15 most common SFDA registration questions 2025 FAQ

Get answers to the 15 most common SFDA registration questions for food products in Saudi Arabia. Avoid delays with expert guidance | Saudi Food Registration.

6/13/20253 min read

SFDA Food Product Registration: 15 Most Common Questions Answered (2025 Guide)

Navigating food product registration with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) can feel overwhelming — especially with strict regulations, evolving standards, and costly mistakes on the line.

To help you get full clarity, here are answers to the most common questions businesses ask when preparing to register their food, supplement, or functional product for the Saudi market.

1️⃣ What is SFDA Food Product Registration?

SFDA registration is the official approval process that allows food, supplements, or functional products to be legally imported, sold, and distributed in Saudi Arabia. Products cannot enter the KSA market without first being approved by SFDA.

2️⃣ Why Is SFDA Registration Required?

Saudi Arabia enforces strict food safety, consumer protection, and public health laws. SFDA registration ensures that:

Products meet national safety and labeling standards.
Ingredients are permitted under Saudi law.
Manufacturing follows approved safety protocols.
The product is traceable in case of safety concerns.

3️⃣ How Long Does SFDA Registration Take?

For properly prepared applications:

Average timeline: 3 to 6 months
Delays occur if documents are incomplete, mislabeled, or misclassified.

Working with experienced consultants often shortens this timeline by preventing early-stage mistakes.

4️⃣ What Documents Are Needed for SFDA Registration?

Product composition & formula sheets
Label artwork (Arabic + English)
Halal certificates (if applicable)
Manufacturing licenses & GMP/ISO certificates
Certificates of Free Sale (for imports)
Laboratory test results (shelf life, microbiological, contaminants)
Ingredient safety data
Power of attorney (if third-party submission)

5️⃣ Do I Need Halal Certification?

For most food, beverage, and supplement products, Halal certification is either mandatory or strongly recommended. This includes:

Animal-based ingredients (gelatin, dairy, meat extracts)
Processing aids that may involve animal or alcohol derivatives

Certification should follow GSO 2055-1 standards or an approved local body recognized by SFDA.

6️⃣ Is Barcode Registration Required?

Yes. SFDA requires that products have registered GS1-compliant barcodes. The barcode must:

Be scannable and valid in Saudi Arabia.
Match product registration records.
Link to approved traceability systems.

7️⃣ Can My Product Be Rejected?

Yes. Rejections occur if:

Labeling is incomplete or improperly translated.
The product is classified incorrectly.
Safety data is missing or unsupported.
Shelf life claims are too long without validation.
Claims violate Saudi marketing or therapeutic laws.

8️⃣ What Is the Cost of SFDA Registration?

Costs vary depending on:

Product category (food, supplement, novel food, etc.)
Required testing
Halal and other certifications
Consultant or legal support fees

While fees may change yearly, most companies budget from $2,000 to $10,000+ per product, depending on complexity.

9️⃣ Can Foreign Companies Register Products in Saudi Arabia?

Yes — but foreign companies must appoint a local Saudi representative (agent, distributor, or consultant) who is authorized to submit documentation and manage regulatory communication.

🔟 Do I Need a Local Agent for Submission?

Generally, yes. The agent:

Submits the file to SFDA’s online portals.
Communicates with SFDA reviewers.
Coordinates payment, document clarifications, and resubmissions.
Handles import licensing if applicable.

1️⃣1️⃣ How Do I Classify My Product Correctly?

Misclassification is a top reason for delays. Products must be classified under:

Food
Supplement
Functional food
Novel food
Herbal or therapeutic categories (if applicable)

Borderline products (probiotics, gummies, energy drinks) require careful classification review before submission.

1️⃣2️⃣ What Happens If I Submit the Wrong Documents?

SFDA will issue rejection notices requesting correction. If major mistakes are found, your application may be canceled and require full resubmission.

1️⃣3️⃣ How to Handle SFDA Registration Rejection?

Review SFDA feedback carefully.
Correct deficiencies based on rejection letter.
Conduct full file audit with regulatory consultants.
Resubmit with updated documents and clarifications.

1️⃣4️⃣ Do I Need Shelf Life Testing?

Yes. Shelf life and stability data must be supported by:

Accelerated or real-time stability studies
Microbiological testing
Packaging compatibility tests

Without supporting data, SFDA may approve shorter shelf life than requested.

1️⃣5️⃣ How Can I Get Expert Help With SFDA Registration?

Regulatory consultants specializing in SFDA provide:

Product classification support
Document pre-checks & dossier preparation
Labeling review (Arabic & layout compliance)
Testing & certification coordination
Submission and post-approval monitoring

Start With Clear Answers — Not Guesswork

SFDA registration success starts with knowledge.

Asking the right questions early helps you avoid costly setbacks and ensures a smooth market entry.

Need help preparing your SFDA registration file?
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