Saudi Arabia has one of Middle East most thriving economies. The country imports food products from nearly all corners of the world. However, the country has a strict product safety regulations, from SASO certification and the Gulf- Mark to SFDA certification for food products.
As an exporter or importer, it’s important to comply with the food regulations in Saudi Arabia, as failure to do so may result in fines and even the shipment being returned.
In this article, you’ll learn the fundamentals of the SFDA Food Certification and how to obtain the SFDA Certificate of Conformity.
What Is the SFDA?
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) is a regulatory body in Saudi Arabia that regulate, oversee, and monitor food products and other product categories in the Saudi market.
What is SFDA Certificate?
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) stipulates that certain imported food products brought into Saudi Arabia must adhere to SFDA technical regulations and standards. These products must possess an SFDA Certificate of Conformity from their country of origin, which serves as a proof of meeting the necessary requirements.
Businesses who seek to obtain a SFDA Certificate are required to undergo certificate of conformity process (more on that later).
The primary objective of The SFDA programme include:
- Protect the health and safety of consumers.
- Regulate and monitor the production, importation, distribution, and sale of food, drugs, medical devices, and biological products.
- Provide guidance and support for businesses.
What are the Regulated Food Products in Saudi Arabia?
A wide range of regulated food products are exported to Saudi Arabia. Some examples of these regulated food products include:
- Rice: White rice, basmati rice, and other types of rice.
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Red Meat: Such as beef and lamb.
- Spices and Sesame Seeds: Various spices.
- Processed Vegetables and Fruits: E.g. canned or frozen products.
- Agricultural Crops: Agricultural crops, including grains, pulses, and oilseeds.
These are a few examples of the regulated food products. It’s important to note that specific regulations and requirements may vary for each category and is constantly updating. Consult SFDA or contact AQM BD for further information on the latest guidelines for your food products.
SFDA Food Certification Process
The general SFDA Food registration and certification process is as follow:
Please note that updates can be made, so it is advisable to always seek professional guidance.
SFDA Mandatory Documentation
Various documents are necessary for the certification process, including an SFDA Account, Registration of Food Products, Valid Commercial Registration, Commercial Invoice, Ingredients list following the artwork, Certificate of Origin, and a Health and Halal Certificate (only applicable for meat products).
Conclusion: How to Get SFDA Certificate of Conformity for Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is an extremely lucrative market in the Middle East, attracting companies looking to export their food products. However, understanding the country’s food product safety program is essential for successful shipments.
In this article, we presented some key aspects related to importing regulated food products to Saudi Arabia. Yet, navigating the application process alone can be a daunting task.
AQM BD can provide you with guidance of the Saudi food technical regulations and standards, and as a SFDA certification provider and inspection agency. AQM BD-Tabseer can help with the conformity assessment activities related to the program. Contact us today to learn more about our services!
