It is pivotal to know the answer to the main question in our article “How do you export cosmetics products to Saudi Arabia?” because if your business is importing and exporting Cosmetics, Saudi Arabia is your first target in the MENA Region. 
 
The cosmetic market in Saudi Arabia has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing consumer demand for beauty and personal care products.
 
Valued at over $5 billion, the Saudi beauty and cosmetics industry is one of the largest in the Middle East, with a focus on skincare, haircare, and makeup.
 
The market is fueled by a young population, high disposable income, and a growing interest in health and wellness. Additionally, cultural shifts and the rise of e-commerce platforms have made global beauty brands more accessible.
 
Government initiatives, such as Vision 2030, also play a role in encouraging local production and international partnerships, further expanding the market.

How do you export products to Saudi Arabia?

 
Exporting beauty and cosmetic products to Saudi Arabia requires compliance with specific regulations set by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA).
 
For make-up cosmetics and other beauty products, the first step is SFDA registration, which ensures that all cosmetic products entering the Saudi market meet local safety and quality standards.
 
This involves using the Faseh SFDA system, an online platform where manufacturers and makeup companies must submit their products for approval.
 
During the registration process, it’s crucial to check ingredients for compliance with SFDA guidelines, as only approved substances are allowed in cosmetics. Cosmetics manufacturers must provide detailed product information, including labelling, safety data sheets, and certificates of conformity.
 
SFDA conducts thorough reviews to ensure that all products for beauty, such as make-up products, adhere to regulatory requirements. This process not only guarantees consumer safety but also helps streamline the importation of cosmetic products into Saudi Arabia.
 
By following these steps, makeup manufacturers and exporters can successfully navigate the Saudi cosmetics market, ensuring that their products meet the stringent criteria established by the SFDA and are ready for distribution.
 

 

SFDA Cosmetics

 
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) plays a pivotal role in regulating the entry of cosmetics products into the Saudi market, ensuring the safety and quality of make-up cosmetics and beauty products.
 
Before any make-up products can be imported or sold in Saudi Arabia, they must undergo SFDA registration through platforms like GHad SFDA.
 
This system allow makeup manufacturers and makeup companies to submit their products for approval, providing critical information about the product, including ingredients, safety data, and manufacturing details.
 
A key aspect of the SFDA’s role is to check ingredients in all cosmetics products to ensure they comply with local health and safety regulations. 
 
For instance, makeup manufacturers from regions like France, known for their high-quality beauty products, must still ensure their formulations meet SFDA standards. 
 
Additionally, the SFDA defines the standards for cosmetics manufacture and provides guidelines for product labelling and safety, ensuring transparency for consumers. Through tools like the “check your cosmetics” feature, companies and consumers alike can verify the compliance of make-up products.
 
The rigorous screening and clearance process helps maintain the integrity of the Saudi cosmetics market, ensuring that only safe, high-quality products reach consumers.
 

How to register cosmetics in Saudi Arabia?

 
When you decide to invest in Saudi Arabia, especially in beauty products you should bear in mind fulfilling particular procedures. We will wrap up all the steps of cosmetic product registrations in the coming lines. 

Steps to Register Cosmetics in Saudi Arabia

1. Determine Product Classification:

 

Before initiating the registration process, the cosmetics manufacturer or makeup companies must ensure their products fall under the cosmetics definition as outlined by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). This includes identifying the category of the product, such as make-up cosmetics, beauty products, or specific make-up products.
 

2. Create an Account on the Faseh SFDA System:

 

Manufacturers and importers need to sign up on the Faseh SFDA platform, an online portal used to submit product registration requests. This system simplifies the process of SFDA registration for cosmetics products and provides a comprehensive overview of the submission requirements.
 

3. Submit Product Information and Documents:

 

In the Faseh SFDA portal, manufacturers must provide detailed information about the cosmetics manufacturer, including product descriptions, formulation details, labeling, and the country of origin (e.g., makeup France). Documentation must include safety data sheets and certificates proving the product complies with SFDA guidelines.
 

4. Check Ingredients Compliance:

 

One of the most crucial steps is to check ingredients against the SFDA approved list. The cosmetics ingredients checker in the Faseh SFDA system allows manufacturers to ensure that none of the components used in the beauty products are harmful or banned in Saudi Arabia. This step guarantees product safety and compliance with local standards.
 

5. Submit Samples for Testing (If required):

 

In certain cases, the SFDA may request physical samples for further testing by a beauty product tester to ensure product safety and efficacy. If the product passes all tests, it moves to the clearance stage.
 

6. GHad SFDA Notification System:

 

Once the product has been reviewed, the SFDA will notify the applicant via the GHad SFDA system about the status of the application. The system will confirm whether the product has been approved or if additional steps are needed.
 

7. Approval and Clearance:

 

After receiving approval, the makeup manufacturers can finalize their SFDA registration and proceed to import the clearance makeup for distribution in Saudi Arabia. The SFDA will grant clearance for the product to enter the market, allowing it to be sold officially.
 

8. Ongoing Compliance and Product Monitoring:

 

Manufacturers should regularly use tools like the makeup ingredient checker or check your cosmetics feature to ensure ongoing compliance with SFDA regulations as product formulations may change or new regulations may be implemented. This helps maintain the product’s status in the Saudi market and assures continued consumer safety.
 

Ghad SFDA

 
Ghad SFDA is an online platform managed by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) that plays a crucial role in the registration of cosmetic products in Saudi Arabia.
 
It streamlines the process by allowing manufacturers and importers to submit their products for approval, ensuring that all cosmetics, including those from leading brands like Makeup France, meet the regulatory standards set by the SFDA.
 
Ghad SFDA helps manufacturers check cosmetics against approved ingredient lists using tools like the makeup ingredient checker and cosmetics ingredients checker, ensuring products comply with local health guidelines.
 
The platform also facilitates transparency in the cosmetics manufacture process by verifying safety and compliance, while offering features such as check your cosmetics, allowing manufacturers and consumers to confirm product registration status.
 
Additionally, Ghad SFDA collaborates with beauty product testers to further verify product safety, granting clearance makeup approval for products to enter the Saudi market.