Preparing and Translating Cosmetic Product Listing Documents
SFDA uses notification or listing to describe entering cosmetic products in its records through eCosma. This process is not a product-safety evaluation or a guarantee of market acceptance. When documents are translated, preserve the product identity, ingredients, roles, concentrations, claims, warnings, and numbers as they appear in the source. The official materials do not establish a universal rule requiring an Arabic translation, sworn translator, or legalization for every file; check the current field or application instruction and keep the official Arabic text as the controlling reference when versions differ.
- Clear images of the outer and inner labels from all sides, with readable information.
- The internal leaflet or brochure, where one exists.
- The ingredient list with each ingredient’s role and exact concentration.
- Ingredient nomenclature and CAS information when requesting an ingredient not available in eCosma.
- A copy of the establishment’s commercial registration.
- The owner’s identity or the incorporation contract, as applicable to the establishment.
- The investment licence for a foreign or mixed company, where applicable.
- The identity or residency document of the person responsible for follow-up.
- The legal agency or certified authorization, including the authorization letter with its required particulars.
- The Product Information File and analytical or conformity records to be retained and provided on request.
Identify the responsible notifier and confirm the current account and listing pathway in eCosma or the applicable electronic service.
Prepare the commercial registration, identity or incorporation record, investment licence where applicable, follow-up document, and agency or authorization.
Prepare clear images of all sides, including inner and outer labels and any leaflet, and confirm the format accepted by the live field.
Enter every ingredient with its role and exact concentration; use nomenclature and the CAS number to request an unavailable ingredient when the system requires it.
Compare the translation with the source and images, preserving INCI names, CAS numbers, trademarks, symbols, measurements, and codes rather than treating them as ordinary prose.
Maintain the Product Information File and analytical or conformity results, and provide them to SFDA if requested.
An update may be permitted when a change does not affect product characteristics or composition; a new request may be needed when it does.
The guidance states that renewal is made at least 90 days before expiry; this is a renewal lead time, not a general validity period for a translation or document.
| Document type | Common use | Note |
|---|---|---|
Is cosmetic notification a safety evaluation?
No. SFDA says notification or listing in eCosma does not mean that SFDA evaluated product safety; the notifier remains responsible for data accuracy and product safety.
Is there a universal official rule requiring every document to be translated into Arabic?
The official materials do not establish that universal rule. Check the current application or field instruction instead of assuming a blanket requirement.
What should I do if the English and Arabic versions differ?
The English guide itself says that it is an informational translation and that the Arabic original prevails in a discrepancy.
What label images are required?
Clear image or images from all sides showing readable information, including the inner and outer labels and any internal leaflet where applicable.
Is a descriptive translation of the label enough?
Do not assume so. The translation should preserve identity, ingredients, claims, and warnings without alteration, alongside clear images and accurate data.
Must INCI names and CAS numbers be translated?
The official source does not say to translate them. As a practical safeguard, preserve standardized names and numbers and translate explanatory text where needed.
What ingredient data is required?
Enter all ingredients with each ingredient’s role and exact concentration; an ingredient-list file may also be attached where the system provides for it.
What are the core product documents?
A copy of the product label with all information, the internal leaflet if any, and the ingredient list with concentrations and roles.
What documents are used to create an account?
The guide lists the commercial registration, owner identity or incorporation contract as applicable, investment licence for a foreign or mixed company, the follow-up person’s identity or residency, and legal agency or certified authorization.
What must an authorization letter contain?
It must identify both establishments, their addresses and CR numbers, be on the delegating establishment’s stamped official paper, bear the responsible official’s name and signature, and be attested by the competent authority.
Must the Product Information File be retained?
Yes. The guidance requires the notifier to maintain the PIF and submit it to SFDA on request, referring to SFDA.CO 6000:2020.
Does a translation guarantee acceptance?
No. Acceptance is not guaranteed, and listing is not a safety evaluation. Data, labeling, requirements, and the current pathway must align.
Does every change require a new listing request?
No. The guidance allows an update where the change does not affect product characteristics or composition; otherwise a new request may be needed.
When is renewal made?
The guidance says to renew at least 90 days before expiry. That is a renewal lead time, not a universal validity period for a translation or supporting document.
Is registration always required before import?
Do not make that universal claim. An official FAQ dated 2024-07-30 said that, at the time of the answer, pre-import registration was not mandatory, while other guidance explains listing pathways; verify the current pathway and specific clearance requirements.
This guide is for general information and is not legal or consular advice. Always verify current requirements with the receiving authority.