Kuwait Ministry of Health Issues Resolution No. 351/2025 Regulating Energy Drink Circulation

Kuwait City — December 24, 2025

The Ministry of Health has announced the issuance of Ministerial Resolution No. 351 of 2025, introducing comprehensive regulations governing the circulation, sale, and consumption of energy drinks across the State of Kuwait. This landmark decision reflects the Ministry's commitment to safeguarding public health and reducing the risks associated with excessive caffeine intake, particularly among younger individuals.

The Resolution was enacted following the recommendations of the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition and aligns with national efforts to strengthen nutrition-related regulatory frameworks.

Key Provisions of the Resolution

The new regulation introduces several significant restrictions and controls:

Age Restriction

Energy drinks may only be sold to individuals aged 18 years and above.

Daily Consumption Limit

Consumers do not exceed two cans per day, with a maximum of 80 mg caffeine per 250 ml per can. Thus, the regulation limits the caffeine content to 32 mg per 100 ml.

Mandatory Health Warnings

Manufacturers and importers must display clear and prominent health warnings on all energy drink packaging.

Ban on Advertising and Sponsorship

All forms of commercial advertising and promotional sponsorships for energy drinks are strictly prohibited.

Sales Prohibited in Key Public Environments

Energy drinks may not be sold in:

• Educational institutions (governmental, private, and community schools)
• Universities and institutes
• Government institutions
• Sports clubs
• Restaurants, cafés, groceries, food trucks, vending machines, and delivery platforms

Controlled Sales Locations

Sales are permitted only in cooperative societies and parallel markets, and must occur within designated areas under strict government oversight.

Implementation

All relevant authorities have been instructed to enforce the Resolution immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette. Any prior regulations conflicting with these provisions are now void.

The Resolution was issued by Dr. Ahmad Abdulwahab Al-Awadhi, Minister of Health, on December 24, 2025.

Impact on the Industry

This comprehensive regulation represents one of the strictest energy drink control frameworks in the Gulf region. Key implications for businesses include:

• Distribution Channel Restrictions: Companies must restructure their distribution networks to comply with the limited sales location requirements
• Marketing Strategy Overhaul: The complete advertising ban necessitates alternative approaches to brand awareness
• Packaging Compliance: All products must feature mandated health warnings before market entry
• Point-of-Sale Controls: Retailers must implement age verification systems and purchase quantity monitoring

Regional Context

Kuwait joins other Gulf nations in strengthening controls on energy drink consumption. This resolution may influence similar regulatory developments across the GCC, as countries increasingly prioritize public health measures targeting high-caffeine beverages.

Companies operating in the Kuwait market should immediately assess their compliance status and develop action plans to meet the new requirements before enforcement begins.