How to set up a Cosmetics & Toiletries business in Bangladesh
We help cosmetics and toiletries manufacturers, importers and brand owners with DGDA and BSTI approvals, product labelling, trademarks and distribution agreements.
A booming consumer market with new rules
Demand for personal-care products — soaps, shampoos, skincare and cosmetics — is growing quickly in Bangladesh, served by both local manufacturers and importers.
Cosmetics are now regulated alongside medicines under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 2023, while many toiletries also fall under mandatory BSTI standards. Correct registration and compliant labels are essential before products reach the shelf.
Key steps to get started
Company Formation
Incorporate with RJSC and obtain a trade licence, e-TIN and BIN.
Factory or Import Route
Decide whether to manufacture locally, contract-manufacture or import finished products.
DGDA Licensing
Obtain the cosmetics manufacturing or import licence and product registration as required.
BSTI Certification
Certification mark for products covered by mandatory BSTI standards.
Labelling & Brand
Compliant labels and trademark registration for your brands.
Distribution
Distributor, retail and e-commerce agreements.
What you are likely to need
Requirements depend on the scale, location and structure of your business. Common approvals include:
- RJSC incorporation & trade licence
- e-TIN & VAT/BIN registration
- DGDA cosmetics licence / registration
- BSTI certification mark (listed products)
- Environmental clearance & DIFE licence (factories)
- Fire licence
- IRC & ERC
- Trademark registration
Key laws & regulators
- Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 2023
- Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution Act, 2018
- Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009
- Trademarks Act, 2009
- Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995
- Import and Export (Control) Act, 1950
- Companies Act, 1994
- Regulators: DGDA, BSTI, DoE, DNCRP
Your legal partner from day one
We advise on the right structure — company, branch, liaison office or joint venture.
We handle name clearance, RJSC incorporation and constitutional documents.
We obtain sector licences, registrations and regulatory approvals.
We support ongoing filings, contracts, employment and disputes.
Frequently asked questions
Do imported cosmetics need registration?
Imported cosmetics are subject to regulatory requirements under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 2023 and, for some products, BSTI standards. We check each product.
Which toiletries need BSTI certification?
Several common toiletries such as soaps, toothpaste and shampoos fall under mandatory standards. We confirm against the current list.
Can I contract-manufacture my brand?
Yes. A clear contract-manufacturing agreement should cover quality, regulatory responsibility and IP ownership.
Speak with our legal team
Tell us about your matter. A Premier Law Services lawyer will review it and advise you on the right next step — in person at our Dhaka chamber or online.