Article 3 of the Saudi Cosmetics Law
المادة 3 من نظام منتجات التجميل
The article gives the Saudi Food and Drug Authority the power to issue technical regulations and standard specifications for cosmetic products and their factories, and requirements for the workers in them.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
تصدر الهيئة اللوائح الفنية والمواصفات القياسية لمنتجات التجميل ومصانعها واشتراطات العاملين فيها.
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 3 explained in plain English
This article makes one body responsible for setting the technical standards in the cosmetics sector: the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (the Authority, as defined in Article 1).
The Authority's power includes issuing:
- Technical regulations and standard specifications for cosmetic products, that is, the requirements products must meet.
- Regulations and specifications for the factories that produce these products.
- Requirements for the workers in these factories.
The article does not give the details of these specifications and requirements, but leaves setting them to the Authority; a manufacturer or importer should therefore consult what the Authority issues to learn the specific requirements. This article is linked to Article 4, which charges the Authority with determining the prohibited and restricted substances in cosmetic products and publishing them on its website, and to Article 2, which makes the law apply to cosmetic products and their factories, warehouses and circulation.
Compliance with what the Authority issues thus becomes part of compliance with the law itself. Anyone with a question about whether a particular specification applies to their activity can contact the Authority or consult a lawyer specializing in commercial law and food and drug law.
Practical example
A start-up in Dammam wants to set up a small factory producing scented soap. Before starting, it reviews the technical regulations and standard specifications the Saudi Food and Drug Authority has issued for the product, the factory and the workers' requirements, because this article makes the Authority the competent body to issue them.
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 3 of the Saudi Cosmetics Law
Who sets the specifications for cosmetic products in Saudi Arabia?
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority issues the technical regulations and standard specifications for cosmetic products and their factories.
Are there requirements for workers in cosmetics factories?
Yes. The article empowers the Authority to issue requirements for workers in cosmetic product factories, without the article itself giving their details.
Where do I find the details of the required specifications?
The article does not set out the details; the Authority issues them in technical regulations and standard specifications that those concerned should consult.
More articles on Standards and Prohibited Substances in Cosmetics
- Article 4
The article requires the Saudi Food and Drug Authority to determine the prohibited substances and the restricted substances in cosmetic products and to publish them on its website.
تحدد الهيئة المواد المحظورة والمواد المقيد استخدامها في منتجات التجميل، وتنشرها على موقعها الإلكتروني.
- Article 5
The article charges the Authority with verifying that cosmetic products conform to the approved technical regulations, standard specifications and requirements, and allows it to use specialized companies for this.
تتحقق الهيئة من مطابقة منتجات التجميل للوائح الفنية والمواصفات القياسية والاشتراطات التي اعتمدتها، ولها أن تستعين بشركات متخصصة للتحقق من ذلك.
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.