Procedure to Import Cosmetics from China to India – A Detailed Analysis

As we know, China is the 2^nd largest cosmetics consumer market in the world after the USA. So, importing cosmetics, beauty products, and personal care from China can be highly profitable for businesses due to its favourable quality at affordable prices and safely shipping of cosmetic products. The Cosmetic market in India is also growing day by day at an exponential rate; because of this growth, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of India has mandated that all products or items imported into India must have a mandatory Registration Certificate. Whether you are starting or you have already started a cosmetic importing business in India, you must follow a set of fundamental procedures for the import of Cosmetic items in India. In this blog, you will understand how to import cosmetics from China to India.

Different Suppliers of Cosmetic Products in China

The beauty sector is a huge industry in which the larger manufacturers in China process various chemical products to produce an end product. Not all suppliers in this industry are involved in this. There are enough small-scale workshops & manufacturers that focus on the production of beauty products & make-up accessories. Before you import cosmetics from China, it is vital to determine which product categories exist within this industry. For example:

1. Skin care products;
2. Beauty and Toiletry bags;
3. Beauty & Cosmetic products;
4. Make-up accessories;
5. Nail polish;
6. Hair extensions and wigs.

Eligibility to import Cosmetics from China to India

The following are eligible to import cosmetics from China to India:

1. An individual who is authorised by the Company to sell its products;
2. Any subsidiary agent of the Company or any other importer;
3. The Company that makes the product.

Laboratory Testing Requirements for Import Cosmetics from China to India

Following are some common tests to ensure that Cosmetic products are safe for consumer use:

1. Performance Testing: This testing checks the durability and functions of the product.
2. Safety Testing: Safety testing like heavy metals in cosmetics, banned colours & banned chemicals.
3. Microbiology Testing: It allows various methods to identify the presence of bacteria & to make sure that it is free of harmful microorganisms’ growth.
4. Chemical Stability Testing: This testing is for storage conditions and shelf-life estimation of the product.
5. Toxic Testing: This testing is to check the raw material & final products to identify if any substances of the product or item present a risk for customers, such as eye corrosion, skin irritation, etc.

Note: There are other tests to ensure product safety to customers. All such test records must be collected carefully because these records will help you during the inspection.

Documents Required for Obtaining Cosmetic License to Import Cosmetics from China to India

Following are some vital documents required for Obtaining a Cosmetic License to Import Cosmetics from China to India:

1. Application Form COS-1 (It’s an application for grant of Registration Certificate for the Import of Cosmetics into India);
2. Cover letter by the applicant;
3. A valid IEC (Import Export Code);
4. Original copy of Power of Attorney (in case of Importer);
5. FSC (Free Sale Certificate) or Marketing Authorisation Letter;
6. Provide soft copies of information regarding products, brands, and manufacturers;
7. Product specification & testing method of the product;
8. Original copy of the label;
9. Details of the Cosmetic items to be imported, including the chemical & safety data.

Procedure for Obtaining a Cosmetic License to Import Cosmetics from China to India

Following is the procedure to get a Cosmetic License to Import Cosmetics from China to India:

Step 1: Filling and Submission of the Application Form: First, the applicant needs to fill out the application form, provide details regarding his or her business and submit the same to the Office of the DCGI or Drugs Controller General of India under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

Step 2: Payment of Fee: After submitting the application form, the applicant needs to pay the requisite fee.

Step 3: Examining Test Reports and Documents: After that, an inspection team will check the test reports of the cosmetic products and examine all the vital documents.

Step 4: Issuance of Certificate: Once the inspection team is satisfied with the reports and documents, they will issue the Registration Certificate.

Regulation for Labelling of Cosmetics

Following are the Regulation for labelling of Cosmetic Products under Rule 21 of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1945:

1. The ingredients should be clearly shown on the outer label of the products;
2. A separate batch number preceded by Letter B, along with a manufacturing batch no. preceded by the letter “M” must be specified on the label;
3. Specify the product’s name along with the manufacturing address on both the inner & outer labels. If the container is small (in size), then the principal place of manufacturing & pin code is enough.

Penalty for No Complying with Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1945

If any of the rules under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act^[1], 1945 regarding Cosmetics are not complied with, imprisonment will be up to 1 year, or a penalty up to Rs. 1000 or both can be imposed on 1^st conviction & on subsequent convictions, imprisonment can be extended to 2 years & penalty will be up to Rs. 2000.

Conclusion

It is necessary to follow all the rules & regulations to Import Cosmetics from China to ensure the safety & quality of Cosmetics that are being imported from China to India and maintain the safety of customers with the cosmetic products.

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