Indian import policy
As of 2026-11: cosmetic ingredients are not themselves registered with CDSCO (registration under the Cosmetics Rules 2020 applies to finished imported cosmetics), but they must be permitted for cosmetic use under Indian standards (BIS IS 4707 lists colourants and prohibited/restricted substances — ASSUMPTION, confirm). Some ingredients are covered by chemical QCOs or MSIHC rules; check per CAS number. India bans animal testing of cosmetics. Sources: https://cdscoonline.gov.in; https://www.bis.gov.in/product-certification/products-under-compulsory-certification/; research/06-compliance-logistics.md.
Check the current DGFT, BIS and CBIC notifications before contracting.
Importing cosmetic ingredients into India: requirements
| Requirement | Authority | Document |
|---|---|---|
| Importer-Exporter Code; GST; ICEGATE | DGFT / GSTN / CBIC | IEC; GSTIN; ICEGATE DSC registration |
| Import policy classification | DGFT | ITC(HS) policy: Free/Restricted/Prohibited/STE; import authorisation if Restricted |
| Customs declaration & duty | CBIC / ICEGATE | Bill of Entry; BCD + AIDC + SWS(10% of BCD) + IGST |
| Mandatory BIS certification | BIS / DPIIT & line ministries | BIS licence (ISI, FMCS for foreign plants) or CRS registration |
| Cosmetic import registration | CDSCO | COS-1 application / COS-2 registration |
| Trusted trader status | CBIC | AEO-T1/T2/T3/LO |
Import trend
Comtrade ch.33 USD 1.52 bn CY2025 (finished + ingredients); cocoa from Indonesia USD 0.68 bn CY2025; ingredient-only and food-ingredient totals unavailable
Where Indian buyers are
Maharashtra — Mumbai, Thane, Palghar. Contract manufacturers and beauty brands
Himachal Pradesh / Uttarakhand — Baddi, Haridwar. Large personal-care manufacturing belt
Gujarat — Vapi, Ahmedabad. Personal-care and chemical manufacturers
Delhi NCR — Delhi, Noida, Gurugram. D2C beauty brands and contract fillers
Karnataka / Telangana — Bengaluru, Hyderabad. D2C brands and formulation labs
Frequently asked questions
Do cosmetic ingredients need CDSCO registration for import into India?
No. CDSCO registration under the Cosmetics Rules 2020 applies to finished cosmetics. Ingredients must still be permitted for cosmetic use and meet chemical import rules.
How do I check whether an ingredient is allowed in Indian cosmetics?
Check Indian standards, notably BIS IS 4707, which lists colourants and prohibited or restricted substances, together with the ingredient supplier's regulatory dossier.
Which countries supply cosmetic actives to India?
France, Germany, South Korea, China, the USA and Japan are the main sources of actives, emollients and UV filters.
Can I buy small quantities of cosmetic actives?
Yes. Distributors typically supply from 1–5 kg, which suits D2C brands and formulation labs.
Import routes
Source cosmetic ingredients for India
Tell us specification, volume and delivery city in India.