What is a Cosmetic Product?

Cosmetic products are defined as “any substance or preparation intended to be placed in contact with the various external parts of the human body (skin, hair system, nails, lips, external genital organs) or teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity for the purpose of cleaning them exclusively or primarily, perfuming them, changing their appearance and/or correcting body odors and/or protecting them or keeping them in good condition.”

Examples of Cosmetic Products

• Creams, emulsions, lotions, gels, and oils for the skin (hands, face, feet, etc.)
• Face masks (excluding exfoliants)
• Colorants (liquids, pastes, powders)
• Makeup powders, post-bath powders, hygiene powders, etc.
• Toilet soap, deodorant soap, etc.
• Perfumes, toilet water, and cologne
• Bath and shower preparations (salts, foams, oils, gels, etc.)
• Hair removal products
• Deodorants and antiperspirants
• Hair care products
• Shaving products (creams, foams, lotions, etc.)
• Makeup removers for face and eyes
• Products intended for application on lips
• Dental and oral care products
• Nail care and makeup
• Intimate external hygiene
• Sun baths (sunscreen)
• Self-tanning
• Skin lightening
• Anti-aging
• Eye makeup products (eyeshadow, mascara, eyebrow products, eyeliners, etc.)

Cosmetic Product Registration System

Under the Ghad system, local Saudi companies can apply to the SFDA for a license to conduct activities related to the trade, import, and distribution of cosmetic products. Cosmetic manufacturers must also register under this system.

The Ghad system allows companies to register cosmetic products, renew licenses, and apply for approvals of changes and updates. The SFDA issues a cosmetic product registration certificate that includes an approval or notification number in the system.

Types of Cosmetic Products

1. Simple Cosmetic Product: A single-component package such as shampoo. Includes a single package, one notification, one product information file, one category, and one formulation framework.
2. Simple Cosmetic Product with Variations: Cosmetic products with varying colors or fragrances such as lipsticks. A range of similar products with variations in color, scent, strength, etc., covered by one product information file and one notification.
3. Complex Cosmetic Product: A complex cosmetic product (with or without color variations) such as products for lips, eyes, or cheeks. A set containing multiple individual components, each being a “simple product.” The set is not sold individually. Only one product information file and one notification are required for the entire set, and it can include various categories and formulations.
4. Cosmetic Product Kit: A complex cosmetic product (with or without color variations) such as products for lips, eyes, or cheeks. A set containing several individual “simple” products, each with its own notification and product information file.

How to Register a Cosmetic Product with the SFDA

To register a cosmetic product, whether imported or locally manufactured, you must submit registration requirements through the Ghad platform (formerly eCosma). This system handles the registration of the local company, the manufacturer, and the product. The registration process is referred to as listing or notification because the data entry (company) is responsible for ensuring product compliance with specifications, as the SFDA does not evaluate product information on the packaging or the accuracy of submitted files.

Cosmetic Product Registration Requirements

• Owner Information:
  • Manufacturer name
  • License number
  • Production line
• Product Information:
  • Name in English and Arabic
  • Barcode
  • Company country
  • Manufacturing country
  • Category
  • Ingredients:
    • Size
    • Size unit
    • Ingredient name (must follow INCI – International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients)
    • Ingredient concentration percentage
    • Function of each ingredient
  • Final product label: Must include brand name, manufacturing site name and address, country of origin, usage instructions, package size, and barcode. The label must be printed on both the front and back of the package.
  • Other Information:
    • Storage conditions
    • Protection instructions
    • Usage instructions

Cosmetic Manufacturing Facility Registration

• Local Facility Registration Requirements: Local cosmetic manufacturers must undergo inspection by the SFDA before their activities are approved. The registration process starts in the Ghad system with the company registration, including all Ministry of Commerce and municipality licenses. Required basic information includes:
  • Owner Information
  • Company Name
  • Main Commercial Registration Number
  • Issuance/Expiration Date
  • Company Type
  • Individual Institution Address
  • Authorized Person Information
  • Manufacturer Owner Information
  • Contact Information
• Foreign Facility Registration: Foreign manufacturers need to partner with a local distributor to register the manufacturer or use a registration service office with the SFDA. The SFDA does not require inspections of foreign cosmetic manufacturing facilities, but the SFDA will review the submitted file, ask scientific questions, and request technical files. The company or local representative must provide accurate explanations and handle the SFDA appropriately to reduce the risk of rejection. Requirements for registering a cosmetic manufacturing facility include:
  • Authorization letter from the manufacturer to the importer
  • Manufacturer’s name and nationality
  • Manufacturing address
  • GMP certificate from the country of origin
  • License certificate from the country of origin
  • License number from the country of origin
  • Contact information and authorization letter (in Saudi Arabia)
  • Relationship letter between the brand owner and the manufacturer, if the manufacturer is different from the brand owner
  • Production lines information (e.g., skin cream or lotion, liquid soap, bar soap, shampoo or conditioner, toothpaste, mouthwash)

Cosmetic Product Registration Fees

There are no fees for registering cosmetic products or their manufacturing facilities. However, there are fees for licensing local warehouses and manufacturing facilities.

Cosmetic Product Registration Services

For registration services and regulatory planning for importing cosmetics, private label agreements, custom packaging, and new local manufacturing, please contact us through our contact form.