SFDA Food Standards Explained
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) plays a critical role in ensuring food safety and quality in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. For any food business local or international compliance with SFDA regulations is essential for market entry and consumer trust.
SFDA’s Role in Food Safety
Established in 2003, SFDA regulates food, drugs, and medical devices to protect public health. It sets and enforces standards, inspects facilities, and certifies products to ensure they meet stringent safety and quality requirements. Cotecna has been notified by The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) to ensure the compliance to the applicable standards of all regulated food products imported into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The conformity assessment programme aims to ensure safety and security of food and feed, safety and security of pesticides and ease commercial traffic flow while maintaining safety of food and reinforcement of consumers and client's confidence in food control authority.
Key Areas Covered by SFDA Regulations
- Food Safety: Strict rules apply across the supply chain to ensure consumer safety.
- Labelling Requirements: Accurate labelling in Arabic and English, including ingredients, allergens, nutritional values, and expiry dates.
- Import Controls: Imported products must meet SFDA standards and carry compliance certificates.
- Food Additives: Only approved additives within specified limits are allowed.
SFDA Food Registration Process
To enter the Saudi market, businesses must:
- Submit Documentation: Proof of good manufacturing practices and ingredient details.
- Inspection:To Select samples for testing and sealing of the shipment.
- Product Testing: Conducted in certified ISO 17025 labs to verify compliance.
- Certification & Approval: Once approved, products can be marketed confidently.
How Cotecna Supports SFDA Compliance
Cotecna simplifies the process by offering:
- Document Preparation & Review
- Testing & Certification Coordination
- Labelling Compliance Assistance
- Ongoing Support throughout the whole process
For more information contact us now or download our free SFDA Cosmetics Exporter guide
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.