DGFT Services & Foreign Trade Compliance
Omega QMS provides end-to-end regulatory support for cosmetic products entering the Indian market. Whether you’re importing or manufacturing locally, we handle every aspect of compliance so you can focus on your business.
For Foreign Brands and Importers
Import Registration (Form COS-1 / COS-2)
Foreign cosmetic manufacturers and brands seeking to import products into India must obtain Import Registration from CDSCO. This involves submitting comprehensive documentation and obtaining a certificate (Form COS-2) that authorizes import and sale in India.
Our Import Registration Services Include:
- Pre-filing eligibility assessment and product classification
- Complete documentation preparation and submission via SUGAM portal
- Liaison with CDSCO officials and response to queries
- Coordination of product testing at NABL-accredited laboratories
- Authorized Indian Agent representation (if required)
- Post-approval support and ongoing compliance management
Authorized Indian Agent Services
Foreign manufacturers without an Indian office are required to appoint an Authorized Indian Agent to act as their local representative for regulatory matters. Omega QMS serves as your authorized agent, managing all interactions with CDSCO, maintaining compliance documentation, and ensuring timely renewals.
For Indian Manufacturers
Manufacturing License (Form COS-5 / COS-8)
Indian manufacturers of cosmetic products must obtain a Manufacturing License from the respective State Licensing Authority (SLA) . This license certifies that your facility meets Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and is authorized to produce cosmetic products for sale in India.
Our Manufacturing License Services Include:
- GMP compliance assessment and implementation support
- Facility layout plan preparation and submission
- Application preparation and submission to State Licensing Authority
- Coordination of facility inspections and regulatory audits
- Post-approval changes (PAC) and additional product permissions
- License renewal support and compliance monitoring
Label Compliance and Review
Cosmetic labels must comply with Rule 34 of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020 , BIS standards, and Legal Metrology requirements. Non-compliant labeling can result in product seizure, penalties, and damage to brand reputation.
Our Label Compliance Services Include:
- Comprehensive label review for regulatory compliance
- Ingredient list formatting as per Indian standards
- MRP declaration and Legal Metrology compliance
- Manufacturer/importer address and contact information verification
- Claims substantiation and advertising compliance
- Multi-language labeling support (if required)
Product Testing and Safety Assessment
CDSCO requires product testing to ensure safety, quality, and compliance with Indian standards. Testing must be conducted at NABL-accredited laboratories or BIS-recognized international labs.
Our Testing Coordination Services Include:
- Identification of applicable test requirements based on product category
- Coordination with NABL-accredited laboratories for testing
- Review of test reports for completeness and compliance
- Heavy metal testing and microbiological analysis
- Stability testing and shelf-life determination
Post-Approval and Lifecycle Management
Cosmetic registration and licenses require ongoing compliance, renewals, and updates for product changes. We provide comprehensive post-approval support to ensure your business remains compliant throughout the product lifecycle.
Our Post-Approval Services Include:
- License and registration renewals
- Post-Approval Changes (PAC) for formula modifications, manufacturing site changes, and label updates
- Additional product variant registrations
- Regulatory intelligence and updates on changes to cosmetic regulations
- Market surveillance and compliance monitoring
Omega QMS provides comprehensive DGFT consultancy services to help businesses unlock export opportunities, maximize incentive benefits, and ensure full compliance with India’s foreign trade regulations. From obtaining your first Import Export Code to managing complex EPCG schemes and duty drawback claims, we handle every aspect of your DGFT compliance journey.
Export Promotion Duty Exemption Schemes
Advance Authorization
Duty-free import of raw materials, components, and consumables for export manufacturing.
- SION (Standard Input Output Norms) basis authorization
- Self-Declaration basis with technical documentation
- Annual Advance Authorization for regular exporters
- Input-output norm calculation and application preparation
- Export obligation fulfillment tracking and monitoring
- Export Obligation Discharge Certificate (EODC) support
- Extension, re-fixation, transfer, and amendment services
EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods)
Zero duty import of capital goods, machinery, equipment, and spares for export production.
- EPCG authorization application and documentation
- Capital goods identification and eligibility assessment
- Export obligation calculation and compliance monitoring
- Authorization amendment and item addition
- Export obligation discharge and closure support
- Extension applications with composition fee payment
- Conversion to duty-paid status and regularization
Duty Drawback (DBK)
Refund of customs and excise duties on inputs used in export manufacturing.
- All Industry Rate (AIR) Drawback: Claims filing and disbursement follow-up
- Brand Rate Fixation: Application to CBIC with costing, documentation, and CA certification
- Special Brand Rate: Expedited fixation for time-sensitive exports
- Rate comparison and optimal scheme selection (AIR vs Brand Rate)
- Representation in scrutiny or rejection cases
RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes)
Refund of embedded central, state, and local duties/taxes not covered by GST or other schemes.
- RoDTEP eligibility verification and rate applicability analysis
- Scrip claim filing and issuance tracking
- Scrip utilization and transfer guidance
- Integration with shipping bills and customs documentation
- RoDTEP vs Duty Drawback rate comparison for maximum benefit
Import Licenses Authorizations
Restricted Import Licenses
- ITC (HS) classification and restricted item identification
- License application preparation with end-use certification
- Inter-ministerial approval coordination
- License amendments and quantity/value modifications
SCOMET Authorization
- Dual-use item classification and SCOMET applicability assessment
- Authorization application with end-user certification
- Technical documentation and product specifications
- DGFT and Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) liaison
- Export control compliance and reporting
Monitoring Systems Registration
- CHIMS: Chemicals Import Monitoring System registration
- SIMS: Steel Import Monitoring System compliance
- PIMS: Paper Import Monitoring System registration
- NFMIMS: Non-Ferrous Metals Import Monitoring System
- CIMS: Coal Import Monitoring System
Status Holder Certificates
- Export performance calculation and eligibility assessment
- Status Holder Certificate application (Export House, Star Export House, Trading House)
- Export turnover documentation and bank certification
- Certificate renewal and upgradation support
- Benefits utilization guidance (customs exemptions, EPCG enhancements, priority clearance)
Compliance & Documentation Services
Certificate of Origin (CoO)
- Non-Preferential CoO for general trade
- Preferential CoO for FTA benefits (SAFTA, ASEAN, Korea CEPA, etc.)
- GSP CoO (Form A) for GSP countries
- Rules of origin analysis and compliance verification
- Electronic CoO (eCoO) filing support
- Preferential tariff optimization under Free Trade Agreements
Why Choose Omega QMS for DGFT Services?
Our Unique Strengths
- Proven Regulatory Expertise: With decades of experience in navigating India’s complex regulatory landscape, our team includes former BIS officers and technical experts who understand government processes inside and out.
- End-to-End Support: We manage the entire compliance journey from initial consultation to post-approval lifecycle management, so you can focus on your business.
- Strategic Location in New Delhi: Our presence in India’s regulatory capital ensures direct access to CDSCO, SLAs, and other government authorities, enabling faster query resolution and smoother approvals.
- Transparent Communication: We provide clear timelines, regular progress updates, and honest assessments of your application status. No surprises.
- Multi-Industry Experience: Our work across electronics, chemicals, steel, textiles, and other sectors gives us a broad perspective on Indian regulatory compliance, which we apply to cosmetic services.
Export Incentive Maximization
- Analyze your export operations to identify all eligible benefits
- Perform rate comparison (RoDTEP vs Duty Drawback, AIR vs Brand Rate)
- Optimal scheme selection based on import requirements and export plans
- Cash flow optimization through duty savings and incentive timing
- Export obligation monitoring to avoid penalties and ensure compliance
End-to-End Compliance Management
- Complete documentation support from application to approval
- Export obligation fulfillment tracking and discharge certification
- Extension and regularization applications for non-fulfillment cases
- Representation in DGFT hearings and dispute resolution
- Periodic compliance audits and benefit realization reviews
Get Started with DGFT Compliance Today
Whether you’re a first-time exporter or an established export house, Omega QMS is your trusted partner for DGFT compliance and export incentive optimization. Our consultants work closely with you to unlock export opportunities, maximize duty savings, and accelerate export growth.
Ready to maximize your export benefits? contact us today for a comprehensive consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs an Import Export Code (IEC)?
Every business engaged in import or export of goods or services must have a valid IEC. This includes importers, exporters, e-commerce sellers, manufacturers, and trading companies. Without IEC, customs will not clear shipments and banks cannot process foreign exchange transactions.
Exemptions: Individuals importing/exporting for personal use, government departments, and diplomatic missions are exempt.
Omega QMS provides complete IEC registration support including documentation, application filing, and certificate issuance.
What is the difference between Advance Authorization and EPCG?
Advance Authorization is for duty-free import of raw materials and inputs used in export manufacturing. Export obligation is based on FOB value.
EPCG is for zero duty import of capital goods and machinery for export production. Export obligation is 6 times the duty saved, to be fulfilled over 6 years.
Key difference: Advance Auth is for consumables/inputs; EPCG is for capital equipment. Omega QMS helps you select the optimal scheme based on your requirements.
Should I claim RoDTEP or Duty Drawback?
You cannot claim both on the same export. Choose based on which provides higher benefits:
RoDTEP: Refunds embedded state/local taxes not covered by GST. Best if you source inputs domestically or use duty-free imports.
Duty Drawback: Refunds customs/excise duty paid on imported inputs. Best if you paid significant import duty and the DBK rate exceeds RoDTEP rate.
Omega QMS performs rate comparison analysis to determine which scheme maximizes your export incentives.
What if I cannot fulfill export obligation?
Non-fulfillment results in customs duty liability, interest, penalties, and potential legal action. However, DGFT provides regularization options:
- Extension: EO period can be extended with composition fee payment
- Re-fixation: EO adjusted if inputs unutilized or product changed
- Duty Payment: Convert to duty-paid status by paying saved duty plus interest
- Deemed Exports: Supplies to SEZ/EOU may count towards EO (subject to conditions)
Omega QMS provides proactive EO monitoring and prepares extension/regularization applications to avoid penalties.
Is RCMC mandatory for exports?
RCMC is mandatory for availing DGFT export promotion schemes like Advance Authorization, EPCG, and Status Holder recognition. It’s NOT required for basic exports using only IEC.
RCMC is issued by Export Promotion Councils (FIEO, TEXPROCIL, EEPC, etc.) relevant to your product category. If you export diverse products, you may need multiple RCMCs.
Omega QMS handles RCMC registration from all major EPCs, ensuring timely issuance for your scheme applications.
What are Status Holder benefits?
Status Holder Certificates (Export House, Star Export House) provide significant advantages:
- Priority Customs Clearance: Fast-track clearance (Green Channel)
- Reduced Export Obligation: EPCG EO reduced to 75% (4.5x instead of 6x duty saved)
- Bank Guarantee Exemption: No guarantee required for many schemes
- Self-Certification: Advance Authorization on self-declaration without scrutiny
- Trade Delegations: Priority in government trade missions and fairs
Eligibility: Based on export turnover (₹100 crore+ for One Star, ₹500 crore+ for Two Star, etc.)
Omega QMS assists with Status Holder applications and helps maximize benefits utilization.
