Licenses and permits to open a cosmetics store in New York City

1. 1

   Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)

   Internal Revenue ServiceUS federal

   Owners with an SSN or ITIN apply online. A company whose responsible party has neither (most China-based owners) faxes or mails Form SS-4, or calls the IRS international line.

   Fee

   Free

   Filed

   Paper form, faxed or mailed

   Takes

   Fax: about 4 business days. Mail: about 4 to 5 weeks. Phone: issued on the call.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

2. 2

   Articles of Organization (New York LLC)

   New York Department of State, Division of CorporationsNew York State

   Filed online with the Department of State, or mailed.

   Fee

   $200

   Filed

   Filed online

   Takes

   A few business days online; expedite is extra.

   Renews

   Biennial statement every two years ($9).

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

3. 3

   LLC publication within 120 days

   New York Department of State, Division of CorporationsNew York State

   Publish a notice in two newspapers chosen by the county clerk for six weeks, then file the certificate with the affidavits.

   Fee

   $50

   Filed

   Paper form, mailed

   Takes

   No standard time published; paid expedited processing within 24 hours ($25).

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

4. 4

   Certificate of Occupancy for the use

   NYC Department of BuildingsNew York City

   Check the space's existing CO allows your use; a change of use needs an alteration filing and an amended CO.

   Fee

   Varies

   Filed

   Filed on the agency's portal

   Takes

   DOB doesn't publish a processing time for a Certificate of Occupancy; staff review the request in DOB NOW: Build and issue the CO once every sign-off and requirement is in.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

5. 5

   Application for Registration as a Sales Tax Vendor (Certificate of Authority)

   New York State Department of Taxation and FinanceNew York State

   Apply online through New York Business Express at least 20 days before your first sale. Display the certificate at each location.

   Fee

   Free

   Filed

   Filed online

   Takes

   Usually about two weeks.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

6. 6

   Create/Update Importer Identity Form

   U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal

   Sent to CBP (usually through your customs broker), or created in the ACE portal. Needed before your first entry as importer of record.

   Fee

   Free

   Filed

   Paper form, mailed

   Takes

   Up to 5 business days.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

7. 7

   Customs Bond

   U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal

   Bought from a CBP-approved surety, usually through your customs broker, who files it electronically. A continuous bond covers a year of entries.

   Fee

   Varies

   Filed

   Filed on the agency's portal

   Takes

   At least 5 business days for review.

   Renews

   Continuous bonds renew yearly.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

8. 8

   Cosmetic product facility registration (MoCRA)

   U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationUS federal

   Filed online in Cosmetics Direct by the facility that makes or processes the cosmetics.

   Fee

   Free

   Filed

   Filed online

   Renews

   Every two years.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

9. 9

   Cosmetic product listing (MoCRA)

   U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationUS federal

   Filed online in Cosmetics Direct by the brand (the responsible person on the label), one listing per product.

   Fee

   Free

   Filed

   Filed online

   Renews

   Update every year.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

10. 10

    Product safety certificate, filed electronically at entry

    U.S. Consumer Product Safety CommissionUS federal

    The importer issues the certificate itself (there is no government form) and, under the eFiling rule, files the certificate data with CBP at entry.

    Fee

    Free

    Filed

    Filed online

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

11. 11

    New employer registration for unemployment insurance and withholding

    New York State Department of LaborNew York State

    Register online once you pay wages in New York.

    Fee

    Free

    Filed

    Filed online

    Takes

    The Department of Labor doesn't publish how long registration takes; it assigns each liable employer an eight-digit employer registration number after you register.

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

12. 12

    Proof of workers' comp and disability/paid family leave insurance

    New York State Workers' Compensation BoardNew York State

    Buy the policies from an insurer; the insurer reports coverage to the Board. Agencies ask for the certificates.

    Fee

    Varies

    Filed

    Through your insurer

    Takes

    The Board doesn't publish a processing time because coverage is bought from an insurer, but DB/PFL coverage must be in place within four weeks after a new employee's 30th day of work.

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

13. 13

    Sign permit

    NYC Department of BuildingsNew York City

    Filed in DOB NOW by a registered design professional or licensed sign hanger.

    Fee

    Varies

    Filed

    Filed on the agency's portal

    Takes

    DOB doesn't publish a review time for sign permits; the sign permit is filed in DOB NOW: Build, with a separate electrical permit if the sign is lit.

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

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<div class="placetta-checklist"><p><strong>Licenses and permits to open a cosmetics store in New York City</strong></p><ol><li>Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN) (Internal Revenue Service)</li><li>Articles of Organization (New York LLC) (New York Department of State, Division of Corporations)</li><li>LLC publication within 120 days (New York Department of State, Division of Corporations)</li><li>Certificate of Occupancy for the use (NYC Department of Buildings)</li><li>Application for Registration as a Sales Tax Vendor (Certificate of Authority) (New York State Department of Taxation and Finance)</li><li>Create/Update Importer Identity Form (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)</li><li>Customs Bond (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)</li><li>Cosmetic product facility registration (MoCRA) (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)</li><li>Cosmetic product listing (MoCRA) (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)</li><li>Product safety certificate, filed electronically at entry (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)</li><li>New employer registration for unemployment insurance and withholding (New York State Department of Labor)</li><li>Proof of workers' comp and disability/paid family leave insurance (New York State Workers' Compensation Board)</li><li>Sign permit (NYC Department of Buildings)</li></ol><p>Source: <a href="https://placetta.com/guides/new-york-city/cosmetics-store.html">Placetta license guide</a></p></div>Copy the code

More on opening in New York City

• How much permits cost to open in New York City
• How long permits take in New York City
• Opening in New York City as a foreign company
• Hiring your first employees in New York City
• Importing goods into New York City
• Renewals and annual filings in New York City

Questions people ask

• How do I get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN?
• How long does it take to get an EIN?
• Does a foreign-owned single-member LLC have to file Form 5472?
• How do I become an importer of record in the US?
• Do I need to register cosmetics with the FDA?
• Do imported consumer products need a certificate of conformity?

Other businesses in New York City

• Milk tea and bubble tea shops
• Coffee shops
• Restaurants
• Hot pot restaurants
• Bakeries
• Dessert shops
• Grocery stores
• Retail stores
• Toy stores
• Importers and online sellers
• Warehouses and 3PLs

Agency requirements change. Check each agency's page before you file.