From Playtime Products to Beauty Products: A Guide to Importing Toys, Fashion, and Cosmetics into Saudi Arabia

Did you know that, in Saudi Arabia, the cosmetics market alone now has an estimated annual total value of US$4bn?

This growth in the cosmetics market reflects a transformation happening in the Kingdom, as women gain new freedoms. The loosening of restrictions on women's dress codes in 2018 unleashed massive demand for both cosmetics and fashion products, fueling exponential growth in these industries.

Transformation in Saudi also extends beyond adult products - the children's toy industry is also experiencing surging popularity and is poised for continued expansion in the years ahead. Saudi's highly youthful population also ensures a huge potential market for toys catering to the next generation.

These increasing opportunities for global brands and retailers signal Saudi Arabia's emergence as a promising new consumer market. This is particularly true for industries that cater to the rising purchasing empowerment of the country’s large female population.

Penetrating the Saudi Arabia market, however, means first understanding import regulations and certification schemes.

In this article, we’ll introduce the key certification schemes for selling products in Saudi Arabia. We’ll discuss the Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO), the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), how they work, and the basic requirements you need to meet to get started.

Be in Vogue with the Authorities: Regulations for Importing Apparel and Accessories to Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) manages the SALEEM product safety program. This program regulates a wide range of products, including fashion and accessories.

Before a shipment of fashion products can clear customs in Saudi Arabia, importers must obtain a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) from a SASO-approved Conformity Assessment Body (CB), such as QIMA. Prior to issuing the certificate, the CB will validate that products comply with any relevant SASO Technical Regulations, which specify requirements for product safety, quality, design, packing, and labeling.

Importers must be prepared to provide technical documentation containing product information and testing results to the CB in order to receive the Product Certificate of Conformity.

There are a number of basic requirements that apply to all technical regulations (TRs) and are not only specific to fashion items. These include the need for suppliers to have a robust environmental management system in place. Additionally, any information provided on labeling, warnings, or instructions must be verifiable through testing data. It’s also important to ensure that labeling is available in English and Arabic or only in Arabic. Lastly, it’s essential to ensure that products, images, and packaging do not offend public law, morals, or Islamic values. By adhering to these shared requirements, importers can ensure that their products meet the necessary standards and regulations for importation into Saudi Arabia.

Check out our full blog article - Importing Fashion to Saudi Arabia: What You Need to Know - to find out more, including the additional requirements for leather products, footwear, and accessories.

Play by the Rules: Navigating the Regulations for Importing Toys into Saudi Arabia

Navigating the regulations for importing toys into Saudi Arabia can be a complex process, and importers must be aware of the strict guidelines governing product safety, quality, and compliance. As with many countries around the world, the toy market in Saudi Arabia is highly regulated due to the potential hazards associated with children's toys. Failure to comply with regulations can result in hefty penalties or even having goods rejected by Saudi customs.

To ensure compliance, importers must adhere to a set of collaborative regulations established by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. These apply in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar. The country of Yemen, while not a part of the official GCC group, also requires that toys entering the country meet these regulations.

These regulations are managed by the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO), and importers must provide technical files to Notified Bodies that demonstrate compliance in order to obtain a Certificate of Conformity and a G-Mark symbol. This must be displayed on a product or its packaging. Without the proper G-Mark, goods will not be allowed to pass through customs. By navigating these regulations and obtaining the necessary certifications, importers can successfully bring their toys into the Saudi Arabian market.

In order to ensure that products comply with Technical Regulations and applicable standards in the Gulf region, the GSO Conformity Tracking Symbol (GCTS) - also known as the G-Mark - is required for toys. This certification serves as an indication that the product is safe for consumers to use. The G-Mark is mandatory for all products that are governed by a Gulf Technical Regulation, and it must be displayed on the product or its packaging. The GCTS consists of the G-Mark and a QR Code, which can be scanned to verify the product's compliance.

Learn more about which toy products are covered by the regulations and steps to ensure compliance, including label requirements, in our full article - What to Know When Importing Toys Into Saudi Arabia.

The Beauty of Saudi Arabia: How to Import and Sell Cosmetics in the Kingdom

If you're interested in importing and selling cosmetic products in Saudi Arabia, it's important to understand the regulations set forth by the Saudi Food and Drug Administration (SFDA). The SFDA is responsible for controlling the regulations for the importation and sale of cosmetics, food, drugs, medical devices, and pesticide products in Saudi.

To import and sell cosmetic products in Saudi Arabia, importers must follow the SFDA's cosmetics conformity procedures, which involves meeting specific product standards. The SFDA's GSO 1943:2016 Safety Requirements of Cosmetics and Personal Care Products regulation outlines these standards and includes a list of prohibited substances, restricted substances, and approved preservatives, UV filters, and colorants in its annexes. Additionally, importers must ensure that their products comply with requirements published in circulars issued by the SFDA.

Along with product standards, labeling requirements must also be met. Certain products may be subject to additional requirements as well. By adhering to these regulations, importers can obtain the necessary certification and clearance for customs and then successfully import and sell their cosmetic products in Saudi Arabia.

Read the full article - A Short Guide to Cosmetic Product Certification in Saudi Arabia - to get a complete picture of how cosmetic brands get their products certified for the Saudi market.

QIMA is an independent notified body, approved by SASO, GSO (Gulf Standard Organization), and the SFDA to provide Product and Shipment Certificates of Conformity for products intended for sale in Saudi Arabia. Our team of experts have in-depth knowledge of Saudi regulations and certification processes and can ensure your products clear customs quickly.

Contact us to learn more.