The Gujarat Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA) has launched an online licensing system for cosmetics for the first time in India. Developed jointly by the team of National Informatics Centre (NIC) and the Gujarat FDCA, the system can be accessed through the URL -cosmla.gujarat.gov.in.
The new online system is in line with the New Cosmetics Rules, 2020 which became effective from December 15, 2020. The system will offer transparency, accountability, reduction in red-tapism, ease in data retrieval and faster approval process with less manpower required. This online application system will ensure that there is no need of physical contact backed with paperless procedure and online payment system.
“Besides the advantages of the system, the system will enhance stakeholder satisfaction with the Government. We are doing a trial run of the online system starting from December 1, 2022 for a period of one month to gauge the experience of the 850 manufacturers across the state. We will seek their suggestions based on the trial run to improve the system and remove the discrepancies based on the requirement,” informed Dr HG Koshia, Commissioner, Gujarat FDCA.
The unique features of the system includes online fresh license application, additional product permission, retention application, license amendment - change in constitution, change in place and change in name, technical person approval, certificates and legacy data.
As per the New Cosmetics Rules, 2020, no prior inspection is required. A document verification license is granted within 45 days of application received based on an undertaking.
On receipt of license copy, applicants may manufacture cosmetics after uploading a copy on Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) website.
Within a period of 30 days, the State Licensing Authority (SLA) will inspect the site for verification of information as per the GMP compliance. If authorities fail to inspect the site within a 30 days period, the license is deemed to be valid.
The new rules also stipulate joint inspection with CDSCO once in three years and also risk based inspection by the Central Licensing Authority (CLA).