Nowadays, every other person is struggling with the concern of hair loss. As the stress is increasing and their lifestyle is becoming faster, this problem is arising more among the population. Meanwhile, the demand for hair growth supplements has also increased. There are many companies that have started importing hair growth supplements in India, but their process is as simple as you think. There is a special rule here that needs to be understood; otherwise, your product may get stuck before coming to the market.
If you are also thinking of importing hair growth supplements, then this guide is for you!
Understand the Hair Growth Supplements Market in India
In India, the hair care and hair supplements market is growing rapidly. Now, people have started giving more importance to hair care than before. That’s why you will get a wide variety of hair supplements in the market, like biotin-based, vitamin A, E, minerals, zinc, etc. Most people prefer taking capsules, pills, and tablets, because they are easy to consume and also give results.
Market Growth: After 2003, the demand has increased among every age group, especially in the age group of 18 to 35.
Product Distribution: Supplements are strongly sold in both the online and offline markets. After COVID, online channels have got a better edge over the offline market for better and more sales.
Popular Ingredients: Ingredients like Biotin, Collagen, keratin protein, and supplements containing these ingredients are getting more attention due to their effective results in hair loss.
Import Regulations - What to look for
The cosmetic supplements and food supplements are borderline and to import hair growth supplements you must know about the legislation relating both to the cosmetic and food supplements. Cosmetics in India come under the Drug & Cosmetics Act,1940. Importation of cosmetics should be subjected to a CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization) registration.
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Key steps for importing:
Product Classification: You need to check whether your products fall under the cosmetic category or the natural supplements category. - CDSCO Registration (Cosmetic):
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- The Registration Form COS-1/COS-2 has to be filled out on the online portal.
- All documents of the product have to be uploaded: manufacturing license, power of attorney (in the name of the Indian Agent), ingredient list, product testing protocol, labels, market authorization letter, safety data, etc.
- It is compulsory to appoint an agent who has a valid wholesale license.
- After getting approvals, you get a registration certificate. This gives you safe entry into the Indian market.
- FSSAI License (For Supplements): If your supplements are edible, like capsules or tablets, then FSSAI approval is also necessary. In this case, you need to provide the safety and efficacy proof of the ingredients.
Labeling & Packaging Rules:
There is no compromise in labeling. Indian regulations are very specific. Every imported cosmetics and supplements have correct and clearly visible labels on them, including:
Brand and trade name.
- Name and address of manufacturer.
- Name and address of the Importer.
- Batch number, manufacturing date, and expiry date.
- Directions for use & warning (if any).
- It should have a Maximum Retail Price label.
Product Testing - No compromise on Quality
Sometimes, when imported cosmetics or supplements reach India, they are tested by the Central Drugs Laboratory or in any accredited lab. If there is any doubt regarding safety or efficacy, then the product is stopped or may have to be sent back.
Market Insights: Which type of supplements are selling the mos
There should be a clear understanding of which supplements have more demand in the market. Now, people tend to give more preference to a product that is based on clinical trials, evidence-based supplements, and scientifically proven ingredients.
