CENTRAL DRUG STANDARD CONTROL ORGANIZATION

Simplifying CDSCO Registration for Importers

Navigate India's rigorous regulatory landscape. We provide end-to-end licensing for Medical Devices (MD-14), Drugs (Form 10), and Cosmetics (Form 43) via the SUGAM portal.

Regulatory Assessment

Determine your product class and license type.

Why is CDSCO Approval Mandatory?

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) is India's national regulatory body for pharmaceuticals and medical devices. To ensure patient safety, the import, manufacture, and sale of Drugs, Cosmetics, and Medical Devices are regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.


Any entity wishing to import these products must register the foreign manufacturing site and the specific products with the CDSCO. For foreign manufacturers, appointing an Indian Authorized Agent (IAA) holding a valid wholesale license is a mandatory prerequisite.

MD Rules, 2017

Medical Device Registration

Risk-based classification system (Class A to D).

Class A

Low Risk

Thermometers, Bandages, Cotton Wool.

Class B

Low-Moderate Risk

Hypodermic Needles, BP Monitors, Ultrasound.

Class C

Moderate-High Risk

Dialysis Equipment, Bone Fixation, X-Ray.

Class D

High Risk

Heart Valves, Stents, Pacemakers.

Import License (MD-14)

  • Mandatory for importing Class A, B, C, & D devices.
  • Requires Power of Attorney from foreign manufacturer.
  • Valid ISO 13485 certificate required.
  • Free Sale Certificate (FSC) from GHTF countries.

Drugs & APIs

Import of drugs requires a dual registration process involving the registration of the manufacturing site and the specific drug products.

Form 41

Registration Certificate for foreign manufacturing site and products.

Form 10

Import License for actual import of consignments.

Test License (Form 11)

For importing small quantities for Testing, Analysis, or Clinical Trials.

Cosmetics

All imported cosmetics must be registered under Form 43 via the SUGAM portal. Labels must comply with Indian standards.

  • Skin care, Hair care, Make-up products.
  • Ingredient review against "Negative List".
  • Heavy metal testing reports.
  • Undertaking for no animal testing.

Form 43 Registration

Mandatory for every brand and variant.

Register Cosmetics
Checklist

Critical Documents

Power of Attorney

Executed by the foreign manufacturer authorizing the Indian Agent to act on their behalf. Must be apostilled/legalized.

Free Sale Cert (FSC)

Proof that the product is freely sold in the country of origin. Preferably from GHTF countries (USA, EU, Japan, etc.).

Plant Master File

Detailed Site Master File (SMF) describing the manufacturing facility, layout, and quality control systems.

Workflow

SUGAM Portal Registration

1

Sign Up

Create account on SUGAM portal as Importer/Authorized Agent.

2

Dossier

Prepare technical dossier (Device Master File) & legal documents.

3

Filing

Submit application online and pay official government fees.

4

Query

Respond to technical queries raised by CDSCO officers.

Grant

Import License (MD-14 / Form 10 / Form 43) generated.

Professional Consultancy

CDSCO Registration

End-to-End Support

₹ 15,000

+ GST (Per Application)

  • Classification Advice
  • Authorized Agent Service
  • Dossier Preparation
  • Query Resolution
  • SUGAM Portal Mgmt
Start Clearance

*Government fees are additional and vary by product class ($50 - $1000+).

Why CloudDesk for CDSCO Compliance?

Pharma and Medical imports are 'Zero-Error' zones. A single typo in a chemical formula or a missing stability report will freeze your supply chain.

1. SUGAM Portal Mastery

We manage your entire profile on the SUGAM Portal. In 2026, this portal is linked to ICEGATE SWIFT 2.0. When you file a Bill of Entry, the Customs system checks the CDSCO database for your specific Batch Number and Expiry Date.

2. Authorized Agent (AA) Services

Foreign manufacturers must appoint a local Authorized Agent with a valid wholesale drug license. CloudDesk provides this legal representation, ensuring that you can enter the Indian market without setting up a full subsidiary.

3. Post-Import Compliance

CDSCO isn't over at the port. We manage the Post-Market Surveillance (PMS) reports, Adverse Event reporting, and the mandatory Retention of Samples for every batch imported.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the risk-based classification for Medical Devices in 2026?

Class A: Low Risk (e.g., Absorbent cotton, Surgical tape).
Class B: Low-Moderate Risk (e.g., Needles, Catheters).
Class C: Moderate-High Risk (e.g., Bone bolts, Lenses).
Class D: High Risk (e.g., Heart valves, Pacemakers).

Can I import "Unapproved" drugs for personal use?

Yes, via Form 12A. You can import small quantities for personal use with a valid doctor's prescription, but this is restricted to non-commercial use.

Do I need a CDSCO license for "Diagnostic Kits"?

Yes. In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) are treated as medical devices. Depending on the disease they detect (e.g., HIV/Malaria), they are usually Class C or D.

How long is a CDSCO Registration Certificate (RC) valid?

In 2026, the RC is valid perpetually, provided the Retention Fee is paid every five years. CloudDesk's "Compliance Calendar" manages these fee payments for you.

What are the government fees for Medical Device Import?

It varies by class. For Class A, it's approximately $1,000, scaling up significantly for Class D. CloudDesk provides an exact Fee Estimator based on your product specs.

What is a "Dual-Use" NOC?

If you import a chemical that could be used as a drug but you are using it for industrial purposes, you need a Dual-Use NOC from the CDSCO to clear Customs.