Regulatory Compliance & Certifications Required for Personal Care Products in India

The personal care industry in India is growing at lightning speed. From herbal creams to luxury shampoos, new brands are launching every day. But before any lotion, face wash, or hair oil reaches a store shelf, it has to pass through an important step: regulatory approval. 

Why? Because these products go directly on our skin and hair. If they are not tested and certified properly, they can cause serious harm. That’s why India has strict rules and certifications in place to make sure personal care products are safe, effective, and trustworthy. 

For brands, following these rules isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about building trust, credibility, and long-term success. In this blog, we’ll break down the key licences, approvals, and certifications for every personal care product regulation in India, explained in a clear and simple way. 

Why Compliance Matters in Personal Care? 

In India, the personal care products manufacturing in India is regulated primarily to ensure: 

  • Safety: Products must not harm consumers when used as intended. 
  • Quality: Ingredients and processes should meet specified standards. 
  • Transparency: Accurate labelling and claims protect consumers from misleading information. 
  • Trust: Certifications and licences assure customers that a product is reliable. 

For businesses, compliance also prevents legal troubles, product recalls, and penalties. More importantly, it helps brands stand out in a competitive marketplace where consumers are increasingly health- and safety-conscious. 

Key Regulatory Authorities in India 

Before diving into certifications, it’s important to know who regulates personal care products: 

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO): Regulates cosmetics under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940. 
  • Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): Provides standards and certifications for product quality and safety. 
  • Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI): Relevant for products that blur lines between cosmetics and nutraceuticals (like ingestible beauty supplements). 
  • State Licensing Authorities (SLAs): Issue manufacturing and selling licences. 

Major Licenses & Certifications Required 

Here’s a breakdown of the most important approvals needed for manufacturing and selling personal care products certification in India:  

1. Cosmetic Manufacturing License 

  • Issued by: State Drug Control Department under CDSCO guidelines. 
  • Why it’s needed: No personal care product can be manufactured in India without this license. It ensures the facility follows Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). 
  • Requirements include: 
  • Application in prescribed form. 
  • Site inspection of manufacturing unit. 
  • Compliance with hygiene, safety, and infrastructure norms.

2. Import Registration Certificate 

  • Issued by: CDSCO. 
  • Who needs it: Brands importing finished cosmetic products into India. 
  • Purpose: Ensures that imported cosmetics meet the same safety and quality standards as Indian-made products. 

3. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Certification 

  • Role: Sets quality standards for cosmetics like skin creams, shampoos, and soaps. 
  • Why it matters: Though not mandatory for all products, certain categories (like hair dyes and skin powders) require BIS approval. Even when optional, BIS certification boosts credibility. 

4. ISI Mark (for certain categories) 

  • Issued by: BIS. 
  • Relevance: The ISI mark is mandatory for some products to confirm quality and safety compliance. For instance, cosmetic products like hair dye powders often fall under this. 

5. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Certification 

  • Purpose: Confirms that a brand’s manufacturing process follows strict hygiene, safety, and quality control standards. 
  • Global Value: GMP certification also helps Indian brands export products overseas.

6. ISO Certifications 

  • ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems): Ensures standardised quality management. 
  • ISO 22716 (Cosmetics – GMP Guidelines): Specifically for cosmetics manufacturing. 
  • ISO 14001 (Environmental Management): Adds value for eco-conscious customers.

While ISO certifications are not legally mandatory, they provide international recognition and make products export-ready. 

7. Ayush License (for Herbal & Ayurvedic Products) 

  • Issued by: Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. 
  • Who needs it: Brands making Ayurvedic, Unani, or Siddha personal care products (like herbal oils, ubtans, or Ayurvedic creams). 
  • Why: Ensures authenticity and compliance with traditional medicine standards. 

8. Eco-Certifications & Organic Labels 

Consumers today often seek “organic,” “natural,” or “cruelty-free” labels. For credibility, brands can obtain: 

  • ECOCERT (Organic & Natural Cosmetics certification).
  • PETA Certification (Cruelty-Free).
  • Vegan Society Logo (for vegan products).

While not mandatory, these certifications help build a strong brand identity among eco-conscious buyers. 

9. Labelling Compliance 

According to India’s Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, cosmetic labels must include: 

  • Product name. 
  • Manufacturer details. 
  • Batch number. 
  • Manufacturing/expiry date. 
  • Ingredients list in descending order. 
  • Net content (weight/volume). 
  • Usage instructions & warnings (if any). 

Incorrect labelling can result in penalties or product recall, so this step is crucial.  

Step-by-Step Compliance Journey for Brands 

For a new personal care brand certification in India, compliance can feel overwhelming. Here’s a simple roadmap for the new personal care brands: 

  1. Identify the product category (cosmetic, herbal, Ayurvedic, etc.). 
  2. Apply for a manufacturing licence from the State Licensing Authority. 
  3. Ensure the facility follows GMP and other quality standards. 
  4. Obtain BIS/ISI certifications (if applicable). 
  5. For imports, secure CDSCO Import Registration. 
  6. Get additional certifications like ISO, ECOCERT, or PETA for added value. 
  7. Ensure labelling compliance as per the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules. 
  8. Maintain regular audits & renewals to keep licences valid. 

Challenges in Meeting Compliance 

While regulations are designed to protect consumers, brands often face challenges such as:  

  • High costs for certifications and renewals. 
  • Complex paperwork and time-consuming approvals. 
  • Keeping up with updates in Indian and international regulations. 
  • Balancing innovation (like natural formulations) with regulatory restrictions. 

Working with experienced consultants or partnering with private label manufacturers who already hold necessary licences can ease the process. 

Benefits of Compliance for Brands 

  1. Consumer Trust – Certifications reassure customers that products are safe and genuine. 
  2. Market Access – Legal compliance allows brands to sell across India and export globally. 
  3. Competitive Advantage – ISO, GMP, and eco-labels make a brand stand out. 
  4. Risk Reduction – Prevents penalties, recalls, and brand damage. 
  5. Brand Value – Regulatory discipline reflects professionalism and commitment to quality. 

Final Thoughts 

In India’s fast-growing personal care market, regulatory compliance is not just about ticking boxes; it’s about safety, credibility, and trust. From CDSCO manufacturing licences to BIS standards and eco-certifications, every step ensures that consumers receive products that are safe, authentic, and high quality. 

For startups and established brands alike, investing in compliance is an investment in reputation. In a world where customers are becoming more conscious about what they put on their skin, the right certifications can set a brand apart and open doors to national and global success. 

FAQs 

Q. What licence is required to manufacture cosmetics in India?
Ans. A cosmetic manufacturing licence issued by the State Licensing Authority (under CDSCO guidelines) is mandatory for producing personal care products in India. 

Q. Do imported personal care products need approval in India?
Ans. Yes. Imported cosmetics must be registered with CDSCO through an Import Registration Certificate before being sold in India.

Q. Is BIS certification compulsory for all personal care products?
Ans. No, BIS certification is mandatory only for certain categories like hair dyes and skin powders. However, many brands choose it voluntarily to prove product quality and safety. 

Q. What details must be included on cosmetic labels in India?
Ans. Labels must display the product name, manufacturer details, batch number, ingredients list, net content, manufacturing/expiry dates, and usage instructions or warnings.

Q. Do Ayurvedic or herbal personal care products require a separate licence?
Ans. Yes. Products based on Ayurveda, Unani, or Siddha systems need an AYUSH licence from the Ministry of AYUSH.