Regulatory update for Cosmetics Exports for Saudi Arabia and Qatar

Saudi Arabia: Product Classification

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has just published the final version of the Guidance for Product Classification: http://www.sfda.gov.sa/En/Drug/Topics/Regulations+-+Guidelines.htm

In this final version, most of the comments raised by the Industry and Intertek have been followed.

The status of products and ingredients are now in line with the EU directive and GSO 1943, except:

• Additional restriction/prohibition for the following ingredients: Triclosan, Vitamin A, Sulphur, Urea, Zinc oxide, AHA
• Alcohol Hand Sanitizers: these products are now classified as Health Products (guidelines also available on SFDA website). Registrations for such products should now be transferred to SFDA for Listing.

Qatar (QGOSM): New requirements for clearance of two types of cosmetic products

The Qatar General Organization for Standards and Metrology has recently decided to strengthen the control of conformity for these two types of cosmetic products:

• Shampoo
• Black henna

From the 1st June 2012, every shipment of Shampoo or Black Henna should be accompanied with evidence of conformity such as test reports issued by an independent accredited laboratory such as Intertek confirming compliance to the below stated requirements:
 

• Para-phenylenediamine (PPD) in henna (and hair dye products): maximum 6%
• 1,4 Dioxane: maximum 10 ppm in shampoo