Arabic Label Adaptation: The 14 Requirements That Determine GCC Clearance

Arabic labelling is the final step that many European exporters treat as a translation job. It is a compliance exercise governed by GSO 9:2013 (the GCC unified food labelling standard) and product-specific SFDA and ESMA requirements. Getting it wrong means your shipment is returned at customs.

The 14 Mandatory Elements (GSO 9:2013)

1. Product name in Arabic (must be the standard name, not a marketing name)
2. List of ingredients in descending order by weight — in Arabic
3. Net quantity (weight or volume) in metric units
4. Best before or expiry date (DD/MM/YYYY format)
5. Country of origin
6. Name and address of the importer or agent in the GCC country
7. Storage instructions where applicable
8. Preparation or use instructions where applicable
9. Lot or batch number
10. Nutritional information panel (per 100g or per serving)
11. Allergen declarations — Arabic mandatory for all 14 major allergens
12. Halal status indication (certified or not)
13. Any claims (health, nutritional, organic) must comply with specific GCC claims standards
14. Barcode (EAN-13 or GS1)

"The most common label failure we see is allergen declaration — European exporters use the English 'Contains:' box but omit it in Arabic. This alone fails SFDA inspection."