Understand how to import Skin care Products into Saudi Arabia with SFDA
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest-growing markets for beauty and personal care products. However, entering this market requires strict compliance with regulations set by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). Failure to meet these requirements can lead to shipment delays, financial losses, or even market exclusion.
This guide explains the key steps to import skin care products into Saudi Arabia, including certification, documentation, labelling, and how Cotecna can help you achieve smooth market entry.
1. Who Regulates Skin Care Products in Saudi Arabia?
The SFDA is the primary regulatory body overseeing cosmetics and skin care products. Under the Cosmetics Products Regulation, all products must be registered through the Cosmetic Products Notification (CPN) system before they can be sold in the Saudi market.
Unlike traditional certification, the SFDA requires product notification, not pre-market approval. The local importer or distributor is legally accountable for compliance.
2. Steps to Certify Skin Care Products
To import skin care products, you must complete the SFDA notification process via its online portal. Here’s what it involves:
Step 1: Create an Account
- Register in GHAD platform
Step 2: Prepare Documentation
A complete dossier is essential. Key documents include:
- Request For Certification Forms ( RFC)
- Full ingredient list (INCI names)
- Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
- GMP certificate (ISO 22716)
- Authorization letter from the manufacturer
3. Labelling Requirements
Labelling is one of the most critical compliance areas for SFDA. All cosmetic and skin care products must have labels in Arabic or bilingual (Arabic/English). Labels must include:
- Product name and function
- Full ingredients list in descending order of weight
- Name and address of the Responsible Person and manufacturer
- Country of origin
- Net quantity
- Batch number
- Expiry date
- Precautions for use, if any
Important: Marketing claims must be cosmetic only (e.g., “moisturizes,” “anti-aging”) and cannot imply therapeutic or medicinal benefits such as “treats eczema” or “heals psoriasis.”
4. Import Requirements
Products cannot clear Saudi Customs without SFDA notification. The notification number must be provided during customs clearance. Any mismatch in documentation or labelling can result in shipment rejection or destruction.
5. How Cotecna Helps
Navigating SFDA regulations can be complex. Cotecna offers end-to-end support to simplify the process:
- Review product documentation and labels for SFDA compliance
- Manage the entire electronic notification process
- Assist with Arabic labelling and claim verification
- Provide guidance on GMP and testing requirements
- Support ongoing compliance and renewals
Contact us today to get started or download our free Frequently asked Questions Guide for more answers to your questions.
About Cotecna
For over 50 years, we have been supporting agriculture, food and pharma, minerals and metals, and consumer products supply chains all over the world. We provide testing, inspection, and certification services to help our clients navigate evolving regulations, ensure product compliance, and support their sustainability journey.