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Mandatory Product Labelling in Arabic
Under Article 12, every producer or importer selling goods in Kuwait must display the following information in Arabic on their products, in line with Kuwaiti or GCC standard specifications:
- Product specifications and description
- Production date
- Expiry date
- Country of origin
- Any other data required by Kuwaiti law or executive regulations
Why this matters for expats: When shopping in Kuwait, you are legally entitled to find this information clearly displayed on any product. If a product lacks an Arabic label or is missing expiry dates, this is a legal violation — particularly important when buying food, medicines, cosmetics, or children's products.
Practical tip: If you find unlabelled goods on shelves, especially in smaller shops, you can report this to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Clear and Transparent Pricing
Article 13 requires that every seller must:
- Display the price clearly and directly on each item
- Service providers must clearly state the cost of each service offered
Sales and Special Offers
Kuwait law does not allow retailers to run temporary discounts or special promotional offers without first obtaining a licence from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This means that a flash sale or clearance event you see in a shop must be officially authorised.
Furthermore, advertising any commercial discounts or offers without the required licence is prohibited. If you see deceptive pricing or unauthorised discounts being advertised, this is a reportable violation.
Practical tip for expats: Be cautious of aggressive promotional pricing that seems unregulated. Legitimate sales in major malls are typically Ministry-approved.
Your Right to a Written Invoice
Under Article 15, every supplier is required to provide you with a written invoice in Arabic (at minimum) for every transaction. This invoice must include:
- Date of the transaction
- Price of the product
- Specifications of the product
- Origin of the product
- Nature, type, and quantity of the product
- Any additional details specified by the executive regulations
Why invoices matter: Your invoice is your primary proof of purchase for returns, warranty claims, and legal complaints. Always request a proper invoice — not just a basic cash register receipt — for significant purchases.
Supplier Identification on Documents
Under Article 19, all suppliers must include their identifying business information on every document, correspondence, and contract issued to consumers, including electronic documents. This includes:
- Their commercial registration details
- Their trade name or trademark if applicable
This helps consumers and authorities identify and hold businesses accountable.
Advertising Rules: Language and Licensing
Article 25 prohibits advertising goods or services without first obtaining a licence from the relevant administrative authority.
Article 26 requires that all advertising and product data (as per Article 12) be written in Arabic at minimum, though additional languages are permitted alongside Arabic.
Important for expats: If you see advertising that appears entirely in English or another language with no Arabic content, this may be a violation of Kuwait's advertising rules.
Penalties for Non-Compliant Suppliers
Suppliers who violate labelling, pricing, invoicing, or after-sales obligations (Articles 12–19) face:
- Fines of up to KD 20,000
- Imprisonment of up to 2 years
- Or both penalties combined
These penalties apply per violation and can be compounded for repeat offenders.
What Expats Should Do
- Always check labels on products, especially food and cosmetics
- Request a proper Arabic invoice for any purchase of value
- Report unlabelled products or missing price tags to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- Keep copies of all purchase documents for warranty and return purposes