lipsticks, lip gloss, lip balm
Foundation, BB cream, concealer
Kajal, eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara
Nail polish, blush, highlighter

Personal Care

Deodorants (non-medicated), perfumes, colognes
Talcum powder, shaving cream, aftershave
Bath soaps, body wash

Oral Care

Toothpaste, tooth powder, mouthwash

All these products are covered under Schedule M-II of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, which groups cosmetics into different categories. The manufacturing license clearly mentions which product categories a company is allowed to produce.

Types of Cosmetic Manufacturing Licenses

There are two main types of cosmetic manufacturing licenses in India. These licenses depend on whether you have your own factory or you are using someone else’s manufacturing facility.

1. Regular Manufacturing License (Form COS-8)

For businesses that have their own manufacturing unit or factory
Most common type of license used by cosmetic companies
Allows you to manufacture products in your own approved premises
Suitable for established brands with full setup and machinery

2. Loan License (Form COS-9)

For businesses that do not own a factory
Used when manufacturing is done at another company’s licensed facility
Very helpful for startups and small brands
Applied using Form COS-6

Note

A Loan License allows you to legally manufacture cosmetics at a third-party licensed factory. This is a cost-effective option for new businesses that want to start without building their own manufacturing unit.

Eligibility Criteria

For Businesses

Sole ownership, partnership, LLP, Pvt. Ltd., or public limited company
Entity must be legally registered in India
GST registration required before license application
Registered office address must match state of manufacturing

Premises requirements

Dedicated manufacturing space (minimum area varies by SLA)
Separate zones for production, quality checking, storage, and packaging
Owned or leased with valid rental agreement + NOC from landlord
Pollution Control Board NOC/consent mandatory
Potable water supply and drainage system

Technical staff (mandatory)

At least one full-time qualified technical person on site
Option A: B.Pharm / M.Pharm, registered under Pharmacy Act 1948
Option B: D.Pharm (Pharmacy Council of India approved)
Option C: Intermediate with Chemistry + experience (state-specific)
Affidavit of full-time employment must be notarised

Equipment and lab

Manufacturing equipment appropriate for applied product categories
In-house QC lab or tie-up with NABL-accredited external lab
All equipment must have calibration records and SOPs
Stability testing capability or documented outsourcing arrangement

Cosmetic Manufacturing License Requirements in India

Before applying for a cosmetic manufacturing license in India, your factory and staff must meet certain basic rules. These requirements make sure your products are safe, clean, and made in a proper way.

1. Manufacturing Premises

Your factory or unit must have proper space and facilities such as:

Separate areas for production, quality control, storage, and packaging
Proper ventilation, lighting, and drainage system
Clean drinking and working water supply
Pest control system to keep the area safe and hygienic
Proper waste disposal system

2. Qualified Technical Staff

You must have at least one trained and qualified person working full-time in the unit. This person can be:

B.Pharm or M.Pharm (Pharmacy degree holder)
D.Pharm (Diploma in Pharmacy, registered under Pharmacy Act, 1948)
B.Sc. in Chemistry (accepted in some states)

👉 Important: This person must work full-time in your company. A part-time consultant is not enough.

3. Equipment

Your manufacturing unit must have proper machines and tools for:

Mixing and making cosmetic products
Quality checking and testing
Filling products into containers
Packaging and sealing
Labeling finished products

4. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

You must have written step-by-step instructions for every process. This includes everything from receiving raw materials to making the product and finally sending it out for sale.

5. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

All products must be made following Schedule M-II GMP guidelines. This ensures that every product is made in a clean, safe, and controlled environment with proper quality standards.

6. Laboratory

Your in-house or attached lab must follow Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). It should also be tested or approved by NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing & Calibration Laboratories) to ensure accurate and reliable testing results.

Documents Required for Cosmetic Manufacturing License

Here is the the full list ,

Document	Details
Form COS-5	Main application form (for own premises)
Form COS-6	Application form for loan license
Business registration proof	Company incorporation, partnership deed, or proprietorship proof
Power of Attorney	If someone other than the owner is signing
Proof of premises	Sale deed, lease agreement, or rental agreement
Site plan & layout	Blueprint showing all departments and equipment placement
Site Master File	Full details of your facility area, utilities, safety systems
Equipment list	Name, specifications, and location of all machines
SOPs	Standard Operating Procedures for all processes
Technical staff documents	Degree/diploma certificates, pharmacy council registration, appointment letter
Draft product labels	Sample labels with all mandatory information
Manufacturing process flowchart	Step-by-step production process
Pollution Control Board NOC	Environmental clearance certificate
Fee payment receipt	Proof of government fee payment
Affidavit of non-conviction	From partners, directors, or proprietors

Always check with your State Licensing Authority for the exact list, as some states have additional requirements.

Cosmetic Manufacturing License Fees in India

The government fees depend on your state. Here are the general figures :

License Type	Government Fee
Manufacturing License or Loan License up to 10 items per category	₹10,000
Each additional cosmetic category	₹500
Inspection fee (per inspection)	₹1,000 – ₹1,500

Note: These are government fees only. If you hire a consultant to help you apply, their professional charges are separate and vary by firm and complexity.

Cosmetic Manufacturing License Cost in India (State-Wise Examples)

The cost of a Cosmetic Manufacturing License in India is decided by the State Licensing Authority (State FDA). The fees are mostly similar across India because they follow the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, but small differences may exist in inspection charges or processing fees depending on the state.

Below is a simple state-wise overview of commonly followed fee structures:

Major States (High Industrial Activity)

Maharashtra → Around ₹10,000 base fee + inspection charges
Gujarat → Around ₹10,000 base fee + inspection charges
Tamil Nadu → Around ₹10,000 base fee + inspection charges
Karnataka → Around ₹10,000 base fee + inspection charges
Uttar Pradesh → Around ₹10,000 base fee + inspection charges
Telangana → Around ₹10,000 base fee + inspection charges

Other Important States

Rajasthan → Around ₹7,500 – ₹10,000 + inspection charges
Madhya Pradesh → Around ₹7,500 – ₹10,000 + inspection charges
West Bengal → Around ₹8,000 – ₹10,000 + inspection charges
Punjab → Around ₹7,500 – ₹10,000 + inspection charges
Haryana → Around ₹8,000 – ₹10,000 + inspection charges
Kerala → Around ₹8,000 – ₹10,000 + inspection charges

North-East & Smaller States

Assam → Around ₹5,000 – ₹8,000 + inspection charges
Bihar → Around ₹5,000 – ₹8,000 + inspection charges
Odisha → Around ₹5,000 – ₹8,000 + inspection charges
Jharkhand → Around ₹5,000 – ₹8,000 + inspection charges
North-East States (All UTs) → Around ₹3,000 – ₹7,500 + inspection charges

Important Note

All states follow Cosmetics Rules, 2020
Basic license fee is similar, but inspection charges and processing time may vary
Final cost also depends on number of products and manufacturing scope

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Cosmetic Manufacturing License in India

Step 1 - Set Up Your Facility

First, you need to prepare your factory or manufacturing space. It should be clean, safe, and properly organized as per GMP rules. This means there should be proper space for making products, storing materials, and packaging. Government inspectors will later visit your place and check if everything is in proper condition, so your setup must be ready before applying.

Step 2 - Hire Qualified Technical Staff

Next, you must hire a qualified person who will manage the technical side of your manufacturing. This can be a registered pharmacist or a trained chemist. This person must work full-time in your company. They are responsible for making sure products are made safely and correctly as per government rules.

Step 3 - Prepare Your Documents

Now you need to collect all the required documents. This includes company papers, factory details, staff details, and product information. You also need to fill the correct application form (COS-5 or COS-6 for loan license). Make sure all details are correct, because even small mistakes can delay your approval.

Step 4 - Submit Application to Your State Licensing Authority

After documents are ready, you must apply to your State FDA or Drug Control Department. Most states allow online applications now. You will upload your documents, fill in details, and pay the government fee online. This step officially starts your application process.

Step 5 - Wait for Inspection Notice

After submitting your application, the department will review it. If everything looks fine, they will schedule an inspection of your factory. This usually happens within 30 days, but sometimes it may take a little longer depending on the state workload.

Step 6 - Facility Inspection

Government inspectors will visit your factory to check everything in detail. They will look at your factory cleanliness, equipment, staff qualifications, working methods, written procedures (SOPs), and even product labels. The goal is to make sure your facility is safe and follows all rules.

Step 7 - Reply to Any Queries

If inspectors find any small issues or missing points, they will ask you to fix them. You may need to correct documents, improve cleanliness, or update records. It is important to respond quickly, because delays can slow down your license approval.

Step 8 - Receive Your License (Form COS-8 or COS-9)

Once everything is approved, you will get your Cosmetic Manufacturing License. This is usually issued in Form COS-8 or COS-9. After receiving it, you must keep it safely and display it in your factory as proof that your business is legally approved to manufacture cosmetics.

How long does it take?

With proper preparation, expect 45 to 90 days from application to license.

How Long Is the License Valid?

The Cosmetic Manufacturing License is valid indefinitely; it does not expire like most other licenses. However, you must pay a retention fee every 5 years to keep it active. If you miss the retention payment :

A 2% monthly late fee is charged
If not paid within 180 days of the due date, the license gets cancelled

So mark your calendar and never miss the retention payment.

What Happens If You Manufacture Without a License?

Manufacturing cosmetics without a valid license is illegal under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. If a company is caught doing this, it can face serious action from the government.

Heavy fines
Seizure of products
Criminal prosecution
Business shutdown

Do not take the risk. Get your license before starting production.

Animal Testing: Completely Banned

No animal testing is allowed for cosmetics in India.
Under Rule 39(7) of Cosmetics Rules, 2020, no person is permitted to use or test cosmetics on animals. This applies to both Indian manufacturers and imported cosmetics. If your cosmetic product or any of its ingredients have been tested on animals, this needs to be disclosed carefully.

Your product labels must include :

Product name
Manufacturer's name and full address
License number (with prefix "M")
Batch number (with prefix "B")
Manufacturing date and expiry date
Net quantity / weight
List of ingredients (INCI names)
Directions for use
Warnings and precautions
Country of origin

Labels must also follow Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) requirements where applicable.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection

SOPs that are generic or downloaded templates

Inspectors can immediately identify copy-paste SOPs. Each SOP must reference your specific equipment models, room numbers, and product types. Generic SOPs are the single biggest reason for first-time rejection.

Technical person not physically present on inspection day

The qualified technical person must be on site during the SLA inspection not just employed on paper. Inspectors will interview them. A no-show results in automatic adjournment and potential rejection.

Pollution Control Board NOC missing or expired

PCB consent (consent to establish or consent to operate) must be current and cover your specific manufacturing activities. Many applicants submit a general trade NOC that is not accepted.

Product categories on COS-5 form don't match actual premises capability

Applying for aerosol products when you have no pressurised filling equipment, or hair dyes without a dedicated mixing area, leads to category-specific rejections. Only apply for categories your facility is physically ready to produce.

Draft labels missing mandatory fields

Labels must carry the COS-8 license number (once issued), batch number prefixed 'B', manufacturing and expiry dates, full ingredient list in INCI format, and directions for use. Missing any one of these is a compliance failure.

Quick Summary

Topic	Key Information
Law governing it	Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 & Cosmetics Rules, 2020
Who issues it	State Licensing Authority (State Drug Controller)
License form	COS-8 (own premises), COS-9 (loan license)
Application form	COS-5 (own), COS-6 (loan)
Fee	₹10,000 per category (up to 10 items)
Validity	Perpetual (retention fee every 5 years)
Timeline	45 to 90 days from application
Portal	State-specific drug control portals
Import license	Separate through CDSCO (Form 42)

Conclusion :

Getting a Cosmetic Manufacturing License in India is not as complicated as it sounds. If you prepare your facility properly, hire the right technical staff, and keep your documents ready, the process is straightforward. Whether you are in Maharashtra, Gujarat, or any other state, the core requirements are the same. Start with your state drug control authority, prepare your facility to GMP standards, and submit your application online.

The cosmetics market in India is growing fast. Getting your license done right and done quickly means you can start selling sooner and with full legal protection. Information in this article is based on the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, Cosmetics Rules 2020, and CDSCO guidelines. Always verify current requirements with your State Licensing Authority before applying, as rules may vary by state and update over time.

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Written by

Raju Karn

SEO Team Lead · PSR Compliance

5+ Years Experience

Raju Karn has 5+ years of experience writing compliance content covering CPCB, CDSCO, BIS, EPR, FSSAI, WPS, PESO and various small and large business registrations, licenses and certifications across India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is 100% mandatory. You cannot legally manufacture and sell cosmetics in India without this license.

Yes. Your license can cover up to 10 items per cosmetic category. You can apply for multiple categories at once.

Yes. If you have factories in multiple states, you need a separate license from each state's licensing authority.

A manufacturing license (COS-8) is for making cosmetics in India issued by the state authority. An import license (Form 42/COS-1) is for bringing cosmetics from outside India issued by CDSCO (central authority).

Absolutely. A loan license (COS-9) is designed for businesses that use a third party's licensed facility. It is a great option for new brands to enter the market without building their own factory.

Schedule M-II lists all cosmetic product categories under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. Your license will specify which categories from this schedule you are authorized to manufacture.

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