Article 5 of the Saudi Cosmetics Law
المادة 5 من نظام منتجات التجميل
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.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
تتحقق الهيئة من مطابقة منتجات التجميل للوائح الفنية والمواصفات القياسية والاشتراطات التي اعتمدتها، ولها أن تستعين بشركات متخصصة للتحقق من ذلك.
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 5 explained in plain English
After Article 4 shows that the Saudi Food and Drug Authority determines the prohibited and restricted substances in cosmetic products, this article sets out who verifies compliance with them.
- Verifying conformity: The Authority verifies that cosmetic products conform to the technical regulations, standard specifications and requirements it has approved.
- Using specialized companies: The Authority may use companies specialized in verifying this conformity, so it need not do so itself in every case.
The article does not set out the method of verification, its stages or its cost, as these are not detailed in the text. What matters for a manufacturer or importer is to know that their product may be subject to a conformity check by the Authority or by a specialized company the Authority uses, and that the reference for conformity is the regulations, specifications and requirements the Authority has approved.
This article is linked to Article 6, which bars importing or circulating the product before it is listed with the Authority and a listing certificate is obtained. Anyone who needs an assessment of a particular product can consult a lawyer specializing in commercial law and food and drug law.
Practical example
An establishment in Khobar imports sunscreens. The Authority asks for their conformity with the approved specifications to be verified and has a specialized company carry this out on its behalf, which this article permits.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
How we write and review contentCommercial & Corporate Law lawyers: ask a specialist about your case
Describe your situation briefly and we'll suggest a lawyer who specialises in this law
Commercial & Corporate Law lawyers
Lawyers who handle this kind of case
Ibrahim Al Salem Law Firm
Active contributor
Dr. Ali Al-Rubaie Law Office and Ittihad Al-Asr Legal Company
Frequently asked questions about Article 5 of the Saudi Cosmetics Law
Can a private company inspect my cosmetic product instead of the Authority?
Yes. The article allows the Authority to use specialized companies to verify the conformity of cosmetic products.
On what basis are cosmetic products checked?
Their conformity is verified against the technical regulations, standard specifications and requirements the Authority has approved.
Who is responsible for verifying the conformity of cosmetic products?
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority, which may use specialized companies for this.
More articles on Standards and Prohibited Substances in Cosmetics
- Article 3
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.
تصدر الهيئة اللوائح الفنية والمواصفات القياسية لمنتجات التجميل ومصانعها واشتراطات العاملين فيها.
- 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.
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.