Allergen Labeling: Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates align with EU standards, key deadlines to monitor
The implementation of standard GSO 1943:2024 (“Cosmetic Products – Safety Requirements of Cosmetics and Personal Care Products”) is now entering its full operational phase. This regulation determines whether a cosmetic product is eligible for the Gulf market and mandates compulsory allergen labeling, aligning with the latest advancements in the European Union.
While the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have already set their course, specific adjustment timelines for other Gulf countries are still being finalized.
Timelines for the United Arab Emirates (MoIAT)
The Ministry of Industry & Advanced Technology has formally defined the following deadlines for allergen label compliance:
- New Products: from December 31, 2026, all cosmetic products placed on the market must comply with the new labeling requirements.
- Existing Products: from December 31, 2028, all cosmetics available in the UAE must be compliant.
In Saudi Arabia (SFDA)
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority has approved the technical update (SFDA.CO/GSO 1943:2024). Here too, the trend is toward harmonizing transition periods to ensure smooth trade and consistency with partner markets.
Management of Registrations and Certificates
MoIAT and SFDA have confirmed that the new requirements will not affect existing registrations, provided that the formulations remain unchanged. New product registrations will not be required, and existing Certificates of Conformity (CoC) will remain valid until their natural expiry.
The European Allergen Regulation
Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 regarding allergen labeling in cosmetic products has expanded the number of fragrance ingredients requiring mandatory declaration from 24 to 80 allergens.
The labeling obligation is triggered when the allergen concentration exceeds:
- 0.001% in leave-on products.
- 0.01% in rinse-off products.
Summary of EU deadlines
- July 31, 2026: mandatory compliance for new cosmetic products placed on the EU market (products with outdated labels can no longer be introduced).
- July 31, 2028: final deadline for the circulation of non-compliant products on store shelves.
It is important to note that this measure is a significant step toward consumer protection. Contact allergies can occur even at low concentrations, making the accurate identification of ingredients essential.
Furthermore, by law, it is prohibited to use claims such as “Allergen-Free” or “Hypoallergenic“: allergic responses are individual, and it is impossible to guarantee a total absence of risk.
Next steps
The approaching deadlines require immediate action to ensure that products placed on the market in both Arab countries and the European Union comply with the regulations.
>>> How Complife can help: to support Companies in adapting to European and international allergen labeling requirements, Complife offers strategic regulatory consulting and innovative, high-precision analytical methodologies.
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