Cosmetic products sold in these countries are regulated by the following legislations:
GSO 1943:2024 - Safety Requirements for Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
Country-Specific Labelling Requirements
Certain cosmetics must comply with Halal certification requirements, ensuring that products do not contain ingredients prohibited under Islamic law (e.g., alcohol, pork derivatives).
A cosmetic product is defined as any substance or mixture intended for use on external parts of the body or oral cavity with the primary purpose of:
Cleaning
Perfuming
Changing appearance
Protecting
Keeping the body in good condition
Products intended for therapeutic use (such as treating diseases or altering bodily functions) are classified as drugs or medical devices, even if they also impact appearance.
In Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman, cosmetic products must be registered or listed with the local Ministry of Health before being sold or distributed in the local market. The process ensures that products are safe for human use and comply with government standards.
Once approved, the product will receive a product listing or registration certificate that allows market entry.
Registration must be carried out through a local agent or distributor based in the respective country.
Cosmetic products are classified into three categories based on their risk level:
Low-risk
Medium-risk
High-risk
The classification depends on ingredients, intended usage, and target audience.
To register a cosmetic product, the following documents are required:
Product image and artwork
Free Sale Certificate
Certificate of Analysis
Ingredient list and PIF (Product Information File)
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) Certificate
Safety Assessment Report
Laboratory Test Reports (if required)
Product Sample
Safety Assessment Report : Confirms product safety, including information on toxicity, allergenic substances, and clinical testing (if required).
Submission: Submit an application with all necessary documents to the relevant authority.
Evaluation: The local regulatory authority assesses and approves the application.
Approval: Once approved, the product receives a registration certificate, valid for up to 5 years (varies by country).
After registration, companies must comply with post-market surveillance regulations:
Reporting any adverse effects.
Notifying authorities of any changes in product formulation or labeling.
Complying with recalls or corrective actions if necessary.
Registration Time: Approximately 30-40 working days
Additional Requirements: Compliance with Bahrain-specific labelling standards
Registration Time: 40-50 working days
Language Requirements: Product artwork and labeling must be in Arabic & English
Additional Requirements: Strict Halal certification compliance
Registration Time: 45-60 working days
Additional Testing: May be required in specific cases
Additional Requirements:
Strict labeling requirements
Expiration date and usage instructions must be in Arabic & English
Registration Time: 35-45 working days
Additional Testing: Required for certain high-risk products
Additional Requirements: Halal compliance is mandatory for most personal care products
Standard Process: 30 to 60 working days depending on product complexity and country-specific requirements.
Additional Testing (if required): May add 20-30 extra working days.
The approval of product listing or registration is subject to local regulations.
Processing times may vary due to changes in local authority procedures.
While cosmetic product registration in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman follows common GCC guidelines, each country has:
Different regulatory authorities
Unique processing timelines
Additional specific requirements
To ensure successful registration, companies must:
Work with a local agent
Prepare the necessary documentation
Adhere to country-specific regulations
Follow timelines set by authorities
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