Saudi Arabia SFDA Registration and Certification – Overview

Saudi Arabia’s SFDA registration and certification framework plays a critical role in ensuring that food, cosmetics, and other regulated products meet strict safety and quality requirements before entering the market.

By combining product registration with conformity assessment and shipment certification, the system provides comprehensive oversight of regulated goods.

For exporters and manufacturers, understanding SFDA requirements and completing all necessary registration, testing, and certification steps is essential to avoid delays, ensure compliance, and achieve successful market access in Saudi Arabia.

1. Purpose and Scope

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) regulates the safety and quality of food products, cosmetics, and related items entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. SFDA sets technical standards and conformity assessment requirements to ensure that imported goods do not pose health or safety risks for consumers.

To gain access to the Saudi market, exporters must obtain an SFDA Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for food and cosmetic shipments. This document confirms that products meet SFDA technical regulations and applicable standards before customs clearance is granted.

Products are assessed through conformity programs that verify compliance with Saudi regulatory criteria and protect public health.

2. Government Authority

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) is the official national body responsible for overseeing regulations affecting food, cosmetics, drugs, medical devices, and other health‑related products. It sets standards, manages product registration, and ensures compliance through conformity assessment processes.

Importers and exporters must interact with SFDA’s electronic platforms—particularly GHAD for product registration and FASEH for shipment certification—to initiate conformity requests and track approvals.

Approved conformity assessment bodies (CABs) partner with SFDA to evaluate products and issue the required Certificates of Conformity.

3. SFDA Registration and Certificate of Conformity (CoC)

For regulated products, obtaining an SFDA Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is a key requirement for importation into Saudi Arabia.

The CoC confirms that products comply with:

• applicable SFDA technical regulations

• relevant Saudi standards

• safety and quality requirements for the specific product category

In addition to certification, many products must be registered within SFDA electronic systems before being placed on the market.

The CoC is generally issued per shipment, while registration ensures that the product itself is approved for market access.

Shipments without proper certification or registration may be delayed, rejected, or subject to enforcement actions.

4. Products Subject to SFDA Requirements

SFDA certification applies to several regulated product categories:

• food and beverage products

• cosmetics and personal care products

• dietary supplements

• medical and health-related products

• chemicals used in food or cosmetic applications

Exporters must verify if their goods fall under SFDA jurisdictions and meet the applicable documentation and testing requirements before clearance.

5. Conformity Assessment and Certification Process

To obtain an SFDA Certificate of Conformity, the following core steps are generally followed:

1. Product Registration: Ensure the product is registered or notified with SFDA’s GHAD or equivalent electronic system.

2. Submission of Documentation: Exporters or their representatives submit product specifications, test reports, labeling information, and other required technical documentation to an approved CAB.

3. Document Evaluation: The certification body reviews documents against SFDA technical regulations.

4. Inspection and Sampling: Physical inspection and sample collection may occur to verify that the product matches registered information and meets standards.

5. Testing: Where required, product samples are tested in accredited laboratories to confirm compliance with safety and quality requirements.

6. Certificate Issuance: Upon successful verification, an SFDA Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is issued through the FASEH system.

6. Certification Approach

The SFDA framework combines both product registration and shipment-based certification to ensure full regulatory compliance.

Key features include: 

• mandatory product registration in SFDA systems

• shipment-specific Certificates of Conformity

• testing and evaluation based on product category

• involvement of approved certification bodies

• alignment with Saudi technical regulations and international standards

This approach ensures that products are both approved at the product level and verified at the shipment level before entering the market.

7. Objectives of the Program

The SFDA registration and certification framework is designed to achieve several regulatory and safety objectives:

• Consumer protection: ensuring products are safe for human use and consumption

• Public health: preventing harmful or non-compliant products from entering the market

• Quality assurance: verifying compliance with defined standards and regulations

• Market control: regulating imported and locally produced goods

• Trade facilitation: enabling compliant products to enter the market efficiently

How SANTIQ Can Help

SANTIQ helps exporters and manufacturers navigate Saudi Arabia’s SFDA registration and certification requirements using our network of trusted certification, inspection, and testing partners. We assist with product registration in SFDA systems, preparation and review of technical documentation, coordination of laboratory testing, shipment inspection, and issuance of Certificates of Conformity (CoC) through approved conformity assessment bodies. Our comprehensive support ensures compliance, reduces delays, and facilitates smooth access to the Saudi market for food, cosmetics, and other regulated products.