New conformity requirements to impact imports from Brazil and the UAE starting April 2026
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has issued an important update regarding changes to its Certification of Conformity (CoC) requirements for imports into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As communicated today, SFDA has added two new exporting countries to the mandatory CoC list, applicable only to specific product categories.
Newly Added Exporting Countries & Affected Product Categories
- Brazil
Mandatory CoC now applies to poultry and poultry products, originating only from establishments approved by SFDA. - United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Mandatory CoC now applies to infant and baby milk products exported to Saudi Arabia.
Effective Date
All shipments falling under these categories must be accompanied by a valid CoC starting 1 April 2026.
Shipments arriving without the required documentation after this date may face:
- Clearance delays
- Financial penalties
- Possible rejection at Saudi entry points
What Exporters Should Do
Exporters within Brazil and UAE affected by this change are advised to:
- Coordinate with SFDA approved certification bodies like Cotecna immediately.
- Ensure all relevant products comply with applicable technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures.
- Inform suppliers, manufacturers, and logistics partners about the updated requirement.
Early planning is strongly recommended to avoid disruptions once enforcement begins.
For more information Contact Cotecna Middle East or download our free SFDA FOOD regulated product list.
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.