Article 18 of the Saudi Cosmetics Law
المادة 18 من نظام منتجات التجميل
The article requires the factory to apply good manufacturing practices (GMP) and allows the Authority to confirm this whenever needed under the Implementing Regulations' procedures.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يلتزم المصنع بتطبيق أسس التصنيع الجيد (GMP)، وللهيئة التأكد من ذلك كلما دعت الحاجة، وفقًا للإجراءات التي تحددها اللائحة.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 18 explained in plain English
This article deals with manufacturing quality on a continuing basis. Under Article 1, good manufacturing practices (GMP) are part of quality assurance, ensuring that the cosmetic product is produced soundly, with the same quality, and in line with the standards followed that suit the purpose of its use.
- The factory's obligation: It must apply these practices, and this is a continuing obligation that does not end when the license is issued.
- The Authority's power: The Authority may confirm that the factory applies these practices whenever needed, so the text does not tie this to a set periodic schedule.
- Procedures: Set by the Implementing Regulations.
This article sits between Article 17, which bars the factory from starting to market a product before it is listed, and Article 19, which requires warehouses to be licensed by the Authority; manufacturing quality is an obligation that stands throughout the factory's operation.
The factory should be ready for the Authority to verify at any time the need arises. Anyone who wants to review the quality procedures at their factory from a legal standpoint can consult a lawyer specializing in commercial law and food and drug law.
Practical example
After several complaints that one type of cream had changed color, the Authority decided to confirm that the factory producing it in Jeddah applies good manufacturing practices. It has the right to do so under the article whenever needed, and the factory must comply with these practices at all times.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 18 of the Saudi Cosmetics Law
Is applying GMP mandatory for cosmetics factories in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. The article requires the factory to apply good manufacturing practices (GMP).
When does the Authority inspect the application of GMP?
The Authority may confirm this whenever needed, under the procedures set by the Implementing Regulations.
What are good manufacturing practices?
They are part of quality assurance ensuring the product is produced soundly, with the same quality and in line with the standards suited to its purpose.
More articles on Licensing of Cosmetics Factories
- Article 13
The article requires a technical license from the Authority for a cosmetic products factory, under the requirements and conditions set by the Implementing Regulations.
يجب الحصول على ترخيص فني للمصنع من الهيئة وفقًا للمتطلبات والشروط التي تحددها اللائحة.
- Article 14
The article sets out the procedures for the technical license of a cosmetics factory: an application decided within 30 days by preliminary approval or reasoned refusal, then a license after the necessary approvals and confirmation that GMP is applied.
يتم الحصول على الترخيص الفني للمصنع وفقًا للإجراءات الآتية: 1 - يقدم طلب للهيئة وفقًا للمتطلبات والشروط التي تحددها اللائحة، وتبت الهيئة في الطلب خلال مدة لا تت
- Article 15
The article requires a cosmetic products factory to have a full-time Saudi technical manager, as set by the Implementing Regulations.
يجب أن يكون للمصنع مدير فني سعودي متفرغ تفرغًا كاملًا وفقًا لما تحدده اللائحة.
- Article 16
The article requires the factory to notify the Authority of any change in it, its products or the information it provided, and bars operating it outside what it is licensed for.
يلتزم المصنع بإبلاغ الهيئة عن أي تغيير فيه أو في منتجاته أو المعلومات التي قدمها، ولا يجوز تشغيل المصنع في غير ما رخص له.
- Article 17
The article bars the factory from starting to market a cosmetic product until it has been listed with the Authority.
لا يجوز للمصنع أن يبدأ تسويق المنتج التجميلي إلا بعد إدراجه.
- Article 20
The article sets the duration of a cosmetic products factory or warehouse license at five years, renewable.
مدة الترخيص للمصنع أو المستودع خمس سنوات قابلة للتجديد.
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.