19/03/2026
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19/03/2026
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KUWAIT CITY, March 19: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued Ministerial Decision No. 29/2026 for regulating the distribution and sale of energy drinks. The decision, which was published on the ministry’s X account, includes the following:
Article 1 (Definition of Energy Drinks) These are non-alcoholic or non-carbonated beverages primarily made from water and contain high levels of caffeine, not less than 80 mg per 250 ml, derived from a natural source such as guarana or produced synthetically. They may also include other added stimulants such as taurine, inositol, or glucuronolactone. Energy drinks may contain additional ingredients such as carbohydrates, sugar, sweeteners, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Flavorings are defined as substances that enhance alertness, physical activity, or mental performance.
Article 2 (Regulations for Sale and Distribution)
1. The sale or distribution of energy drinks to individuals under the age of eighteen is prohibited.
2. The sale or distribution of energy drinks is prohibited if the caffeine content of a single can exceeds 80 mg per 250 ml, or if it contains stimulants that violate the health requirements approved by the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN).
3. Consumers may not consume more than two cans of energy drinks per day.
4. Manufacturers and suppliers are required to display clear and prominent health warnings on the packaging.
5. The sale of energy drinks is permitted only in cooperative societies, parallel markets, and designated areas, under strict supervision by the relevant authorities.
Article 3
The sale, serving, or distribution of energy drinks is prohibited in the following locations:
The sale, serving, or distribution of energy drinks is prohibited in the following locations:
1. Government agencies and public institutions
2. Public and private sports clubs
3. Public, private, and community educational institutions at all levels, including public and private institutes and universities
4. Restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, juice shops, food trucks of all types and sizes, and self-service kiosks
5. Through delivery and takeout platforms
Article 4:
Advertising, promoting, marketing, or commercially sponsoring energy drinks, whether directly or indirectly, through any media outlet, electronic platform, or social media platform, is prohibited. Companies and their agents are also prohibited from sponsoring or supporting events that promote the product.
Advertising, promoting, marketing, or commercially sponsoring energy drinks, whether directly or indirectly, through any media outlet, electronic platform, or social media platform, is prohibited. Companies and their agents are also prohibited from sponsoring or supporting events that promote the product.
Article 5:
Without prejudice to any harsher penalties stipulated by other laws, upon proof of a violation, the ministry may impose one or more of the following penalties:
Without prejudice to any harsher penalties stipulated by other laws, upon proof of a violation, the ministry may impose one or more of the following penalties:
1. Warning the violator
2. Temporary administrative closure
3. License revocation in the case of repeated violations
By Marwa Al-Bahrawi Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
