Cosmetic Manufacturing Licence in India: How It Works
This guide looks at the licence from the factory’s side: what a manufacturer has to file and show before it can legally make cosmetics. It helps you judge a manufacturer’s licence, and decide whether you really want your own plant.
The route a manufacturer follows
Cosmetics in India are made under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. Anyone who makes cosmetics for sale needs a licence from the State Licensing Authority for the premises. The steps below are taken from published summaries of the Rules and from CDSCO’s guidance. Forms and fees are revised from time to time, so check the current versions with your state authority and on the CDSCO site before you rely on them.
Application
The manufacturer applies for a manufacturing licence in Form COS-5, with the prescribed fee, through the authority’s online process.
GMP self-declaration
A declaration in Form COS-7 states that the premises, plant and equipment meet the requirements for making cosmetics.
Documents
Proof that the premises are owned or occupied, and papers showing the constitution of the firm (proprietorship, partnership or company).
Inspection
The authority inspects the premises. On satisfaction, a receipt is issued (Form COS-10 in published summaries).
Licence
The licence is issued in Form COS-8. A loan licence for a brand that has its product made at another licensee’s premises uses its own forms; see our guide for brand owners.
Who must supervise manufacture
The Rules require competent technical staff to supervise manufacture. Published summaries list the accepted qualifications, and any one of them is enough:
This matters to you as a brand owner for one reason: the licence is only as good as the people running the line. When you visit or audit a manufacturer, ask who supervises production and what their qualification is. Our facility page and quality page show what we document.
What an inspector looks at
Sources we reviewed do not state a minimum floor area or a fixed equipment list for cosmetics, and we will not guess one. The declaration refers to premises, plant and equipment suited to the products being made. In practice, inspectors and auditors look for a clean layout with separate areas for raw materials, production, filling and storage, controlled access, equipment that can be cleaned, water and drainage suited to the work, and records.
These are also the habits that ISO 22716 puts into a system; see ISO 22716 explained. ISO 22716 is a separate, voluntary certificate. It is not a replacement for the licence.
Validity, retention fee and changes
A licence in Form COS-8 is described in published summaries as valid perpetually, subject to payment of a retention fee at set intervals (stated there as every five years), with a late fee for delay. It stays in force unless the State Licensing Authority suspends or cancels it. The licence is for specific premises. Changes to premises, products or ownership generally need to be reported to the authority, so ask the manufacturer how it handles that.
Your own plant, or a licensed contract manufacturer?
| Question | Own plant | Contract manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| Licence | You apply as manufacturer and carry the inspection and the supervision rules | The manufacturer holds the manufacturing licence; you check your own position, such as a loan licence |
| Control | Full control of process and schedule | You rely on the partner’s capacity and discipline |
| Capital and time | Premises, equipment, qualified staff and approvals come first | You can start with a small order and test the market |
| Risk | Fixed costs even when sales are slow | Minimum orders, and the risk of a poor partner |
| Best for | Proven demand and a large, steady volume | Launching, testing and growing a range |
Most founders should launch with a contract manufacturer and revisit the question when volumes are steady. See what contract manufacturing is and how to start without a factory.
How to check a manufacturer’s licence before you sign
Ask for a copy
The manufacturing licence (Form COS-8) with its number, the licensee’s name and the premises address.
Match the details
The name and address on the licence should match the company that quotes, the factory you visit and the address that will print on your label.
Check the scope
Ask whether the licence covers your product types.
Ask about the supervisor
Name and qualification of the person supervising production.
Ask for records
A sample batch record, so you know what you will receive.
Write it down
Put the licence number and responsibilities in your agreement.
Formuluxe shares its licence details and batch records on request. For the brand owner’s own position, read do you need a licence to sell cosmetics and our compliance checklist.
Cosmetic Manufacturing Licence in India: common questions
Who issues a cosmetic manufacturing licence in India?
The State Licensing Authority issues it for the premises, under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. Check your state’s drug control website for current procedure.
Which form is used?
Published summaries name Form COS-5 for the application, COS-7 for the GMP declaration and COS-8 for the licence. Confirm the current forms with your authority.
Does a licence expire?
Published summaries describe it as valid perpetually, subject to a retention fee at set intervals, unless suspended or cancelled.
Can anyone supervise production?
No. The Rules list accepted qualifications for the competent technical staff, such as a pharmacy diploma, pharmacist registration or a cosmetic technology degree.
Is ISO 22716 the same as a licence?
No. ISO 22716 is a voluntary GMP certificate. The licence is a legal requirement.
Should I build my own factory?
Most new brands do better launching with a licensed contract manufacturer first.
Checking a manufacturer?
We share licence details and batch records on request.