Cosmetics in the UAE: are you ready for the new regulatory requirements?
The UAE cosmetic market is governed by both national requirements and harmonised Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) standards. GSO 1943:2024 is the current key reference covering safety, labelling, and packaging requirements for cosmetic and personal care products.
What should brands have on their radar?
Formula compliance GSO 1943:2024 refers to the annexes of the European Cosmetics Regulation but also includes specific Gulf requirements. Formula assessment should therefore cover prohibited and restricted substances, colourants, preservatives and UV filters, together with adhering to specific requirements relating to parameters such as pH, heavy metals and impurities.
New fragrance allergen labelling deadlines
The UAE is aligning its requirements with the European approach to fragrance allergen labelling:
- 31st of December 2026: compliance required for newly marketed products.
- 31st of December 2028: compliance required for products already on the market.
Brands should therefore review their fragrance compositions and ingredient lists and anticipate any necessary label updates.
Claims and labelling
Cosmetic claims must comply with GSO 2528:2024, be appropriately supported, and not mislead consumers. Labelling must also meet the requirements of GSO 1943:2024.
How can Eurofins Cosmetics & Personal Care support you?
Eurofins Cosmetics & Personal Care can support brands preparing for the UAE market through:
- Formula compliance assessments
- Claims reviews
- Labelling assessments
Planning a launch in the UAE or reviewing your existing portfolio? Contact Eurofins Cosmetics & Personal Care to identify potential compliance gaps and prepare for the upcoming requirements.