The cosmetics market in Saudi Arabia has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by a combination of increasing consumer demand, higher disposable incomes, and a growing interest in personal care and beauty products. Saudi Arabia’s young population, evolving beauty standards, and increasing beauty awareness have further fueled market expansion. The country is one of the largest cosmetics markets in the Middle East, and its consumers have a high appetite for luxury beauty brands, skincare, haircare, perfumes, and halal cosmetics.
Agency for Regulation of Cosmetics in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) regulates cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, food products, and drugs in Saudi Arabia. The SFDA's Cosmetic Products Department specifically handles the regulation, safety assessment, and monitoring of cosmetic products. The SFDA sets and enforces regulations to ensure that cosmetics marketed in the country are safe for consumers and comply with international standards.
Saudi FDA (SFDA) Regulation of Cosmetics in Saudi Arabia
SFDA Cosmetic Products Regulation is the main regulatory document that outlines the safety, labeling, and manufacturing standards for cosmetics in Saudi Arabia. Cosmetic regulations in Saudi Arabia align with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) guidelines, which are based on EU Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. The regulations are harmonized with the EU Cosmetic Directive implying that the SFDA follows global standards in cosmetic regulation
Saudi FDA (SFDA) Framework for Regulation of Cosmetics in Saudi Arabia
The SFDA is responsible for overseeing the registration, import, and marketing of cosmetics in Saudi Arabia. Here’s an overview of the framework:
eCosma (Electronic System for Cosmetic Products Registration): All cosmetic products intended for sale in Saudi Arabia must be registered through the eCosma system before they are allowed on the market. Manufacturers, importers, and distributors are required to submit detailed information about the product’s composition, safety assessments, labeling, and packaging.
Labeling Requirements: Products must include clear and accurate labeling in both Arabic and English. The labels must include the product name, manufacturer information, ingredients, batch number, expiration date, and any warnings or precautions.
Product Composition and Safety: Companies must ensure that cosmetic products do not contain prohibited or restricted ingredients. Companies are responsible for performing safety assessments and must submit safety data to the SFDA during the registration process. Companies must comply with the prohibited list of ingredients and ensure that their products do not exceed allowed contamination limits.
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP): Manufacturers must adhere to GMP standards to ensure product quality and safety throughout the production process. This includes maintaining clean and hygienic manufacturing environments, quality control, and product traceability.
Advertising and Claims: Cosmetic products must not make false or misleading claims. The SFDA monitors marketing and advertising to ensure that cosmetic claims are supported by evidence and do not suggest therapeutic benefits beyond what is permitted for cosmetics.
Saudi FDA (SFDA) Regulations for Import fo Cosmetics in Saudi Arabia
All imported cosmetics must be registered with the SFDA before being allowed into the market. Foreign manufacturers need to work with local agents to register their products via eCosma.
Adding a component to the Notification Database
If the component is not present in the notification database, then it is necessary to add the new component to eCosma. Here are the key steps for adding the component:
Create an Account in eCosma: The manufacturer or local agent must have an active account on the eCosma system. The company or individual registering the product must be authorized by the SFDA and provide relevant business and contact information. Here are the key documents required for creating an account -
Company Registration Documents: Commercial Registration Certificate.
Chamber of Commerce Certificate: A certificate indicating the company’s membership in the Saudi Chamber of Commerce or its equivalent for foreign companies.
Authorization for Local Agent (for Foreign Companies): If the company is a foreign manufacturer or distributor, it must appoint a local agent in Saudi Arabia. A notarized and legalized Power of Attorney is required.
Identification Documents: Copies of the Saudi national ID for local company owners or managers, or the Iqama (residency permit) for expatriate representatives.
Letter of Authorization for eCosma Account: A letter from the company confirming the individuals who are authorized to create and manage the eCosma account. This document should be signed and stamped by the company’s management or legal representative.
Enter Product Details: When registering a product, you will be prompted to provide the complete product details such as product name, category, intended use, and other relevant information.
Ingredient Identification: Each cosmetic ingredient must be identified using its International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INIC) name. The INIC name is the globally recognized standard for cosmetic ingredients. If an ingredient is not already in the eCosma system, the user shall send an email to SFDA seeking the name of ingredient (INIC) Nomenclature and its CAS number.
Provide Ingredient Information: For each new ingredient added to the eCosma database, the following information must be provided:
INIC name: The standardized name of the ingredient.
CAS number.
Cross-Check with Prohibited and Restricted Lists: If an ingredient falls under the restricted category, documentation proving that the concentration complies with SFDA’s limits must be included.
Submit the Information: Once all the required information and documents are uploaded to the eCosma system, submit the ingredient for review.
Await Approval: The SFDA will review the submitted information for each ingredient. Once approved, the ingredient will be added to the eCosma system, allowing it to be used in cosmetic formulations.
SFDA Renewal of Cosmetic Product Notification
The notifier shall renew the product notification at least 90 days before its expiration date.
SFDA Cosmetic Product Notification Updates
Any updates to the product notification where the modification does not impact or change the product characteristics can be made in the eCosma. Otherwise, the user shall resubmit the product notification request.
Saudi Arabia’s cosmetics market is growing rapidly, supported by a favorable regulatory environment, increasing consumer awareness, and demand for premium and halal beauty products. The SFDA’s regulatory framework ensures that only safe, well-labeled, and high-quality cosmetic products are available in the market. Companies looking to enter this market must comply with stringent regulations regarding product registration, labeling, safety, and marketing to succeed in this competitive landscape.
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