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Get your Cosmetic Manufacturing License in India with complete expert support. We help you with documentation, State FDA approval, compliance requirements, and end-to-end application process so you can start your cosmetic business without confusion or delay. Whether you are a startup or an established brand, we make the licensing process simple, fast, and stress-free.
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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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Your factory or unit must have proper space and facilities such as:
You must have at least one trained and qualified person working full-time in the unit. This person can be:
👉 Important: This person must work full-time in your company. A part-time consultant is not enough.
Your manufacturing unit must have proper machines and tools for:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
With proper preparation, expect 45 to 90 days from application to license.
So mark your calendar and never miss the retention payment.
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.
Do not take the risk. Get your license before starting production.
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.
Labels must also follow Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) requirements where applicable.
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)
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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