Yes, an Indian perfume, attar or candle brand can buy fragrance oils from a UAE supplier: you need an Importer Exporter Code (IEC), the right customs classification, a Bill of Entry when the goods land, and a clear answer on whether CDSCO cosmetics rules apply to your shipment. The supplier's job is to send the paperwork your customs broker and your own licence file depend on.
Below are the steps, the documents to ask for, and the official Indian pages to check. We link to them instead of quoting duty rates.
Quick specs
- MOQ: none on in stock oils. Oils not in stock start at 5 kg.
- Sizes: 100 ml, 500 ml, 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg and 50 kg.
- Samples: 10 ml at AED 45 (about USD 12).
- Documents: IFRA certificate, SDS and COA on request.
- Shipping: worldwide from the UAE, including India. Orders of USD 300 or more ship free.
Step by step: importing fragrance oil into India
| Step | What it means for you | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Get an IEC | DGFT states that no import shall be made without an IEC unless specifically exempted. Since GST, the IEC is the same as your firm's PAN, but you still apply for it separately. | DGFT IEC page |
| 2. Classify the oil | Fragrance oil blends sit under heading 3302 of the Indian tariff. Mixtures used as a perfume base include 3302 90 11, synthetic perfumery compounds. Your customs broker confirms the exact 8 digit code and the current duty | Chapter 33 schedule (DGCI&S) |
| 3. Check CDSCO rules | Under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, no cosmetic may be imported unless it is registered (Form COS 2). Making cosmetics for sale in India needs a State licence (Form COS 8) | Cosmetics Rules, 2020 (CDSCO) |
| 4. Decide on CEPA | The India UAE CEPA entered into force on 1 May 2022. Preferential treatment needs goods of UAE origin with a certificate of origin from the UAE authority | PIB release, Dubai Customs policy |
| 5. File the Bill of Entry | You or your broker file the Bill of Entry for home consumption on ICEGATE, with the invoice and supporting documents | ICEGATE web forms manual |
Which rules apply to your product
Perfume and body mist brands: your finished product is a cosmetic. If you make it in India, the Cosmetics Rules, 2020 require a State manufacturing licence, records of raw materials for each batch, and testing of each batch or lot of raw materials. A supplier COA helps with that file.
Attar brands: if you plan to bottle the oil as it is and sell it, note that the Rules separately cover imports of bulk finished formulation ready to fill. That registration application also needs a State manufacturing licence and the Indian brand owner's details. Ask CDSCO or your broker how your shipment will be treated before the first order.
Candle and diffuser makers: the IEC, classification and Bill of Entry steps still apply. Our guide to IFRA categories explains how to read it, and our wax melt dosage guide covers how much oil to use.
Documents to ask your UAE supplier for
- Commercial invoice and packing list: for the Bill of Entry.
- SDS: for safe handling. Section 14 shows the transport classification your courier or forwarder will ask about.
- IFRA certificate: the maximum use level for each product type.
- COA: batch test results for your raw material records.
- Certificate of origin: only if you want to claim CEPA preference. Ask before you order whether the supplier can issue one for your goods.
A simple order plan
- Get your IEC and appoint a customs broker.
- Order 10 ml samples and test them in your own base. Our guide on testing samples first shows how.
- Send the SDS and the 3302 classification to your broker for a duty estimate.
- Place the bulk order once paperwork and samples are approved.
Comparing local options? See our roundup of fragrance oil suppliers in India.
Ordering from Aroma Labs
We make our oils in our own factory in Sharjah, UAE, and ship worldwide. We supply fragrance oils only: 100% concentrate, no DPG and no fixatives, and they work in alcohol based perfumes. To shortlist scents, start with our best sellers.
FAQ
Do I need an IEC to import fragrance oil into India?
Yes, unless you are specifically exempted. DGFT says no import shall be made without an IEC.
Which HS code covers fragrance oil?
Fragrance blends used as raw materials fall under heading 3302. Perfume base mixtures include 3302 90 11, synthetic perfumery compounds.
Does CEPA mean I pay no duty on oil from the UAE?
Not automatically. Preference applies only to goods that meet the CEPA origin rules and arrive with a valid certificate of origin. Check the current rate for your code with your broker.
Do fragrance oils need CDSCO registration?
Cosmetics imported into India need registration under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, including bulk formulation ready to fill. Whether your raw oil shipment counts depends on how it is declared and used, so confirm with CDSCO or your broker.
Can I test samples before a bulk order?
Yes. Our 10 ml samples are AED 45 each, and in stock oils have no minimum order. For a quote, email ankit@aromalabs.store with the oils, sizes and your city.
