October 19, 2025

India’s cosmetics and personal care industry is booming, making it one of the fastest-growing markets globally. Many entrepreneurs and startups are entering this market through private label cosmetics in India, as it offers a cost-effective way to build a brand without setting up a full-scale manufacturing facility. However, simply adding your logo to a product does not make it legal to sell. To comply with the Cosmetics Rules 2020 and avoid penalties, companies must obtain the proper cosmetic license in India (loan license, cosmetic manufacturing license, or CDSCO cosmetic registration) and follow BIS standards, legal metrology cosmetic packaging rules, and EPR plastic packaging compliance. This guide by Maven Regulatory Solutions explains step-by-step how to legally sell private label cosmetics in India.

What are Private Label Cosmetics?

Private label cosmetics are products manufactured by a licensed third-party manufacturer but sold under your own brand name. For example, a manufacturer produces lipstick, shampoo, or skin cream, and you sell it under your packaging and logo. This saves time, R&D costs, and investment. But even if you use private or white-label cosmetics, your brand must comply with CDSCO cosmetic registration, loan license for cosmetics, and other legal compliance requirements.

Why Legal Compliance Matters

Following cosmetic licensing in India is essential because:

  • Protects your brand from CDSCO penalties, product recalls, or bans.
  • Ensures consumer safety and builds trust through BIS-compliant ingredients.
  • Enables smooth onboarding on e-commerce platforms (Amazon, Flipkart, Nykaa).
  • Allows expansion into retail chains and export markets.

Cosmetic Licenses in India: Manufacturing, Loan & Import Registration

1. Loan License for Cosmetics (Form COS-6 → COS-9)

  • Required if you use a third-party manufacturer.
  • Issued by the State Licensing Authority.
  • Documents: manufacturing agreement, GMP compliance proof, plant layout, and staff details.
  • Authorizes you to legally sell cosmetics under your own brand.

2. Cosmetic Manufacturing License (Form COS-5 → COS-8)

  • Required if you set up your own manufacturing facility.
  • Needs site inspection, qualified staff, and compliance with Seventh Schedule GMP norms.

3. Import Registration Certificate (Form COS-1 → COS-2)

  • Mandatory for imported cosmetics in India.
  • Application through the SUGAM CDSCO portal with:
    • Power of Attorney
    • Free Sale Certificate
    • Ingredient list
    • Proposed labels
  • CDSCO issues the COS-2 Import Registration Certificate upon approval.

Cosmetic Labelling & Packaging Compliance in India

Labels must comply with Cosmetics Rules 2020 and Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.

Mandatory declarations:

  • Product name & category
  • Manufacturer/importer details with full address
  • Batch/lot number
  • MRP & net quantity
  • Manufacturing & expiry date
  • Country of origin (for imports)
  • Consumer care details (email/phone)

?? non-compliant labelling is one of the top reasons for cosmetic license rejection in India.

Ingredient & Safety Compliance

  • Follow BIS IS 4707 Part 1 & 2 for approved ingredients and colors.
  • Follow Ninth Schedule of cosmetics for product standards.
  • India bans animal-tested cosmetics – a non-animal testing declaration is mandatory.

Packaging & EPR Compliance

If using plastic packaging, brands must comply with the Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016 and register under the CPCB EPR portal (Extended Producer Responsibility).

Non-compliance can result in penalties and product restrictions.

 

Step-by-Step: How to Sell Cosmetics Legally in India by Rebranding

  1. Choose a Licensed Manufacturer – Verify their COS-8 licensee.
  2. Sign a Manufacturing Agreement – Define quality, roles, and responsibilities.
  3. Apply for Loan License – Submit Form COS-6, receive COS-9 from State Drug Controller.
  4. Design Labels as per CDSCO + LMPC Rules.
  5. Check Ingredient Safety – Follow BIS IS 4707 & Ninth Schedule.
  6. Submit Non-Animal Testing Declaration.
  7. Register for EPR on CPCB Portal if using plastic packaging.
  8. Start Marketing & Selling – only after all approvals are complete.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

? Selling without a valid cosmetic loan license or CDSCO import registration.
 ? Missing or incorrect cosmetic packaging declarations.
 ? Using misleading claims like “100% chemical-free” or “guaranteed cure”.
 ? Forgetting to pay retention fees (due every 5 years).
 ? Using restricted or non-compliant cosmetic ingredients.

FAQs

Q1. Can I rebrand imported cosmetics and sell them in India legally?
 ???? Yes, but only with a CDSCO Import Registration Certificate (COS-2).

Q2. Do I need a loan license for cosmetics in India if I use private label manufacturing?
 ???? Yes, Form COS-6 must be filed; the license is issued as COS-9.

Q3. What standards apply to cosmetic ingredients in India?
 ???? BIS IS 4707 and Ninth Schedule under Cosmetics Rules 2020.

Q4. How long does it take to get a cosmetic loan license in India?
 ???? Typically 30–45 days, depending on inspections and documents.

Conclusion

Private label cosmetics rebranding in India is a profitable and fast way to enter the beauty market. But to succeed legally, you must:

  • Obtain the right cosmetic license (loan, manufacturing, or import).
  • Follow labelling, packaging, and BIS compliance.
  • Register under EPR for plastic packaging.

At Maven Regulatory Solutions, we help brands navigate the entire process of CDSCO cosmetic registration, loan license applications, BIS ingredient compliance, and cosmetic labelling rules.

???? Partner with Maven to launch your cosmetic brand in India with full legal compliance and market readiness.