Food Supplement Registration in Saudi Arabia | SFDA Guide

How to Register Food Supplements in KSA:
SFDA Compliance Guide

Why SFDA Registration for Supplements Matters

• Required for legal importation, distribution, and marketing in KSA

• SFDA classifies supplements under health-related products with high scrutiny

• Non-compliance results in customs blocks, product seizures, or legal penalties

✅ Which Products Are Considered Supplements by SFDA?

• Vitamins, minerals, herbal blends, and functional ingredients

• Protein powders, energy boosters, weight-loss pills

• Probiotics, omega-3s, collagen, detox formulas

Does SFDA regulate vitamins and dietary supplements? — Yes. All must be registered before entering the Saudi market.

📄 Step-by-Step SFDA Supplement Registration Process

1. Company Account Setup on SFDA ePlatform

   • Create a profile as an importer or local agent

2. Product Classification Request

   • Submit initial details to SFDA to confirm it qualifies as a supplement

3. Technical File Preparation

   • Ingredients breakdown, health claims, label artwork, Certificate of Analysis

4. Submission of Product Dossier

   • Upload files, translations, and supporting documents in Arabic and English

5. Laboratory Testing (if required)

   • SFDA may test for safety, efficacy, and banned substances

6. Approval & Registration Certificate

   • Upon successful review, receive certificate valid for 3–5 years

How long does it take to register food supplements in Saudi Arabia?
Answer: 2–4 months depending on product complexity and documentation accuracy.

📦 Labeling & Claims Compliance

• Arabic labeling is mandatory

• SFDA prohibits unsubstantiated health or medical claims

• Ingredients, dosage, warnings, and usage must follow SFDA label format

🔍 What Makes a Strong Supplement Dossier?

• Full ingredient specifications with % concentrations

• Original manufacturer’s Certificate of Free Sale (CFS)

• Product image and full packaging artwork

• All documents translated into Arabic

Can I register imported supplements in Saudi Arabia? — Yes, through a local agent with an SFDA-approved account.

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting generic formulations or copy-paste labels

• Ignoring Arabic label requirements

• Using banned ingredients or additives not on SFDA positive list

• Failing to confirm if the product is classified as a supplement

🛠️ How Saudi Food Registration Helps

• Classify your product correctly under SFDA’s guidelines

• Review and translate technical documents and labels

• Coordinate laboratory testing (if needed)

• Prepare your dossier and submit through the official portal

• Resolve objections or rejections swiftly

📝 Final Tips for Smooth Approval

• Start dossier preparation early

• Hire regulatory professionals familiar with SFDA’s supplement framework

• Keep documentation consistent across labels, inserts, and certificates

Need help with your supplement registration?
Contact our team or use the chatbot at the bottom-right corner for guidance.

Other Related Blogs:

• Food Registration Cost & Timeline – Understand the financial and time investment needed for registering supplements in Saudi Arabia.

• Key Documents for SFDA Registration – Learn what paperwork and certifications you'll need when submitting your supplement dossier.

• Master SFDA Labeling Standards – Ensure your supplement packaging meets all Arabic and layout requirements.

• Learn more about common SFDA rejection reasons and how to avoid costly mistakes when registering your products.

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