Kuwait has granted a transitional period for amending labeling and information requirements on energy drink products across multiple markets, including Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
Kuwait Gives Energy Drink Makers Time to Update Labels
Manufacturers get a transitional period to meet new labeling standards across GCC markets.
What changed
Transitional period granted for updating labeling and information requirements.
New technical standards for energy drink product labeling must be met.
GCC-wide application across Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.
Focus on disclosure — no new bans or tariffs, just compliance requirements.
Who it affects
Energy drink manufacturers must update product labeling to meet new technical standards.
Importers and distributors across GCC countries must ensure products comply during transition.
Key dates
Compliance Answer: Transitional Period for Energy Drink Labeling in Kuwait
Kuwait has granted a six-month transitional period exclusively for amending labeling and mandatory information requirements on energy drink products to comply with Ministerial Resolution No. (351) of 2025. This period applies only to labeling adjustments and does not affect other provisions of the Resolution, which remain fully enforceable from the date of publication1.
Regulation Analysis
1. Key Provisions of Ministerial Resolution No. (351) of 2025
The Resolution regulates the circulation, sale, and labeling of energy drinks in Kuwait. The transitional period addresses labeling and information requirements only, as outlined below:
| Regulation | Key Requirement | Deadline/Threshold | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ministerial Resolution No. (351) of 2025 | Mandates compliance with updated labeling and warning requirements for energy drinks1. | Transitional period: 6 months from publication (24 Dec 2025)1. | Ministry of Health1. |
| Excludes other provisions (e.g., circulation, marketing, consumer protection) from the transitional period1. | Enforceable from 24 Dec 20251. | Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN)1. |
2. Scope and Limitations of the Transitional Period
- Exclusive to labeling: The 6-month period applies only to amendments of food labels and mandatory information statements (e.g., warnings, nutritional data)1.
- No exemption for other provisions: All other requirements under the Resolution (e.g., product registration, marketing restrictions) remain enforceable from the publication date (24 Dec 2025)1.
- Non-discriminatory application: Applies equally to domestic and imported products1.
3. Objective and Rationale
The transitional period aims to:
- Facilitate a smooth regulatory transition for producers/importers1.
- Allow time for technical adjustments to product labels1.
- Align with WTO TBT Agreement principles (transparency, predictability) without compromising public health1.
Summary Answer
Kuwait’s Ministerial Resolution No. (351) of 2025 grants a 6-month transitional period (effective from 24 Dec 2025) exclusively for labeling amendments on energy drink products1. This period does not delay other provisions of the Resolution, which remain enforceable immediately1. The measure applies non-discriminatorily to all products and is overseen by the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN)1. Producers/importers must ensure full compliance with labeling requirements by June 20261.
Sources
- ↩ Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade – Notification – United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Bahrain, State of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Yemen – Energy drinks – Addendum https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=Q:/G/TBTN19/KWT483A3.pdf&Open=True