Saudi Arabia Expands Mandatory Halal Certification to Additional Food Products
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), in collaboration with the Saudi Halal Center, has reinforced the mandatory requirement for Halal certification for food imports, as outlined in Circular No. 4/1445/11 issued on (date 10130 AH). This directive aims to ensure compliance with Halal standards and to clarify the scope of composite food products requiring certification.
Cotecna has been appointed by SFDA to issue Certificates of Conformity for food imported into Saudi Arabia, as well as Halal certifications. Importers and manufacturers working with Cotecna can ensure their products meet regulatory requirements, facilitating smooth entry into the Saudi market.
This reinforcement of Halal certification regulations underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to maintaining stringent food safety and religious compliance standards. Importers and manufacturers are encouraged to review the updated requirements to avoid disruptions in their supply chain and ensure smooth entry into the Saudi market.
According to Clause (2) of the circular, all composite food products containing any percentage of meat, animal-derived ingredients, or animal-based enzymes must have a Halal certificate from an approved entity. This includes a broad range of products such as broth, sauces, pizza, samosas, pastries, chocolates, sweets, dietary supplements, and ready-made meals.
To further enhance clarity for food importers, SFDA has outlined additional product categories that require Halal certification:
1. Dairy Products and Their Alternatives:
- Certification is necessary if dairy products, including cheese and labneh, contain animal-based oils, fats, rennet, or any other animal-derived component (except clearly stated whey, milk, butter, or milk-derived fats).
- Products with Halal labeling must also be certified.
2. Dough-Based Products:
- Pizza, pastries, and similar dough-based items require certification if they contain animal-derived ingredients such as oils, fats, or any other animal-origin component (excluding clearly stated dairy derivatives).
- Halal-labeled packaging mandates certification.
3. Chocolates and Sweets:
- Products containing animal-based oils, fats, gelatin, or collagen require certification, unless they exclusively use milk-based derivatives.
- Products labeled as Halal must be certified.
4. Ice Cream and Similar Products:
- Certification applies to ice cream products if they contain animal-derived ingredients like gelatin, fats, or collagen, except clearly stated milk derivatives.
- Any product labeled as Halal must be certified.
5. Special Dietary Foods:
- Dietary products with animal-derived oils, fats, gelatin, or collagen require certification unless they use clearly stated dairy-based ingredients.
- Products displaying a Halal mark must be certified.
Importers must ensure compliance by obtaining Halal certification from entities recognized by the Saudi Halal Center like Cotecna. The list of approved certifying bodies is updated periodically and is accessible via the official platform: https://halal.gov.sa/home.
For further information on exporting to Saudi Arabia please contact Cotecna Saudi Arabia or download or free Saudi SFDA Food 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.