Saudi Arabia Makes FASEH Platform Mandatory for Food Shipment Certificates of Conformity from 30 August 2026
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has announced an important change affecting food importers and conformity assessment bodies operating in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Effective 30 August 2026, all Certificates of Conformity (CoCs) for food shipments must be issued through the FASEH electronic platform. Certificates issued outside the platform will no longer be accepted after this date.
The update forms part of SFDA's ongoing efforts to improve and streamline food import procedures, while strengthening coordination between importers and conformity assessment bodies.
What Is Changing?
According to the SFDA circular:
- Food Shipment CoCs must be issued through the FASEH platform.
- Importers will need to submit their shipment clearance requests via FASEH.
- Certificates issued outside the platform will no longer be accepted from 30 August 2026 onwards.
The new requirement applies to food shipment conformity certification and represents another step in Saudi Arabia's broader digital transformation of regulatory processes.
Why This Matters for Importers
Importers shipping food products to Saudi Arabia should review their current certification processes and ensure they are prepared for the upcoming transition.
Failure to use the FASEH platform after the effective date may result in certification documents not being accepted, potentially affecting customs clearance procedures. The SFDA has therefore encouraged conformity assessment bodies to coordinate with importers to ensure applications are submitted through the platform from the implementation date.
Preparing for the Transition
With the deadline approaching, businesses may benefit from reviewing:
- Current food shipment certification workflows
- Internal responsibilities for submitting applications
- Required documentation and supporting information
- Coordination between exporters, importers and conformity assessment partners
Taking proactive steps now can help minimise disruptions and ensure continued compliance with SFDA requirements.
How Cotecna Can Help
As an approved conformity assessment body, Cotecna supports importers and exporters throughout the conformity assessment process, helping them navigate regulatory requirements and stay informed of evolving market requirements.
Our experts can assist businesses in understanding the practical implications of the new FASEH requirement and preparing for a smooth transition before the 30 August 2026 deadline.
Need Support?
If your company imports food products into Saudi Arabia and would like to understand how these changes may affect your certification process, contact Cotecna today. Our specialists can help you prepare for the transition and ensure your food shipment certification process remains compliant and efficient.
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.