Article 21 of the Saudi Cosmetics Law
المادة 21 من نظام منتجات التجميل
The article bars advertising or promoting cosmetic products before they are listed, and subjects advertising and promotion to the controls and conditions set by the Implementing Regulations.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
لا يجوز الإعلان عن المنتجات التجميلية أو الترويج لها قبل إدراجها، وتخضع الدعاية والإعلان للضوابط والشروط 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 21 explained in plain English
This article deals with advertising and promotion and contains two rules:
- No advertising before listing: No cosmetic product may be advertised or promoted before it is listed with the Authority.
- Advertising controls: Even after listing, promotion and advertising are subject to the controls and conditions set by the Implementing Regulations, and the text does not state their details.
Advertisement as defined in Article 1 is broad: it is any written, audible, visual or other statement aimed at promoting, selling or marketing the product directly or indirectly. It therefore covers advertising in newspapers and on television, as well as posts and clips on social media, whether the promotion is explicit or indirect.
The prohibition here thus covers the advertising and promotion stage itself, even if the product has not yet been sold.
Anyone who works in marketing or advertising cosmetic products and wants to be sure of their position can consult a lawyer specializing in commercial law and food and drug law.
Practical example
A start-up asked a content creator in Riyadh to post a clip presenting a new lightening cream that has not yet been listed with the Authority. This clip is an advertisement within the meaning of the law, and may not be published before the product is listed.
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 21 of the Saudi Cosmetics Law
May I advertise a cosmetic product that is not registered with the Food and Drug Authority?
No. The article bars advertising or promoting cosmetic products before they are listed.
Does the article cover social media influencer ads?
The law's definition of advertisement covers any written, audible or visual statement aimed at promotion, directly or indirectly, so promotion on these platforms falls within it.
What are the controls on advertising cosmetic products?
The article refers the controls and conditions to the Implementing Regulations of the law.
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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.