Saudi Arabia seizes 1.5M contaminated cosmetics over counterfeit concern

SAUDI ARABIA – The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has confiscated approximately 1.5 million non-compliant cosmetic products from an illicit storage facility in Najran, a city in southwestern Saudi Arabia. 

The operation uncovered a residential site used to store these products, which were found to have manipulated expiration dates and violated stringent national safety regulations, posing a direct threat to consumer health. 

This seizure highlights Saudi Arabia’s intensified efforts to combat counterfeit goods and safeguard public safety in a rapidly expanding cosmetics market.

The SFDA’s investigation revealed that the seized cosmetics, stored in a residential facility rather than a regulated warehouse, failed to meet the Kingdom’s rigorous safety and quality standards. 

Authorities discovered evidence of tampered expiration dates, a serious violation that could expose consumers to harmful or ineffective products. 

The SFDA promptly referred the case to the Public Prosecution, signaling the severity of the breach. 

According to Article 31 of Saudi Arabia’s Cosmetics Products Law, violations such as tampering with expiration dates or distributing falsified products are punishable by penalties of up to five years in prison, fines of up to SR 5 million ( USD 1.33 million), or both.

The SFDA’s zero-tolerance stance reflects its commitment to enforcing compliance with national regulations, including mandatory safety testing, proper labeling, and adherence to halal standards, which are culturally significant in Saudi Arabia. 

The Najran seizure follows a pattern of robust enforcement by Saudi authorities. 

In 2024, the SFDA seized 365,000 unregistered cosmetics and food items in Qatif, and in 2020, Saudi Customs destroyed over 2 million counterfeit goods, including cosmetics, shoes, and mobile accessories. 

These efforts highlight the Kingdom’s ongoing battle against a global counterfeit trade that accounts for 3.3% of worldwide commerce, with cosmetics being a prime target due to their profitability and ease of replication. 

The SFDA’s collaboration with entities like the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority and the Ministry of Commerce demonstrates a coordinated approach to tackling this issue, with a focus on both physical and online marketplaces.

The SFDA’s rigorous standards require cosmetic products to undergo microbiological testing, stability assessments, and compliance with prohibited substance lists, such as those outlined in SFDA Annex II, which bans potentially carcinogenic ingredients. 

The authority also encourages manufacturers to pursue voluntary halal certification to align with cultural preferences, further enhancing consumer trust.

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