Importer & Manufacturer | Source: CDSCO

Published On: 19-05-2026

Enforcement Date: 18 May, 2026

Use of Cosmetics

Cosmetics in India are regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. Products must meet legal standards for safety, labelling, and permitted ingredients. Injectable preparations and products used for treatment do not qualify as cosmetics. Misleading claims, prohibited ingredients, and improper use may attract regulatory action. Consumers are encouraged to report violations to the concerned authorities.

Cosmetics in India are defined under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 as products intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, sprayed, or otherwise applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering appearance. The manufacture and import of cosmetics for sale and distribution are regulated under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. The Bureau of Indian Standards publishes the list of generally not recognised as safe (GNRAS) and restricted ingredients, which must be strictly followed. Products supplied as injectable preparations do not fall within the definition of cosmetics, and cosmetics are not permitted to be used by consumers or professionals as injections or for treatment purposes. Labels must not contain false or misleading claims, and no person may alter or deface manufacturer markings. Use of prohibited ingredients, misleading claims, and improper application may violate the Act and Rules. Complaints may be reported to cosmetcis@cdsco.nic.in and/or the State Licensing Authority.

Applicable For: Importer & Manufacturer

Reference Number: Fi le No. : COS-1 21 1 I 2026-eoffice Notification Link

Prohibits to Import, manufacture, sale, distribution and use in any food producing animal rearing system of drug formulations containing “Chloramphenicol or Nitrofurans drugs with immediate effect

Importer | CDSCO 08 June, 2026

The CDSCO Veterinary Division has prohibited the import, manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of drug formulations containing Chloramphenicol or Nitrofurans in food‑producing animals with immediate effect. Despite the 2025 ban, residues continue to be detected in shrimp exports, causing 43% rejections by the EU, USA, and Japan, linked to farms in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, and Gujarat. States/UTs are directed to strengthen inspections, enforce compliance, and report actions taken promptly.

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Implementation of Pharmacovigilance (PV) System as per the requirement of Schedule M of Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940 and the Rules made there under

Importer | CDSCO 05 June, 2026

The CDSCO has issued a circular directing all stakeholders to establish and maintain effective pharmacovigilance systems under Schedule M of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and NDCT Rules, 2019. Licensees must collect, process, and forward adverse drug reaction reports to authorities. Compliance will be verified during inspections by CDSCO, SLA, and UT administrations, reinforcing India’s commitment to drug safety monitoring and regulatory accountability.

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Revised Regulatory Guidelines For Sampling Of Drugs, Cosmetics & Medical Devices By Drugs Inspectors Of Central & State Drug Authorities

Importer | CDSCO 29 May, 2026

On 9 February 2024, CDSCO issued regulatory guidelines for sampling of drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices by central and state inspectors. The framework standardizes sampling plans, risk‑based product selection, rural and urban coverage, timelines for testing, and centralized monthly reporting of NSQ/Spurious products. It mandates uniform methodology, database monitoring, and public alerts, ensuring stronger surveillance and safeguarding public health.