Exporting food products to Saudi Arabia requires strict compliance with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) regulations. The SFDA oversees the safety and quality of food, drugs, and medical devices in Saudi Arabia, and failure to comply can result in shipment rejection or significant fines.
Pre-Export Documentation Checklist
Before exporting food to Saudi Arabia, ensure you have: (1) SFDA product registration approval, (2) Halal certificate from an SFDA-recognized body, (3) Certificate of Free Sale from your country of origin, (4) Health Certificate issued by your national food authority, (5) Ingredient declarations and nutritional labels in Arabic, (6) Correct shelf life information and production dates.
Halal Certification Requirements
Halal certification is mandatory for most food products entering Saudi Arabia. The certification must be issued by an organization recognized by the SFDA. The halal certificate must cover all ingredients, processing methods, and packaging materials used in your products.
SABER Registration for Food Products
Food products must also be registered through the SABER platform. Our comprehensive guide to understanding SABER provides all the steps needed for successful product registration.
Labeling Requirements
All food product labels must comply with SFDA standard GSO 9/2013 and must include: product name in Arabic, list of ingredients in Arabic, net quantity, expiry date (month and year), country of origin, storage conditions, and the manufacturer's and importer's names and addresses.
HS Code Classification for Food Products
Correct HS code classification is also essential for food exports. Review the 5 common HS code classification mistakes to ensure your food products are properly classified.
Exporting to Egypt as Well?
If you are also targeting the Egyptian market, be aware that Egypt has its own food import requirements. Read about the new Egyptian import regulations for 2026 to understand what additional steps are needed.
Common Reasons for Food Import Rejection
The most common reasons Saudi customs reject food shipments include: missing or invalid halal certificate, incomplete or incorrect Arabic labeling, expired SFDA registration, non-compliant packaging materials, and microbiological or chemical safety failures. By following this checklist, you can significantly reduce the risk of rejection.
