Avoid Rejection: Shelf Life & Expiry Rules in Qatar 2025

How Long Can Products Stay on Shelves in Qatar? Shelf Life & Expiry Rules (2025)

Understanding shelf life and expiry labeling isn’t optional in Qatar—it’s a regulatory requirement.

MoPH and Qatar Customs strictly enforce shelf life and product stability regulations to protect consumers and ensure traceability.

Here’s everything brands need to know about product shelf life requirements before launching in Qatar.

What is shelf life and why does it matter in Qatar?

Shelf life refers to the time a product remains safe and effective under proper storage conditions. In Qatar, shelf life is more than a quality standard—it’s a compliance checkpoint.

Whether you’re importing food, supplements, cosmetics, or household items, MoPH requires that shelf life:

• Is clearly stated in Arabic and English

• Matches laboratory stability data

• Is approved before customs clearance

Products with short shelf life or incorrect expiry formats can be rejected or even destroyed at entry.

What are Qatar’s MoPH labeling requirements for expiry?

Your product label must include:

• Manufacturing date (MFG)

• Expiry date (EXP)

• Shelf life duration (if applicable)

All dates must follow a clear DD/MM/YYYY format in both Arabic and English. Vague terms like "Best Before" or missing Arabic translation will cause MoPH to halt your registration or customs clearance.

How is shelf life validated in Qatar?

Before MoPH grants approval, you must provide:

• Real-time or accelerated stability test results

• Product storage conditions

• Container and packaging compatibility data

• Any third-party laboratory reports or studies

Cosmetics and supplements are often tested for microbial safety, ingredient breakdown, and packaging effects over time. These results determine the official shelf life.

Is there a minimum shelf life required at customs clearance?

Yes. Qatar Customs enforces minimum remaining shelf life:

• Food and beverages: Minimum 50% of total shelf life remaining

• Supplements and cosmetics: Often 12+ months required

• Short-life products: Entry must be cleared quickly or with special exception

If your product doesn’t meet the remaining shelf life requirement, it won’t be allowed through customs.

How can Product Registration Qatar help you?

We support:

• Stability testing coordination with accredited labs

• MoPH-compliant labeling and translation

• Pre-clearance reviews for customs shelf life compliance

• Advisory on packaging, storage, and expiry claims

Whether you’re importing a new brand or reformulating, our experts keep you shelf-life ready.

Final Takeaway

Shelf life is a regulatory checkpoint you can’t afford to ignore. In Qatar, it impacts everything from label approval to customs clearance.

Get it wrong and face costly delays. Get it right, and your product moves faster.

Continue reading:

• Struggling with label compliance? Read Label vs. Formula Validation for MoPH Qatar.

• Need faster approvals? See Why Product Testing Is Required Before MoPH Approval.

• Planning ahead? Learn more in Technical Translation for MoPH Registration in Qatar.

• Secure MoPH approval before importing to Qatar to stay compliant.

• Learn how to gather a compliant product dossier for MoPH and MENAT approvals.

For guidance on shelf life or regulatory questions, chat with our team now or book a free consultation.

Ready to Ensure Your Product is Fully Compliant?

Fill out the form below and let our experts guide you through label checks, formula validation, and registration—step by step.

Continue Reading: