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How to export cosmetics from India: Step-by-step process and tips

Cosmetics and beauty products are one of the growing categories in exports from India. Here’s a complete guide on the process to export cosmetics and beauty products from India.

The demand for cosmetics and beauty products is always on the rise. The export value of cosmetics, soap and toiletries and essential oils from India amounted to nearly $1.8bn in 2021 – a significant increase from $1.5bn in 2016¹. Within the category of cosmetics and beauty, organic and herbal products are increasingly becoming popular not just in India but across the world.

With the increasing internet penetration and e-commerce shopping by customers, Indian exporters can export cosmetics internationally without having to setup physical stores or warehouse outside the country.

Top beauty and cosmetic products to
export from India

From organic beauty products to essential oils, here’s a list of top cosmetic and beauty products to export from India:
• Skincare products like creams, lotions, medicated ointments and sunscreens
• Cosmetics and related accessories like mirrors, lipstick, mascara and eye shadow
• Beauty and personal care products like bathing accessories, soaps, scrubs, body treatments, bathing kits, cleansers and oils
• Hair cosmetics like shampoo, conditioners, hair colours, gel, accessories, bleaches, etc
• Oral cosmetics like dentifrices, mouthwash, toothpaste and mouth fresheners.
• Colour cosmetics like nail polish and lip gloss
• Maternity care products and fragrances

What is Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and what is its importance?

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document prepared by the manufacturer or supplier of products that contains information about physical and chemical properties of the materials used and the list of potential hazards that it may cause. This document has complete information on usage, storage and handling of such materials. Any update in the information of chemical and physical properties of these goods must be updated and maintained in this document.

While exporting cosmetics to the USA, it is important to obtain MSDS by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which will be reviewed by the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board. In Canada, MSDS is mandated by the Hazardous Product Act, Part II and in Europe by the EU legislation².

Documents required to export cosmetics and beauty products from India

Some of the commonly required documents to export cosmetics from India are:

1. Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
2. Certificate of Analysis (COA)
3. FDA registration and certification
4. Product labelling as per FDA cosmetic labelling guidelines
5. MSDS

Visit Exports Compliance Dashboard to meet your documentation requirements

How to export cosmetics and beauty
products from India?

Customers today are aware of the importance of organic ingredients in beauty products, providing a great opportunity for environment-friendly, cruelty-free and clean beauty products to be exported from India. Some of the countries that India exports cosmetics and beauty products to are the UAE, the US, France, Japan and the Netherlands. Among the products exported, herbal, organic and Ayurvedic beauty products and cosmetics are popular, known for its natural ingredients and high quality.

Once you’ve obtained the necessary documents for your products and selected the destination region, you can prepare to export from India. E-commerce exports has certainly made selling internationally easier for Indian sellers. With its increasing customer base of millions and seamless registration, Amazon Global Selling enables businesses of all sizes to export Ayurvedic products from India across the world via international marketplaces like the US, the UAE, the UK, Japan and more. Ayurvedic products export from India can be done in a seamless and hassle-free manner with Amazon’s logistics and tools.

One of the 125,000 Indian exporters who has been successfully selling cosmetics and beauty products internationally is WOW Skin Science. An established beauty brand, it truly offers the best of both worlds in its products, combining Ayurvedic formulas with Western herbal preparations. Since its first product launch in 2016, the brand has continued to export skincare - premium, vegan and cruelty-free products. With their passion and Amazon Global Selling’s assistance and platform, WOW Skin Science took consumer products from India across the world.

I couldn’t be prouder that WOW is one of the best-selling shampoos on Amazon. With close to 11,000 reviews and a 4-star average rating, we are excited to be one of the fastest-growing shampoo brands and a natural beauty staple in every household worldwide
Ashwin SokkeFounder, WOW Skin Science

Following are the steps to help you start a cosmetics and beauty products export business:

Register your business

First, you must register your export business with Amazon Global Selling. You don’t have to be an existing Amazon India seller. The registration can be done online on Seller Central.
• ID proof (Aadhar, driving license or passport)
• PAN
• Credit or debit card (internationally enabled)

List your products

Once you have successfully registered to sell globally on Amazon, you can list your products. Remember to follow tips on how to list your products include attractive pictures and descriptions that’s clear to international customers. You can also seek help from third party service providers.

Ship and receive payments

Once a customer places an order, you can choose to deliver by yourself or you can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). Under FBA, Amazon takes care of shipping, delivery, returns and customer concerns. Once a customer purchases your product, Amazon credits the money in your bank account in the currency of your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need a license to sell homemade cosmetics from India?

A license is required for cosmetic product manufacturing and to sell them in or outside India according to Drug and Cosmetics Act, 1940³.

What are the top 3 destinations where India exports Cosmetics to?

Some of the top countries that India exports cosmetics to are the USA, Brazil, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands⁴.

Is FDA approval needed for cosmetics?

Cosmetic and beauty products that have any color additives and chemicals used require FDA registration and approval. The FDA product labelling guidelines must also be followed.

Published on May 20, 2022.

Sources:
1. https://www.statista.com/statistics/652439/export-value-of-cosmetics-and-toiletries-india/
2. https://nacin.gov.in/resources/file/e-books/E-book%20No.05%20on%20Material%20Safety%20Data%20Sheets%20(MSDS).pdf
3. https://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/A1940-23.pdf
4. https://commerce.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/MOC_637050100118245496_CHEMEXCIL.pdf

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