Why Certification Matters for Cosmetics Imports in Saudi Arabia?

Posted on January 22, 2025

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Why Certification Matters for Cosmetics Imports in Saudi Arabia?

The cosmetics industry is a multi-billion dollar sector that offers countless products promising various benefits. The credibility of these products is crucial not only for consumer trust but also for your brand’s legal and ethical integrity.

This is where cosmetic inspection comes in

Cosmetic inspection ensures that your products meet the essential cosmetic inspection standards and regulations. It allows you to identify defects or risks early during importation or exportation procedures. This proactive approach enables you to address critical issues before your products are shipped, helping you avoid potential delays or rejections at customs.

In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of cosmetics inspection in Saudi Arabia, the role of the SFDA (Saudi Food and Drug Authority), and how partnering with a trusted inspection company can help your business thrive in this competitive market.

What is SFDA in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) is the authoritative regulatory body that guarantees the safety, efficacy, and quality of food, drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics in Saudi Arabia.

Established in 2003, the SFDA plays a crucial role in protecting public health by enforcing thorough cosmetic inspection standards and regulations.

For cosmetics, the SFDA ensures that all products meet stringent safety and quality requirements before they enter the Saudi market. This includes:

Product registration and approval

Labeling and packaging compliance

Ingredient safety assessments

Post-market surveillance

The SFDA’s regulations are aligned with international standards, making it a trusted authority for both local and international cosmetic brands.

SFDA Cosmetics Regulations

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) regulates and ensures the safety, quality, and efficacy of cosmetic products in Saudi Arabia. These regulations are designed to protect consumer health, maintain market credibility, and promote transparency among manufacturers, importers, and suppliers.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the SFDA’s cosmetics regulations and their significance for businesses operating in the Saudi market:

Labelling Requirements: Labels must be in Arabic or bilingual (Arabic and English) and should clearly display the product name, ingredients, usage instructions, and manufacturer details. Label inspection for cosmetics is a crucial step to ensure compliance and adherence to cosmetic inspection standards.

Product Testing: Cosmetic products must undergo thorough safety assessments to meet cosmetic standards. Thorough product inspection of cosmetics ensures adherence to regional and international standards. This includes rigorous testing for microbiological contamination, stability, and compliance with permissible limits of certain ingredients.

Ingredient Restrictions: The SFDA prohibits certain ingredients in cosmetic products, such as mercury and its components. Therefore, Manufacturers must ensure their products comply with the SFDA’s approved ingredient lists and safety guidelines.

Proof of Product Safety: Manufacturers are required to provide evidence of product safety during the registration or notification process. This includes safety data sheets, test reports, and evidence of compliance with international and regional standards.

Partnering with an experienced conformity assessment body in Saudi Arabia, like Tabseer, will help you meet these requirements efficiently and guarantee that your products are ready for market entry.

Cosmetics Inspection in Saudi Arabia Requirements

Cosmetic inspection meaning extends beyond verifying basic quality standards. It involves evaluating compliance with detailed safety requirements to ensure consumer safety and regulatory approval.

To successfully import and trade cosmetics in Saudi Arabia, you must adhere to the specific requirements set forth by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and related platforms. Here are the key steps and regulations you need to comply with:

Active Commercial Account on SFDA’s GHAD Platform

Before you begin, you must have an active commercial account with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) on the GHAD platform. This platform is a cornerstone for managing product registrations and notifications.

Product Registration

One of the main requirements for cosmetic products entering the Saudi market is their registration with the SFDA. This includes submitting detailed information about the product’s ingredients, formulations, and safety assessments.

Compliance with SFDA’s GSO 1943:2016 Safety Requirements

To ensure your products meet cosmetics quality standards in Saudi Arabia, they must comply with the SFDA’s GSO 1943:2016 Safety Requirements for Cosmetics and Personal Care Products. This regulation covers a wide range of safety standards, including:

A list of prohibited substances that cannot be used in cosmetics.

Restricted substances are allowed only under specific conditions.

Approved preservatives, UV filters, and colourants

Additionally, importers should pay close attention to the guidelines published in SFDA circulars to stay updated with any new requirements.

Why is this important? The Shipment certificate of conformity for cosmetic products ensures your products are safe for consumers and compliant with SFDA regulations, eliminating the risk of recalls or penalties.

Cosmetic inspection is a cornerstone of the cosmetics industry, ensuring your products are safe and effective, and meeting your consumers’ expectations. It protects your consumers from fraudulent products, enhances your brand credibility, and boosts your sales growth.

In short, cosmetic inspection gives your consumers “a reason to buy your products.”

How Can Tabseer Help You Stand Out In the Saudi Market

Tabseer is an accredited conformity assessment body in Saudi Arabia and Egypt renowned for its expertise in the food and cosmetic inspection industry.

Accredited by GAC and compliant with ISO/IEC 17065, notified by SFDA in Food and cosmetics products in different countries, Tabseer ensures your products meet regulatory and cosmetic inspection standards, facilitating the import-export procedures and protecting your brand reputation.

Whether you’re looking for third party inspection companies in Saudi Arabia, product inspection for cosmetics or industrial inspections in Saudi Arabia, Tabseer has the expertise and experience to help your business thrive.