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Tracking cosmetics, packaging, EPR, and sustainability regulations across the MENA region
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67
Active Regulations
43 recent updates
17
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Requires immediate attention
14
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Under consultation
8
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Within 6 months
14
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GCC, Levant, North Africa
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Showing 67 regulations
GCC Unified Framework for Extended Producer Responsibility in Packaging
Draft GCC-wide framework to harmonise EPR requirements for packaging across all six member states, enabling mutual recognition of compliance.
- •Harmonised EPR definitions and scope across GCC
- •Mutual recognition of national EPR registrations
- +4 more changes
Saudi National EPR Scheme for Packaging Waste (Vision 2030)
Saudi Arabia launches mandatory EPR scheme for all packaging waste as part of Vision 2030 environmental targets, with producer registration and recycling obligations.
- •Mandatory registration with Saudi Packaging Compliance Organisation
- •All packaging materials covered (plastics, glass, metal, paper, wood)
- +4 more changes
UAE Federal Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Framework for Packaging
Comprehensive EPR framework requiring all producers and importers of packaged goods to register, report packaging volumes, and fund end-of-life collection and recycling.
- •Mandatory EPR registration for all producers/importers (>1 tonne/year)
- •Annual packaging volume reporting by material type
- +4 more changes
Restriction of PFAS in Cosmetic Products
Proposed ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in all cosmetic products aligned with global regulatory trend.
- •Complete ban on intentionally added PFAS
- •10 ppb threshold for unintentional contamination
- +3 more changes
GCC Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2026
GCC-wide regulation notified to the WTO in October 2025 introducing tighter controls on chemical substances in cosmetics across all GCC member states, with updated restricted and prohibited substance annexes.
- •Updated restricted and prohibited chemical substance annexes
- •New restrictions on hair dye chemicals and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
- +4 more changes
SFDA Circular: 21 New Prohibited Substances Added to Cosmetics Ban List
SFDA adds 21 new substances to the prohibited list including certain tin compounds, nitrosomorpholine, and methylimidazole. Immediate ban on new products.
- •21 new substances prohibited in cosmetics
- •Includes organotin compounds, nitrosomorpholine, 4-methylimidazole
- +3 more changes
UAE Draft Cabinet Resolution on Control of Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
New UAE Cabinet Resolution mandating product registration, ECAS/EQM certification, and strict adherence to GSO and ISO safety standards for all cosmetic chemicals and ingredients. Enters into force March 8, 2026.
- •Mandatory ECAS or EQM certification for all cosmetic products
- •Expanded list of banned and restricted chemical substances
- +4 more changes
Saudi Draft Technical Regulation for Packaging (Mirroring EU PPWR)
July 2025 draft regulation mirroring the EU Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Covers supplier duties, material specs, recyclability, Arabic labeling, and market surveillance.
- •Mirrors EU PPWR — most comprehensive MENA packaging regulation
- •Supplier duties: labeling, conformity assessment, technical documentation
- +5 more changes
SFDA Cosmetic Products Non-Compliance Import & Manufacturing Ban
From January 1, 2026, Saudi Arabia prohibits the import or manufacturing of non-compliant cosmetic products. Products must meet updated GSO chemical substance restrictions with a grace period for existing stock until 2028.
- •Full ban on importing non-compliant cosmetic products from January 1, 2026
- •Grace period for existing market stock until January 1, 2028
- +4 more changes
Moroccan Cosmetics Regulation (Décret n° 2-25-114) — EU Alignment
Morocco's new comprehensive cosmetics regulation closely aligned with EU Regulation 1223/2009, establishing a modern regulatory framework.
- •Full EU 1223/2009 alignment
- •Mandatory product notification system
- +4 more changes
Egyptian Cosmetics Registration & GMP Requirements (Law 151/2019 / EgyCosm Platform)
Updated mandatory registration system and GMP requirements for all cosmetics manufactured or imported into Egypt.
- •5-year registration validity (previously 3 years)
- •Simplified renewal procedure
- +3 more changes
UAE Technical Regulation for Cosmetic Products (UAE.S GSO 2504:2025)
Updated GSO standard aligned with EU Regulation 1223/2009 with GCC-specific requirements. Mandatory product notification via the UAE Cosmetics e-Notification Portal.
- •Mandatory e-notification portal for all cosmetic products
- •Updated prohibited and restricted substances lists aligned with EU Annex II/III
- +3 more changes
UAE Single-Use Plastics Ban — Phase 2 (January 2025): Polystyrene, Straws, Cups
Phase 2 of UAE SUP ban (Jan 1, 2025) covers polystyrene containers, straws, cups, and stirrers. Phase 3 (2026) expands to plates, tableware, and more packaging items.
- •Ban on polystyrene food containers effective Jan 1, 2025
- •Ban on plastic straws, cups, and stirrers
- +4 more changes
Mandatory Halal Certification for Cosmetics — SASO GSO 2055-2
SASO mandates halal certification for cosmetics containing animal-derived ingredients, requiring certification from SFDA-recognized bodies.
- •Mandatory halal certification for animal-derived ingredient products
- •SFDA-recognized certification body requirement
- +3 more changes
SFDA Cosmetics & Personal Care Products Regulation (SFDA.FD/GSO 2504)
Comprehensive SFDA regulation governing the manufacture, import, and sale of cosmetics in Saudi Arabia with mandatory SFDA registration.
- •Mandatory SFDA electronic registration for all cosmetic products
- •GMP compliance per ISO 22716 required
- +4 more changes
GSO Technical Regulation for Cosmetics — Unified GCC Framework (GSO 2504:2025 / GSO 1943:2024)
Updated unified GCC cosmetics technical regulation adopted across all six GCC member states.
- •Updated prohibited/restricted substances (EU-aligned)
- •Nanomaterials provisions added
- +4 more changes
GSO 1943:2024 — Gulf Technical Regulation for Cosmetic Products Safety Requirements
Updated GCC-harmonized technical regulation for cosmetic products safety (replaces 2021 version). Mandatory across all six GCC member states.
- •Replaces GSO 1943:2021 version
- •Impurity limits: Pb ≤10ppm, As ≤3ppm, Cd ≤3ppm, Hg ≤1ppm
- +6 more changes
Egypt Packaging Waste Reduction & EPR Framework (Law 202/2026)
Egypt enacts its first national EPR law for packaging waste, establishing producer obligations, deposit-return for beverage containers, and single-use plastic phase-outs.
- •First national EPR law for packaging in Egypt
- •Deposit-return scheme for PET bottles and aluminium cans
- +4 more changes
Egypt Green Economy & Sustainable Materials Strategy for Packaging
Proposed strategy mandating eco-design principles, carbon footprint labelling, and green procurement standards for all packaging materials.
- •Mandatory eco-design assessment for new packaging (from 2028)
- •Carbon footprint labelling pilot for food packaging
- +3 more changes
Kuwait Environmental Protection Regulation — Packaging & Plastics
Proposed regulation banning key single-use plastics and establishing Kuwait's first packaging waste management framework with EPR elements.
- •Ban on non-degradable plastic bags at retail
- •SUP phase-out from government buildings and schools
- +3 more changes
UAE Circular Economy Policy for Consumer Goods Packaging
National circular economy strategy mandating design-for-recycling standards, reuse targets, and packaging minimisation for all consumer goods.
- •Design-for-recycling standards mandatory for all packaging
- •Multi-material non-separable packaging phased out by 2029
- +4 more changes
Saudi Sustainable Packaging Standard (SASO SSP:2026)
Proposed SASO standard establishing sustainability criteria for all packaging, including recycled content mandates, compostability standards, and heavy metals limits.
- •25% PCR in plastic packaging by 2028, 40% by 2032
- •Compostability standard aligned with EN 13432
- +4 more changes
Tunisian Cosmetics Regulation Reform — EU Approximation Framework
Draft regulation to align Tunisia's cosmetics framework with EU standards as part of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) negotiations.
- •EU prohibited/restricted substances list adoption
- •Responsible Person concept introduction
- +3 more changes
Saudi Green Initiative — Cosmetics Packaging Sustainability Requirements
Proposed regulation under Saudi Green Initiative requiring recyclability assessment and recycled content targets for cosmetics packaging.
- •Recyclability assessment for all packaging
- •25% minimum PCR content by 2028
- +3 more changes
Qatar National Sustainability Standards for Packaging (QS 2841:2026)
Mandatory sustainability standards for all packaging in Qatar, banning specific single-use plastics and mandating recyclability assessments.
- •Ban on SUP cutlery, stirrers, straws, and EPS food containers (July 2027)
- •Material identification codes per ISO 11469 mandatory
- +3 more changes
Microplastics Restriction in Rinse-Off Cosmetics
Ban on intentionally added microplastics in rinse-off cosmetic products, with phased extension to leave-on products.
- •Phase 1: Microplastics ban in rinse-off products (Jan 2027)
- •Phase 2: Extension to leave-on products (Jan 2029)
- +3 more changes
Morocco Extended Producer Responsibility Law for Packaging (Loi 77-15 Amendment)
Amendment to Morocco's waste management law establishing a full EPR scheme for packaging, with eco-organism accreditation and recycling targets.
- •Full EPR scheme for all packaging waste
- •Eco-organism accreditation framework
- +4 more changes
Emirates Single-Use Plastics Policy — Phase 2 for Cosmetics Packaging
Phase 2 extends single-use plastic restrictions to cosmetic and beauty product packaging, requiring minimum 30% recycled content by 2027.
- •Minimum 30% PCR content for plastic cosmetics packaging by 2027
- •Ban on single-use plastic sachets below 50ml
- +3 more changes
Saudi Regional Waste Master Plans & Vision 2030 Waste Management Alignment
Saudi Arabia launches regional waste master plans (Nov 2025) under Vision 2030 with EPR pilots for plastics and single-use items.
- •Regional waste master plans for all 13 administrative regions
- •40% waste diversion from landfill target by 2030
- +4 more changes
SFDA Circular: 3 New Restricted Substances with Concentration Limits
SFDA adds 3 new substances to the restricted list with specific concentration limits. Import/manufacture ban from Jan 1, 2026; existing stock grace period to Jan 1, 2028.
- •3 new restricted substances with concentration limits
- •Import/manufacture ban effective January 1, 2026
- +3 more changes
Egypt Mandatory Chemical Standards for Cosmetic Ingredients (Decisions 245 & 246/2025)
Egypt's Ministry of Industry Decisions No. 245 and 246 of 2025 set mandatory Egyptian Standard Specifications for chemical goods including cosmetic-grade ingredients, tightening purity and contaminant limits.
- •Mandatory Egyptian Standard Specifications for cosmetic-grade chemicals
- •Stricter heavy metal limits (lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium) in ingredients
- +4 more changes
SFDA Guidelines on Cosmetic Product Claims Substantiation
New SFDA guidelines establishing requirements for substantiation of cosmetic product claims including anti-aging, whitening, and natural/organic claims.
- •Clinical studies on local population required for efficacy claims
- •Specific substantiation for whitening/lightening claims
- +3 more changes
Saudi Arabia RoHS — Restriction on Hazardous Substances Including Phthalates
Proposed Saudi RoHS regulation restricting hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, adding four phthalates to the restricted list. Impacts cosmetic devices and electronic beauty tools.
- •Four phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP) added to restricted substances
- •Alignment with Product Safety Law requirements
- +4 more changes
Morocco DMP Ban on TPO (Diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide) in Nail Products
Morocco bans TPO in nail products (gel nails, UV-cured polishes) due to toxicity risks. Effective September 2025.
- •TPO banned in all nail products
- •Applies to UV/LED-cured gel polishes, builders, and coatings
- +3 more changes
SFDA Mandatory Stability Testing Protocol for Cosmetics in Saudi Climate
New mandatory stability testing requirements reflecting Saudi Arabian climatic conditions, including accelerated and long-term studies.
- •40°C/75% RH long-term stability required
- •50°C/75% RH accelerated stability (3 months)
- +3 more changes
Updated Restricted Substances List for Cosmetics — Annex III Moroccan Supplement
Morocco supplements the EU restricted substances list with additional restrictions on traditional ingredients and locally relevant substances.
- •Lead limit in kohl products reduced to 0.5 ppm
- •PPD restriction in henna products (max 2%)
- +3 more changes
JFDA Updated Cosmetics Registration Requirements
JFDA overhaul of cosmetics registration with new fast-track pathway for products registered in reference countries.
- •Fast-track 30-day pathway for reference country products
- •Electronic submission system
- +3 more changes
EOS Restriction on Hydroquinone in Skin-Lightening Products
Complete ban on hydroquinone in OTC cosmetic skin-lightening products; restricted to prescription-only pharmaceutical products.
- •Complete ban on hydroquinone in cosmetic products
- •Reclassified as pharmaceutical active
- +3 more changes
Updated Bilingual Labeling Requirements for Cosmetics
Reinforced Arabic-English bilingual labeling requirements with new specifications for font size, ingredient listing, and mandatory warnings.
- •Arabic text must be equal or greater prominence
- •Minimum 1.2mm x-height for mandatory label info
- +3 more changes
Jordan GHS Chemical Labeling Standard (DJS 990:2024) — Full Implementation
Jordan has fully adopted the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for chemical classification and labeling under DJS 990:2024, requiring standardized hazard pictograms and bilingual statements for all chemical substances including cosmetic raw materials.
- •Full GHS adoption replacing previous national chemical labeling system
- •Standardized hazard pictograms required on all chemical substance labels
- +4 more changes
NHRA Cosmetic Product Safety Assessment Framework
New NHRA framework for cosmetic product safety assessment with mandatory toxicological evaluation and post-market monitoring.
- •Mandatory pre-market safety assessment
- •SCCS Notes of Guidance as reference
- +3 more changes
Egypt EPR Scheme for Plastic Shopping Bags (PM Decree No. 662/2025)
Egypt's first operational EPR scheme: manufacturers/importers of plastic shopping bags must track, report, and pay EGP 37.5/kg fee to fund collection and disposal.
- •Egypt's first operational EPR scheme
- •EGP 37.5/kg fee for plastic shopping bags
- +4 more changes
Qatar Cosmetics Import Authorization & Registration System
New electronic import authorization system for cosmetics with pre-shipment document verification requirements.
- •Electronic import registration system
- •Risk-based inspection approach
- +3 more changes
UAE EPR Pilot Programme for Packaging, E-Waste & Batteries (Abu Dhabi/Dubai)
EPR pilot launched 2024/early 2025 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai for packaging, e-waste, and batteries. Full national EPR framework planned for 2026.
- •EPR pilot active in Abu Dhabi and Dubai
- •Covers packaging, e-waste, and batteries
- +4 more changes
GSO 2528:2024 — GCC Cosmetic Product Claims Requirements
Updated GCC-wide standard governing cosmetic product claims. Claims must be truthful, evidence-based, and non-misleading with no primary medical/disinfection claims.
- •Truthful, evidence-based claims mandatory
- •No primary medical or disinfection claims on cosmetics
- +3 more changes
UAE ECAS Certification & Mandatory Accredited Lab Testing for Cosmetics
ECAS certification mandatory for cosmetics imports with 1-year renewable cycle. Since 2024: mandatory accredited-lab microbiological and heavy metal testing.
- •ECAS certification mandatory (1-year renewable)
- •Accredited-lab microbiological testing mandatory for imports since 2024
- +4 more changes
Egypt EgyCosm Electronic Notification Platform (Law 151/2019)
EDA's EgyCosm platform provides fast-track cosmetics notification (3-day option). 10-year registration validity. Post-notification warehouse inspection required.
- •EgyCosm platform with fast-track option (3 business days)
- •10-year registration validity (renewable)
- +4 more changes
Morocco Cosmetics Registration Framework (DMP Circular No. 48 DMP20)
Morocco's primary cosmetics regulation: 5-year registration with DMP, Cosmetology Committee review, Poison Control certificate required. Aligns with EU Dir. 76/768/EEC.
- •5-year registration validity (renew 3 months before expiry)
- •Cosmetology Committee reviews applications
- +4 more changes
Tunisia Circular Economy & Packaging EPR Law (Loi 2026-12)
Tunisia's circular economy law establishing EPR for packaging, mandatory eco-design, and a national deposit-return system for bottles.
- •EPR for producers placing >1 tonne packaging/year
- •Deposit-return system for glass and PET bottles
- +4 more changes
Jordan National Packaging Waste Management & EPR Bylaw
Jordan introduces EPR bylaw for packaging waste management with graduated compliance timeline and SME exemptions.
- •EPR obligations for companies >JOD 1M turnover
- •Annual packaging quantity declaration by material
- +4 more changes
Lebanon Packaging Waste & Single-Use Plastics Reduction Law
Draft law targeting single-use plastics reduction and establishing basic packaging waste management obligations for major producers.
- •Plastic bag ban at large retail establishments
- •Mandatory waste separation for commercial premises
- +3 more changes
Oman Extended Producer Responsibility for Consumer Packaging
Proposed EPR regulation for consumer packaging with focus on plastic waste reduction and support for Oman's recycling sector.
- •EPR registration for companies >OMR 250K revenue
- •Financial contribution to Clean Environment Fund
- +4 more changes
Iraq Packaging Quality & Safety Standards Update
Updated COSQC standards for packaging materials covering food-contact safety, migration testing, and material restrictions.
- •Food-contact migration limits aligned with GSO/Codex
- •BPA limit <0.05 mg/kg in packaging
- +3 more changes
Algeria Sustainable Packaging & Waste Reduction Standards
New IANOR standards for sustainable packaging materials, restricting hazardous substances and promoting recyclable mono-material designs.
- •Heavy metals limit <100ppm in all packaging
- •PFAS restriction in food-contact packaging
- +3 more changes
Bahrain Sustainable Packaging Initiative & Single-Use Plastics Phase-Out
Phased ban on specific single-use plastic packaging items and introduction of sustainability requirements for all packaging in Bahrain.
- •Phase 1 (2027): Ban on thin bags, straws, EPS containers
- •Phase 2 (2028): Ban on plastic cutlery, plates, cups
- +3 more changes
GCC Adoption of Global Harmonized System (GSO 2654:2025) for Chemical Classification
GCC-wide adoption of the Globally Harmonized System for chemical classification and labeling (GSO/TC01/FDS/GSO2654:2025), promoting safety and environmental protection across the chemical supply chain affecting cosmetic ingredient sourcing.
- •GHS adoption for chemical classification across all GCC member states
- •Standardized Safety Data Sheet format for chemical substances
- +4 more changes
Kuwait Updated Cosmetics Labeling Standard (KS GSO 1943)
Updated labeling standard with enhanced requirements for digital labeling, QR codes, and e-leaflet provisions.
- •QR code provisions for supplementary information
- •E-leaflet requirements and standards
- +3 more changes
COSQC Cosmetics Quality Requirements Update
Updated COSQC quality requirements for cosmetics with new testing protocols and conformity assessment procedures.
- •Mandatory third-party accredited lab testing
- •Updated heavy metals limits
- +3 more changes
Mandatory Arabic-Only Primary Display Panel for Cosmetics
New requirement for Arabic-only text on the primary display panel of cosmetics, with other languages permitted only on secondary panels.
- •Arabic-only primary display panel
- •Arabic ingredient summary alongside INCI
- +2 more changes
Oman Cosmetics Import & Market Surveillance Enhancement
Enhanced border inspection and market surveillance for imported cosmetics with new testing requirements at point of entry.
- •Random port-of-entry sampling and testing
- •Quarterly retail surveillance inspections
- +3 more changes
Algerian Microbiological Standards for Cosmetics (NA 12879)
Updated microbiological limit standards for cosmetics aligned with ISO 17516, with additional requirements for products sold in hot climates.
- •ISO 17516 alignment with climate-specific additions
- •Mandatory challenge testing (ISO 11930)
- +2 more changes
SFDA Prohibition on Geographic Claims in Cosmetic Products (Circular 37719/2)
SFDA Circular No. 37719/2 prohibits cosmetic products from using phrases suggesting they are intended for a specific geographic area, requiring brands to revise labels and marketing materials.
- •Prohibition on geographic-specific claims on cosmetic product labels
- •Marketing materials must remove geographic targeting language
- +4 more changes
SFDA Circular: Prohibition of Geographic Area Claims on Cosmetics
SFDA circular prohibiting cosmetic product claims suggesting a product is designed or intended for a specific geographic area.
- •Geographic area claims prohibited on cosmetics
- •Existing products must be relabeled or claims removed
- +1 more changes
JFDA Enhanced Testing, Compliance & Market Control for Cosmetics (Q1 2025)
Jordan strengthens cosmetics testing requirements, market surveillance, and compliance enforcement in Q1 2025. Updated national standards for labeling/packaging.
- •Increased random sampling and testing of cosmetics
- •Updated national standards for labeling and packaging
- +4 more changes
Jordan Updated National Standards for Packaging — Labeling & Emissions (Q1 2025)
Updated Jordanian packaging standards (Q1 2025) covering labeling requirements, emissions limits, and material specifications.
- •Revised labeling standards with material identification and recycling symbols
- •Updated emissions/migration limits for food-contact packaging
- +3 more changes
Lebanon Cosmetics Import Licensing Update
Simplified import licensing for cosmetics to support market recovery, with reduced documentation for established brands.
- •Simplified documentation for established brands
- •Self-declaration for low-risk categories
- +2 more changes
Libya Plastic Bag Restriction & Packaging Waste Awareness Initiative
Draft regulation to restrict single-use plastic bags and establish packaging waste awareness programmes.
- •Mandatory charge for plastic bags at retail (LYD 0.5)
- •Packaging waste awareness campaigns
- +2 more changes
Upcoming Compliance Deadlines
Updated Bilingual Labeling Requirements for Cosmetics
Reinforced Arabic-English bilingual labeling requirements with new specifications for font size, ingredient listing, and mandatory warnings.
Jordan GHS Chemical Labeling Standard (DJS 990:2024) — Full Implementation
Jordan has fully adopted the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for chemical classification and labeling under DJS 990:2024, requiring standardized hazard pictograms and bilingual statements for all chemical substances including cosmetic raw materials.
SFDA Circular: 21 New Prohibited Substances Added to Cosmetics Ban List
SFDA adds 21 new substances to the prohibited list including certain tin compounds, nitrosomorpholine, and methylimidazole. Immediate ban on new products.
UAE Draft Cabinet Resolution on Control of Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
New UAE Cabinet Resolution mandating product registration, ECAS/EQM certification, and strict adherence to GSO and ISO safety standards for all cosmetic chemicals and ingredients. Enters into force March 8, 2026.
GCC Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2026
GCC-wide regulation notified to the WTO in October 2025 introducing tighter controls on chemical substances in cosmetics across all GCC member states, with updated restricted and prohibited substance annexes.
Mandatory Arabic-Only Primary Display Panel for Cosmetics
New requirement for Arabic-only text on the primary display panel of cosmetics, with other languages permitted only on secondary panels.
COSQC Cosmetics Quality Requirements Update
Updated COSQC quality requirements for cosmetics with new testing protocols and conformity assessment procedures.
Saudi Arabia RoHS — Restriction on Hazardous Substances Including Phthalates
Proposed Saudi RoHS regulation restricting hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, adding four phthalates to the restricted list. Impacts cosmetic devices and electronic beauty tools.
MENA Region Overview
GCC
Gulf Cooperation Council
103
regulations
25 recent changes across 6 countries
Levant
Eastern Mediterranean
33
regulations
6 recent changes across 3 countries
North Africa
Maghreb & Northeast Africa
62
regulations
12 recent changes across 5 countries