The Rulebook in Focus
The foundation for these stricter checks is the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, which falls under the broader Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940. For years, these regulations have mandated that any cosmetic product imported for sale in India must be registered with
the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). The process requires the manufacturer or an authorised Indian importer to submit a detailed application via an online portal called SUGAM. This application, filed using Form COS-1, includes extensive documentation such as the full ingredient list, evidence of safety, and a declaration that the products are not tested on animals. If approved, the CDSCO issues an import registration certificate in Form COS-2, which is essential for legally bringing the products into the country.
Why the Sudden Crackdown?
While the rules aren't new, the enforcement has become significantly more stringent recently. In late July 2026, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) issued a directive to increase surveillance at all points of entry, including ports and airports. This move is a direct response to growing complaints about substandard, counterfeit, and unregistered imported cosmetics flooding the market. Officials are concerned about the public health risks these products pose, as they often bypass safety and quality checks. Unregistered products can contain banned substances or harmful levels of ingredients like mercury or steroids, leading to potential long-term health issues for consumers. Raids in cities like Pune have uncovered counterfeit goods, confirming the presence of a significant grey market that undermines both consumer safety and legitimate businesses.
The Impact on Brands and Importers
For international brands and their Indian importers, this heightened scrutiny means compliance is no longer negotiable. Shipments arriving at customs now face more rigorous documentation checks, and any product without a valid COS-2 registration certificate will be stopped. This translates to increased compliance costs and potential supply chain delays for companies that may have previously operated in a grey area. The responsibility falls on the authorised Indian agent or importer to ensure every product variant and pack size is correctly registered. The crackdown aims to level the playing field, ensuring that only brands that invest in regulatory compliance can access India's estimated $20 billion beauty market.
What This Means for Indian Consumers
For shoppers, the primary benefit of this crackdown is enhanced safety. Stricter enforcement reduces the risk of unknowingly purchasing a counterfeit or harmful product from a local shop or an online platform. In the short term, however, it could lead to changes in product availability. Some smaller or niche international brands that are not formally registered may disappear from shelves. There is also a possibility that the increased cost of compliance for importers could be passed on to consumers, potentially leading to slightly higher prices for some authenticated imported goods. Consumers are encouraged to be more vigilant, checking for proper labelling and registration details when purchasing foreign cosmetics.
