In India, cosmetics are regulated by Central Drug Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) under the overarching regulation Drug and Cosemtic Act 1940 & Rules 1945 (amended up to Dec.31st 2016). The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issued standards for ingredient usage in cosmetics.

Before March 2013, there were no requiements to register imported cosmetics, but from April 1st 2013, all cosmetics imported for sale in India require mandatory registration with the Central Drugs General (India) (DCGI). For registration of imported cosmetic, a concept of "brand" is adopted, and a brand will include all variants of products (colour, shades, pack, siazes, etc.). Applicant should follow specific proceudres of applications for any brands. Registered cosmetics are required to stick special label with regsitration certificate number on it, and normally the certificate is balid for 3 years.

Domestic cosmetics in India don't require registration, but 11 categories of cosmetics (cosmetics require auditing of factory premises, space, plant and machinery and other requisites) must ontain a loan license before manufacturing. These 11 categories are classified on the basis of different equipment requirements.

The Authority will appoint inspectors to investigate the devices and procedures of manufacture before granting the license. A loan license shall be valid for a period of 5 years, and renewal should be applied for within 6 months of its expiry.

Cosmetics that have been tested on animals are prohibited from import into India. Besides, cosmetics with Hexachlorophene, Lead or Arsenic compounds and mercury compounds are prohibited to be manufactured and imported.