How to Import Cosmetics into India: Complete Guide for Global Brands
Importing cosmetics into India is not as simple as shipping products to a distributor or warehouse.
India has a regulated import system, and every product must comply with specific rules before it can enter the market.
Without the correct setup, shipments can be held at customs, rejected, or delayed indefinitely.
This guide explains exactly how cosmetic import works in India and what global brands need to do to enter the market successfully.
In India, cosmetic imports are regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
Any product that qualifies as a cosmetic must be registered before it can be imported into the country, along with its variants, pack sizes, and manufacturing details.
This means import and compliance are tightly connected — you cannot separate them.
The first requirement for importing cosmetics into India is having a valid Importer of Record (IoR).
An IoR is the legal entity responsible for:
bringing goods into the country
handling customs clearance
ensuring compliance with regulations
managing tax and documentation
Foreign brands cannot directly import into India without either:
setting up a local entity
or working with a licensed importer
The second requirement is regulatory approval.
Most cosmetic products require CDSCO registration before import.
This involves submitting:
product documentation
ingredient lists
labeling artwork
manufacturer details
No cosmetic product can be imported unless it is registered with the central authority.
The third requirement is obtaining an Import Export Code (IEC).
This is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and is mandatory for any import activity in India.
Without an IEC, customs clearance cannot proceed.
The fourth requirement is GST registration.
India operates under a Goods and Services Tax system, and any importing entity must:
register for GST
charge applicable tax on sales
maintain compliance through ongoing filings
The fifth requirement is labeling compliance under Legal Metrology.
All cosmetic products must include:
importer name and address
country of origin
maximum retail price (MRP)
manufacturing details
Incorrect labeling is one of the most common reasons shipments get delayed or rejected.
Once all requirements are in place, the import process typically follows this flow:
Products are registered under CDSCO (if required).
An importer is designated as the Importer of Record.
Documentation is prepared for shipment.
Products are shipped to India.
Customs clearance is completed.
Goods are moved into distribution channels.
One important detail:
India does not allow “test and learn” importing without structure.
Even small shipments must comply with regulations.
Trying to bypass the system often leads to:
customs holds
penalties
product rejection
The biggest mistake brands make is treating import as a logistics problem.
It is not.
Import in India is a compliance-driven process, and logistics comes after regulatory alignment.
Custom House Brands operates as an Importer of Record and India entry partner for global beauty brands.
This includes:
managing import structure
handling compliance and documentation
coordinating CDSCO registration
ensuring labeling and regulatory alignment
clearing goods through customs
supporting marketplace and distribution launch
Instead of building an India entity and system from scratch, brands can operate through an existing infrastructure.
For most brands, the correct approach is not just importing products, but building a compliant entry strategy from day one.
Import is the foundation of everything that follows — without it, distribution, marketplaces, and retail cannot function.
If you are planning to import cosmetics into India, Custom House Brands can help structure your entry, handle compliance, and manage the import process end-to-end.
Contact us to discuss your India expansion.