Navigating Saudi Arabia's Updated Cosmetic Regulations

December 11, 2025

The Saudi Arabian cosmetic market is a powerhouse of opportunity, driven by a young, discerning population and a rapidly growing beauty sector. However, the gateway to this lucrative market is guarded by an evolving, stringent regulatory framework administered by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). For exporters, recent updates to the conformity assessment process have added new layers of complexity to market entry.

The key to success lies in working with a trusted partner who goes beyond interpreting the rules and is officially recognized by the SFDA to support your compliance journey. As an SFDA-approved Conformity Assessment Body, we guide you through every stage of the approval process, transforming regulatory complexity into business opportunity.

Understanding Saudi cosmetic product regulations

The SFDA mandates that all products must be safe and comply with specific technical requirements before entering the Kingdom. The cornerstone of this process is the consignment certificate of conformity (CoC).

The CoC program safeguards both consumers and the national market by ensuring all imported cosmetics, personal care and perfumery products meet SFDA safety and quality standards.

We certify cosmetic consignments to ensure your products are evaluated against the latest SFDA standards, regulations and requirements.

Key program requirements:

Mandatory certification: every shipment must be accompanied by a valid CoC
Customs clearance: consignments without a CoC will be denied entry and will not clear Saudi Customs
Standard compliance: shipments that fail to meet assessment requirements will be rejected at the destination

Certification Process

Key regulatory updates

A. Requirements under the new SFDA guidelines

Product requirements and standards

Products must comply with requirements in the following technical regulations and any additional circulars and notifications issued by the SFDA:

Executive regulation for cosmetic products system
SFDA CO/GSO 1943
SFDA CO/GSO 2528
ISO 22716 – Good Manufacturing Practices for Cosmetics
Lists of banned and restricted cosmetic substances colorants, preservatives and UV filters
Circulars published on the SFDA website
Conditions for clearance of cosmetic products and raw materials used in their manufacture

Consignment inspection requirements

Inspection activities include:

Onsite verification of the SFDA/GHAD registration number, ensuring the shipped product matches the approved version in the SFDA system
Physical inspection of the product, packaging and labeling to confirm alignment with technical documentation
Verification that the consignment complies with applicable regulations and clearance conditions
Sample collection and testing, when required, under a verified chain of custody
Inspection of transportation and containers to ensure safety, compliance, seal integrity and prevent tampering

B. Newly restricted substances

On August 14, 2025, the SFDA issued a circular adding three substances to its restricted ingredients list, setting new concentration limits. From January 1, 2026, importing or manufacturing non-compliant products will be prohibited. However, a grace period allows products already on the market to be sold until January 1, 2028, while compliance is achieved.

C. Newly prohibited substances

On September 7, 2025, the SFDA expanded its prohibited substances list to include 21 new ingredients, such as dibutyltin maleate, dibutyltin oxide, 4-nitrosomorpholine and 4-methylimidazole. This update aligns Saudi regulations with global safety standards and requires immediate reformulation and compliance reviews.

We proactively monitor regulatory changes and provide comprehensive ingredient screening of your formulations to identify any non-compliant materials. Our experts offer clear guidance on reformulation and documentation updates to maintain market continuity and ensure seamless adaptation without supply chain disruption.

Streamlining exports to Saudi Arabia

Entering Saudi Arabia’s cosmetics market requires precision, speed and unwavering regulatory compliance.

As an SFDA-approved Conformity Assessment Body, our team streamlines the entire export process, ensuring your products meet all SFDA requirements and reach the market quickly. With comprehensive international trade solutions and proprietary software that enhances visibility, compliance control and simplifies customs declarations, we make cross-border operations smoother and more reliable.

Key benefits:

Proactive compliance: We act as your regulatory partner, continuously tracking SFDA updates and advising on any required product or documentation adjustments so your portfolio remains compliant and market-ready
Faster market entry: Our deep understanding of SFDA standards and efficient assessment approach minimizes approval delays, helping you safeguard timelines and revenue
Trusted certification: A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued by SGS is recognized as a mark of quality and safety, strengthening confidence among consumers, retailers, and distributors

With extensive global experience in managing conformity assessment programs, we provide tailored, end-to-end solutions that ensure your shipments meet all relevant requirements.

Our services include:

Pre-shipment physical inspection
Sampling, testing, and analysis in our accredited laboratories
Audits of manufacturing processes
Comprehensive documentary reviews and conformity assessment against applicable technical regulations and standards

We deliver a seamless, one-stop service for exporters—offering inspection, testing, certification, and a full suite of customs solutions, including import and export declarations and international trade services.

To learn more about Saudi Arabia – SFDA Certificate of Conformity and how we can support your business.

About SGS

SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.

Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.

SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).