Certification and Registration
Cosmetic testing in Saudi Arabia
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Cosmetic testing in Saudi Arabia
Description of Cosmetic Testing in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia Cosmetic Testing
Introduction to Cosmetics Testing in Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is an important member of the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO). As one of the major economies in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has established strict requirements for the quality, safety, and compliance of cosmetic products.
In Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) is responsible for supervising cosmetic product safety and establishing mandatory regulatory requirements. The main regulatory frameworks include GSO 1943 “Safety Requirements for Cosmetics,” GSO 2528 “Methods of Testing for Cosmetics,” relevant GSO standards, and SFDA cosmetic guidelines and circulars.
Saudi Arabia Cosmetics Classification Guidelines
According to GSO 1943 “Safety Requirements for Cosmetics,” cosmetics are defined as products intended to be applied, sprayed, or otherwise used on external parts of the human body for purposes such as cleansing, caring, beautifying, improving appearance, or enhancing fragrance.Based on ingredients and intended functions, cosmetics are mainly divided into two categories:
(1) Ordinary Cosmetics
These include daily cleansing and personal care products, such as shampoos, lipsticks, and facial cleansers. Their formulations are relatively simple and generally do not contain specific functional active ingredients.
(2) Special Cosmetics(Additional toxicological assessments and efficacy data are required.)
Products with specific functional claims, such as whitening, anti-aging, and acne treatment products, generally contain functional active ingredients and require additional evaluation.
General Safety Requirements and Services for Cosmetics in Saudi Arabia
(1) Requirements Based on EU Cosmetic Regulations
◎ Human safety assessment
◎ Product efficacy, effectiveness, and quality assurance
◎ Prohibited and restricted substances (Annexes 2–6)
◎ Raw material impurity control
◎ Sunscreen requirements (GSO 2237 method)
◎ Trace substance limits
◎ Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP, GSO ISO 22716)
◎ Microbial limits (GSO ISO 17516)
(2) Ingredient and Restriction Requirements
◎ Products must not contain pork or pork-derived ingredients.
◎ Products must not contain images, text, or expressions that violate Islamic traditions or social values.
◎ Limits for hazardous substances: The maximum allowable limits are as follows: Lead (Pb) ≤ 10 ppm, Arsenic (As) ≤ 3 ppm, Cadmium (Cd) ≤ 3 ppm, Mercury (Hg) ≤ 1 ppm, Antimony (Sb) ≤ 5 ppm, and 1,4-Dioxane ≤ 10 ppm.
(3) Claim Requirements(Based on GSO 2528 Methods for Testing Cosmetics)
Cosmetic claims must comply with regulatory requirements and follow the principles of legality, authenticity, scientific evidence, integrity, fairness, and informed consumer decision-making. Claims included in the prohibited claim list are not permitted.
(4) Label Requirements
◎ Label information must include: product name, brand name, name and address of the manufacturer or distributor, country of origin, net quantity (weight/volume), shelf life, instructions for use and application methods, ingredient list, safety warnings, and batch number information.
◎ The batch number must be marked on the product packaging and remain clearly visible and legible.
◎ The label language must be Arabic, or Arabic together with English.
Cosmetics Market Access Requirements and Procedures in Saudi Arabia
◎ Conduct product testing and safety assessments.
◎ Submit product registration through the Unified Electronic System (GHAD).
◎ Apply to the SFDA and obtain a Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
◎ Cosmetic products may proceed with customs clearance only after obtaining the required certification.
Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
The Certificate of Conformity (CoC) demonstrates that cosmetic products comply with Saudi Arabia and GCC technical regulations, standards, and safety requirements.Documents required for conformity assessment include:
◎ Detailed product list
◎ Ingredient list
◎ Packaging design artwork (primary packaging, secondary packaging, and leaflet)
◎ Certificate of Analysis (CoA) / Product specification sheet
◎ Cosmetic Product Safety Report
◎ Product test report issued by an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
◎ GMP certificate for the manufacturing facility
◎ Other documents required by the certification body, such as raw material information or additional test reports
Products Requiring Additional Testing
(1) Skin Care Products
◎ Leave-on whitening or skin-lightening products
◎ Moisturizing skincare products containing urea
◎ Talcum powders, including baby powders
◎ Deodorants and antiperspirants
◎ Shaving products
◎ All leave-on scented skincare products not covered by other categories
◎ Other skin care products not covered by specific categories
(2) Baby Care Products
◎ Baby-specific care products, such as baby lotions and baby powders
(3) Fragrance Products
◎ Perfume products (perfumes, body mists, and similar products)
(4) Oral Care Products
◎ Toothpastes
◎ Mouthwashes
(5) Hair Care Products
◎ Hair products containing keratin
◎ Common hair care products (conditioners, hair creams)
◎ Anti-dandruff shampoos
◎ Hair coloring products
◎ Chemical depilatories based on thioglycolic acid
(6) Nail and Lip Care Products
Nail polishes, nail care products, nail hardeners
Lip care products
(7) Eye Products
Eye makeup products and false eyelash adhesives
(8) Cleansing and Foaming Products
Rinse-off foaming products (excluding bar soaps and toothpaste)
Alcohol-based or water-based cleansing wipes
SATISFY specializes in cosmetic testing and regulatory compliance services. Our expertise covers major global markets, including the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia, ASEAN countries, and China. We provide customized efficacy assessments, regulatory consulting, safety evaluations, and testing solutions tailored to the requirements of different countries and regions. For more information, please contact SATISFY customer service for professional guidance and comprehensive testing and certification support.
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