Building BusinessServices

Section 14

Cosmetics and toiletries

India’s exports: 2,729.66 US$ million · 2025-26 (provisional)

HS codes
3
top markets
5

How to start

  1. Get an Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT online; it is free and linked to your PAN.
  2. Register with CHEMEXCIL and get your RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate) through the DGFT e-RCMC system.
  3. Contract manufacturing for overseas private labels needs less marketing money than your own brand.
  4. Herbal soaps and hair oils sell to the Indian diaspora and Africa; start with an importer there.

Top buyer countries

  1. United States47.25 US$ million · 2025-26
  2. United Arab Emirates40.17 US$ million · 2025-26
  3. Nepal36.26 US$ million · 2025-26
  4. Singapore28.62 US$ million · 2025-26
  5. Hong Kong11.44 US$ million · 2025-26

Certificates and registrations

  • Cosmetic manufacturing licence from the State Licensing Authority under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020
  • Product notification in the target market (EU CPNP with a Responsible Person; US MoCRA facility registration and listing)
  • ISO 22716 (cosmetic GMP) for brand buyers

Watch out for

  • Banned and restricted ingredient lists differ by country; check every formula.
  • Some ingredients may make the product an AYUSH medicine; classify it correctly.

Businesses in the encyclopedia

Bath Soap Manufacturing Unit →Face Cream & Cleansing Lotion Unit →Ayurvedic Hair Oil →Herbal Toothpaste Manufacturing →Perfume Manufacturing →

Sources (3)
  1. TradeStat, Department of Commerce — Export: Principal Commodity-wise, April–March 2026 (provisional), US$ million — row "I5, COSMETICS AND TOILETRIES"
  2. TradeStat (Export Import Data Bank), Department of Commerce — Commodity-wise all countries export, HS 3304, 2025-26, US$ million · 2025-26
  3. HBP Appendix 2T — List of EPCs / Commodity Boards (DGFT), via research/export-import.json · 2023