Learn about CDSCO registration and regulatory requirements for personal protective equipment in India. UMSPCS helps manufacturers and importers with compliance.
CDSCO Certification for Personal Protective Equipment
CDSCO Certification for Personal Protective Equipment
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CDSCO Certification for Personal Protective Equipment Manufacturers & Importers
When a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) article is to be used in protecting health care workers, patients, or other users from infection, contamination, radiation, and other hazards, compliance with the regulatory requirements necessitates that the article is of high quality for it to be available for sale in the market.
Being part of regulations as applicable in certain instances, some forms of PPE have been classified by the CDSCO as medical devices under the Medical Devices Rules, 2017 (MDR 2017) classification list and include items like face shields, respirators, surgical gloves, gowns, PPE kits, and others under it.
A thorough understanding of the classification of products for testing, licensing, documentation, and related obligations is therefore essential for manufacturers and exporters before they undertake the process of commercialisation.
The blog sets out the entire regulatory route for obtaining CDSCO certification for personal protective equipment, covering the requirements, the documents needed, the procedure, the
What Does CDSCO Certification of Personal Protective Equipment Entail?
Ordinarily, to obtain the CDSCO certification for personal protective equipment, the relevant regulatory approval or license must be obtained from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization in case of PPE falling under medical device regulation.
The regulation of medical devices in India by CDSCO is enabled by the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, as well as the Medical Devices Rules of 2017. The regulatory framework uses risk-based classification:
Risk Class | Risk Level |
Class A | Low risk |
Class B | Low-moderate risk |
Class C | Moderate-high risk |
Class D | High risk |
The importance of the classification lies in the fact that the licensing authority, the application pathway, the technical requirements, and the degree of regulatory scrutiny all vary depending on the device class.

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What PPE Products Might be Covered by the CDSCO?
The notification from CDSCO regarding PPE classifications covers a variety of products and designates them according to their intended use and the level of risk involved. For example:
- PPE kits - Class B
- Surgical gowns - sterile and non-sterile
- Isolation gowns
- Patient gowns
- Professional examination gowns
- Face shields
- Particular respirators/medical-grade masks
- Nitrile gloves
- Latex surgical gloves
- Non-latex surgical gloves
- Radiation protection gloves
- Radiation protection aprons
- Surgical helmets and caps
- Operating-room shoe covers
For instance, the classification document of CDSCO lists PPE kits as belonging to Class B, whereas various individual protective products are given a classification of Class A or B according to their intended use.
CDSCO Certification in India: Legal Framework You Need to Know
The structure of regulation is mainly governed by the rules on Medical Devices from 2017, issued under the Administration of Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940. The MDR 2017 regulates the manufacture, import, sale, and distribution of regulated medical devices in India.
CDSCO also has classification notices, application checklists, guidance documents, grouping guidance, essential principles regarding safety and performance, and other regulatory resources for medical devices.
For PPE manufacturers and importers, the regulatory review generally involves:
- Product identification
- Medical-device classification
- Applicable standards and safety requirements
- Testing and technical documentation
- Manufacturing/import licensing
- Labelling and packaging compliance
Post-market regulatory obligations
Manufacturer vs Importer: Which CDSCO Route Applies?
Whether or not the personal protective equipment is made in India or is imported from another country determines which regulatory route is taken.
For Indian Manufacturers
The State Licensing Authority is in charge of the manufacturing licensing procedure for Class A and B medical devices, whereas the Central Licensing Authority is responsible for that of Class C and D.
The CDSCO says that applications for the manufacture of Class C and D devices must be submitted through the SUGAM online system via the specified forms, whereas the MDR 2017 offers the appropriate licensing framework for Class A and B manufacturing.
For Importers
The import of medical devices is controlled by the Central Licensing Authority, which requires an application in Form MD-14 in order to obtain an import licence in Form MD-15
Foreign manufacturers also need to have an appropriate arrangement through an Indian authorised agent or representative in order to deal with the regulatory process.
Basic Requirements for CDSCO PPE Certification
Before applying for CDSCO Certification for Personal Protective Equipment, manufacturers and importers should prepare the following:
- Correct product classification
- Defined intended use
- Product specifications
- Manufacturing-site information
- Applicable test reports
- Quality-management documentation
- Device master/technical documentation
- Labelling and packaging details
- Instructions for use, where applicable
- Risk-management information
- Declaration of conformity and applicable regulatory declarations
- Foreign manufacturer and authorised-agent documents for imports
- Free Sale Certificate or equivalent supporting documents, where applicable
- Details of standards followed for safety and performance
The specific requirements will depend on the type of product, its classification, the method of manufacturing and the route of administration.
List of Medical Devices Under CDSCO Certification for Personal Protective Equipment
S.No. | Medical Device Name | Intended Use | Risk Class |
1 | Garment, Protective for Incontinence | Intended to protect an incontinent patient's garment from the patient's excreta. | A |
2 | Biosanitizer for Medical Devices | Intended for surface disinfection of medical devices, non-porous hard surfaces, medical equipment, units, as well as in-depth cleaning of small surfaces. | B |
3 | Face shield | Intended to protect the wearer's entire face (or part of it) from hazards such as chemical splashes (in laboratories or in industry), or potentially infectious materials (in medical and laboratory environments). | A |
4 | Latex surgical glove | Natural rubber-based glove intended to protect the patient and wearer from cross-infection when used in medical or dental surgery. | B |
5 | Non-latex surgical glove | Synthetic material glove intended to protect the patient and wearer from cross-infection when used in medical or dental surgery. | B |
6 | Radiation protection gloves | A personal protection device that completely protects the hands of the operator and other personnel from unnecessary exposure to primary radiation and scattered radiation associated with diagnosis and therapeutic measures. | A |
7 | Partial hand radiation protector | A flat pad with straps or partial gloves that protect part of hands and fingers from unnecessary exposure to primary radiation and scattered radiation associated with diagnosis and therapeutic measures. | A |
8 | Radiation protection apron | A standard length or half-length apron to protect the patient, the operator, and other personnel from radiation exposure during a medical or dental procedure. Some have a fixed or removable collar to protect the neck and thyroid. | A |
9 | Radiation protection mitten | A personal protection device that protects the hands of the operator and other personnel from unnecessary exposure to primary radiation and scattered radiation associated with diagnosis and therapeutic measures. The mittens are also called mitts, and protect the thumb and other fingers individually or together. | A |
10 | Radiation protection goggles | A personal protection device that protects the eyes of the operator and other personnel from unnecessary exposure to primary radiation and scattered radiation associated with medical/dental procedures for diagnosis and treatment. | A |
11 | Radiation face protector | A transparent or opaque personal protection device that protects the face and eyes of medical personnel and other personnel from unnecessary exposure to primary radiation and scattered radiation associated with diagnosis and treatment. | A |
12 | Operator radiation protection spectacles | A personal protection device that protects the eyes of the operator and other personnel from unnecessary exposure to primary radiation and scattered radiation associated with diagnosis and treatment. The device comes in non-correction (non-prescription) glasses and visual acuity correction (prescription) glasses. | A |
13 | Gonadal radiation protector | A personal protection device that attenuates unnecessary radiation exposure in diagnostic, medical, or dental procedures, and shields the gonads of the patient and the operator. | A |
14 | Radiation protection blanket | A personal protection device that protects specific body parts of the patient, operator, and other personnel from unnecessary radiation exposure in medical/dental procedures for diagnosis and treatment. | A |
15 | Radiation protection collar | A personal protection device that protects the neck or thyroid of the patient, the operator, and other personnel from unnecessary radiation exposure in medical/dental procedures for diagnosis and treatment. | A |
16 | Radiation protection cap | A personal protection device that protects the head of the operator and other personnel from unnecessary exposure to primary radiation and scattered radiation associated with medical procedures for diagnosis and treatment. |
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17 | Mobile radiation protection barrier | A stand-alone, movable barrier that protects the operator etc. from unnecessary exposure to radiation used for medical diagnosis, treatment and dental procedures. | A |
18 | Non-latex medical examination glove | Gloves made of synthetic materials, and used to protect the patient and users from cross-infection during examination, check-up, treatment and handling of contaminated medical materials except for surgery. | A |
19 | Latex medical examination glove | Natural rubber gloves used to protect the patient and users from cross-infection during examination, check-up, treatment and handling of contaminated medical materials except for surgery. | A |
20 | chemotherapy spill clean-up kit | Designed to safely clean and dispose of Chemotherapy drug spills. | A |
21 | Medical/Cadaver Body Bags | Intended for transporting a human corpse without any spread of biohazard/infectious agent. | A |
22 | Surgical gown (Sterile) | A sterile garment made of natural and/or synthetic materials intended for surgical procedures to help protect both the patient and operating room personnel from the transfer of microorganisms, body fluids, and particulate material. | B |
23 | Surgical gown (Non-Sterile) | A non-sterile garment made of natural and/or synthetic materials intended for surgical procedures to help protect both the patient and operating room personnel from the transfer of microorganisms, body fluids, and particulate material. | A |
24 | Isolation Gown) ( Sterile) | A sterile garment made of natural and/or synthetic materials intended to be worn by healthcare providers or visitors to isolate themselves from patients to protect themselves from a contagious agent that has infected the patient. | B |
25 | Isolation Gown (Non-Sterile)
| A non-sterile garment made of natural and/or synthetic materials intended to be worn by healthcare providers or visitors to isolate themselves from patients to protect themselves from a contagious agent that has infected the patient. | A |
26 | Patient Gown | A garment made of natural and/or synthetic materials (e.g., paper, cloth, plastic) intended to be worn by patients in a clinical setting (e.g., during hospitalization, during examination in a doctor's office). A patient gown is usually short-sleeved and may be closed by ties at the back/side of the garment. | A |
27 | Professional Examination Gown | A garment made of natural and/or synthetic materials intended to be worn by healthcare providers, sometimes over scrub suits, while examining patients. It can be fluid-resistant or impervious to fluid. An examination gown is used during patient examination procedures to protect both the patient and staff from the transfer of contaminants such as microorganisms or body fluids. | A |
28 | Personal Protective Equipment | PPE kit used to act as a barrier between infectious materials such as viral and bacterial contaminants and skin, mouth, nose, or eyes. It refers to protective clothing, helmets, gloves, face shields, goggles, facemasks and/or respirators,o r other equipment designed to protect the wearer from injury or the spread of infection or illness. | B |
29 | Surgical Helmet | Intended to protect healthcare workers from contaminants/debris on the head. | A |
30 | Surgical Cap | Intended to protect the face of the patient & the operating room personnel from the transfer of micro-organisms, body fluids & particulate material. | A |
31 | Operating Room Shoes Cover | Intended to be worn by operating room personnel during surgical procedures to protect the feet of both the surgical patient & the operating room personnel from the transfer of micro-organisms, body fluids, and particulate material. | A |
32 | Surgical Drape & Drape Accessories | A surgical drape & drape accessories are devices made of natural or synthetic materials intended to be used as a protective patient covering to isolate a site of surgical incision from microbial & other contamination. | B |
Complete CDSCO Certification Process for Personal Protective Equipment
Step 1: Determine the Classification of the Neurological Device
The following are important items to consider:
Step 2: Generate the Required Documentation
Key Documents May Include:
Step 3: Prepare the CDSCO Application
Key Points:
Step 4: Submit the Application Online
Step 5: CDSCO Scrutiny and Regulatory Assessment
Wherever the CDSCO makes queries or spots any deficiencies, the applicant has to give the necessary clarifications, additional documents, or amended information within the relevant time frame. In some cases, an inspection, audit, or other type of assessment may also be required depending on the device and the regulatory pathway.
Step 6: Grant of CDSCO Licence or Approval
Once the licence has been obtained, the manufacturer or importer must still meet the relevant requirements concerning quality, safety, performance, labelling, record-keeping, and the post-market obligations provided for in the Medical Devices Rules, 2017.
Documents Required for CDSCO Certification for PPE
A typical application may require:
- Letter of covering
- Company constitution
- Proof of ownership of premises
- Plant Master File
- Device master file
- List of essential principles
- Risk management file
- ISO 13485 (quality management system)
- Inspection/Audit report
- Payment receipt (Challan)
- Plan of premises
- Test license on MD13 form
The list of the final documents should always be checked off against the CDSCO checklist, which is currently applicable to that particular device and application.
Personal Protective Equipment Certification Costs according to CDSCO
CDSCO Certification of Personal Protective Equipment costs are not constant and depend on such factors as type of PPE, risk classification, testing requirements, documentation, and whether PPE is manufactured in India or abroad.
Cost Component | Depends On |
Government Fees | Device classification and application type |
Testing & Laboratory | PPE type and applicable testing requirements |
Technical Documentation | Product specifications and regulatory requirements |
Clinical Evaluation | Applicable clinical evidence requirements |
Inspection/Audit | Applicable manufacturing site inspection requirements |
Consultancy | Scope of CDSCO compliance support |
Import Compliance | Foreign manufacturer and Authorised Indian Agent requirements |
Applicable government fees are defined in the Second Schedule of Medical Devices Rules, 2017 and may differ depending on the device classification and regulatory pathway applicable.
CDSCO Certification Schedule for Personal Protective Equipment
The schedule of CDSCO Certification for PPE depends on the classification of the products, completeness of documents, and requirements of testing.
Process Stage | Indicative Timeline |
PPE Classification | 2 - 5 Working Days |
Documentation Preparation | 1 - 3 Weeks |
Application Submission | 2 - 5 Working Days |
Testing & Evaluation | Depends on PPE type |
CDSCO Review | Varies by application |
Licence/Approval | Subject to regulatory review |
Timelines are indicative and can be changed depending on testing requirements, legislative queries, document deficiencies, etc.
Common Challenges Faced by PPE Manufacturers & Importers
Obtaining regulatory approval can become complicated when businesses:
- Select the wrong device classification
- Treat all PPE products as having the same regulatory pathway
- Submit incomplete technical documents
- Use unsuitable or outdated test reports
- Ignore intended-use statements
- Prepare labels without checking regulatory requirements
- Miss CDSCO queries
- Fail to maintain post-approval compliance
- Assume a cosmetic or general consumer product pathway applies to a medical device
It is important to note that the regulatory framework that grants CDSCO certification for cosmetics is different from that used for licensing medical devices. Just because a cosmetic product is marketed for use in personal care or hygiene does not mean that it should be automatically regarded as PPE.
Benefits of CDSCO Certification for PPE Businesses
Regulatory compliance can help manufacturers and importers to:
- Legally enter the Indian regulated medical-device market
- Demonstrate conformity with applicable regulatory requirements
- Build confidence among institutional and healthcare buyers
- Establish a structured product-compliance system
- Support lawful import and distribution
- Reduce delays caused by incomplete applications
- Maintain documentation for regulatory inspections and surveillance
What Makes UMSPCS the Choice for CDSCO Certification in India?
UMSPCS provides businesses with assistance regarding regulatory compliance, certification, registration, documentation, the coordination of testing, audits, and the fulfillment of ongoing regulatory requirements.
For PPE manufacturers and importers, UMSPCS can assist with:
- Product classification assessment
- Applicable regulatory-route identification
- CDSCO documentation
- Testing and laboratory coordination
- Application preparation and filing
- SUGAM-related regulatory support
- Query and deficiency-response assistance
- Importer/foreign manufacturer documentation
- Compliance review
- Post-approval regulatory support
Having gained experience in a range of regulated product areas, UMSPCS assists businesses in arranging the technical and regulatory aspects prior to the commercial launch. Also, get to know more about CDSCO Certification for Neurological Device.
Conclusion
For PPE manufacturers and importers, certification ought not to start by merely completing an application form; it should start with determining the product's classification, its intended use, and carrying out regulatory mapping.
After the relevant CDSCO route has been identified, the subsequent stages—testing, documentation, filing of the application, handling of queries, and licensing—can be carried out in a systematic manner.
Businesses should also keep an eye on CDSCO notifications since the classifications of medical devices, the procedures, the forms, and the regulatory requirements can change. CDSCO keeps on issuing updates and guidance for stakeholders.
If you intend to manufacture or import personal protective equipment (PPE) into India, having the regulatory pathway examined before carrying out production or before shipping it can help in avoiding unnecessary delays in complying with the regulations.
Is anyone able to assist me with the CDSCO Certification for Personal Protective Equipment?
For professional advice on regulatory matters, documentation, and application support, contact UMSPCS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The regulation depends on the product and on its classification within the regulatory system; those PPE products which fall within the medical device category are governed by MDR 2017 and must follow the relevant licence or registration route.
Items including some PPE kits, surgical gowns, respirators, gloves, face shields, and radiation-protective products are included in the PPE medical device classification lists maintained by CDSCO.
The document on classification issued by CDSCO lists a PPE kit as belonging to Class B; nevertheless, the classification of individual PPE products may vary depending on their intended use.
Yes, foreign manufacturers can gain access to the Indian market by means of the relevant medical device import system; this usually requires the appointment of an authorised Indian agent and the completion of Form MD-14/MD-15 in order to obtain an import licence.
Form MD-15 is the import licence that is issued when medical devices are imported under the MDR 2017 framework, and the corresponding application is completed on Form MD-14.
The CDSCO regulations concerning the certification of cosmetics and those relating to the licensing of medical devices are different. PPE must first be evaluated in light of its intended use and its classification.
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