Even as the registration for import of cosmetics ranging from skin care products to haircare products will become mandatory in the country from April 1, 2013, the Union health ministry has issued Guidelines to facilitate the registration process for import of cosmetics.

As per the new guidelines, all cosmetic products that are imported for sale in India need to be registered with the licensing authority as defined under Rule 21 of Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945. An application for registration in Form-42, along with all requisite documents, should be submitted to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).

The manufacturer himself having registered office in India, the authorised agent of the manufacturer, the subsidiary of the manufacturer or any other importer can apply for registration of import of cosmetics with the DCGI.

As per the guidelines, a single application may be made in Form 42 for any number of brands manufactured at one or more locations by a single manufacturer. A single registration certificate in Form 43 may be issued to a particular applicant in respect of import of any number of brands manufactured at one or more locations by a single manufacturer. Each application will be accompanied by a fee of USD 250 or its equivalent Indian rupees for each Brand viz. each category of cosmetics. If the applicant seeks to import the same brand belonging to different manufacturers, he needs to submit separate application for each manufacturer and has to pay separate fees therefor.

Skin care products, face care products, eye contour products, lip care products, hand care products, foot care products, body care products, external intimate care products, chemical exfoliation products, mechanical exfoliation products, skin lightening products, skin cleansing products, bath / shower products, make-up remover products, external intimate hygiene products, body hair removal products, bleach for body hair products, correction of body odour and/or perspiration, shaving products, make-up products,  perfumes, nail and cuticle products, oral hygiene products, etc are some of the cosmetic items listed in the guidelines.