Distributors of energy drinks in Qatar will soon have to obtain a licence from the National Health Authority to import them into the country.Dr Mohamed Saif al-Kuwari, head of the Qatar Metrology and Specifications Authority (QMSA), said that a new regulation – expected to be introduced by early 2009 – would make it obligatory for dealers to obtain a licence from the National Health Authority (NHA).
“We have already done with the new specification which is the first of its kind in the world,” he is quoted as saying in Gulf Times on Tuesday.
He said it was expected to be approved by the Technical Council of the GCC Standardisation Organisation by the end of this year.
Al-Kuwari said that once the specification was approved, it would not be permissible for distributors to import any energy drinks into Qatar without getting a licence from the National Health Authority.
Distributors will be asked to list the ingredients on the label with clear indications of any possible side effects.
“I know that the new specification will raise controversy and objections, but we are resolved to go ahead with it,” he added.
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