How to Avoid SFDA Delays in 2025 | Saudi Food Registration
Discover why SFDA approvals get delayed and learn expert strategies to prevent registration issues for food products in KSA for 2025 | Saudi Food Registration.
6/24/20252 min read
How to Avoid SFDA Delays in Food Product Registration (2025 Guide)
Food companies expanding into Saudi Arabia know that SFDA approval is a critical step — but delays in the process can stall your market entry, increase operational costs, and frustrate internal stakeholders.
In 2025, preventing SFDA registration delays isn’t just about submitting documents; it’s about submission strategy, classification accuracy, and timeline coordination.
Understanding Why SFDA Delays Occur
Incomplete or Disorganized Dossier Submissions
SFDA dossiers must follow strict format and content rules. Missing certificates, inconsistent product specs, or loosely translated materials will immediately pause review.
Misclassification of Product Type
If your product is incorrectly categorized (e.g., as a supplement instead of a food item), the application might be rerouted, re-evaluated, or even rejected — delaying the process by weeks.
Barcode and Label Issues
Incorrect GSO barcode placement or label formatting can cause SFDA to flag the product for correction before further review.
This is common with first-time importers or those unfamiliar with KSA regulations.
Supplier-Linked Errors
If your co-manufacturer or exporter fails to meet local facility registration, testing, or documentation standards, your product will be held at the initial assessment stage.
Strategic Fixes to Avoid Delays
1. Conduct a Pre-Submission Audit
Before you submit anything to SFDA, have a regulatory team or external consultant audit all documents, certificates, and classifications. Ensure alignment with the latest 2025 guidelines.
2. Validate Your Product Classification
Use SFDA’s classification tool — or better, get expert confirmation — to correctly identify the product’s category. Misclassification is one of the most frequent delay sources in Saudi Arabia.
3. Align Barcode and Labeling Before Submission
Your label and barcode must be SFDA-compliant before uploading to the platform. This includes Arabic requirements, nutritional formats, and warning icons where applicable.
4. Ensure Facility and Partner Compliance
Whether you produce locally or import from abroad, make sure your partners are SFDA-registered, tested, and compliant with packaging and facility regulations.
How Long Does SFDA Registration Take in 2025?
Generally:
Straightforward products: 15–30 business days
Supplements, functional foods, new products: 45–60 business days
Products requiring technical committee review: 60+ days
But these timelines only hold if your application is flawless.
Delays happen when the clock resets for every correction or clarification.
Best Practices to Keep Your Timeline On Track
Assign a regulatory lead to own communication with SFDA
Pre-validate all digital uploads (labels, barcodes, safety docs)
Use SFDA-licensed consultants for difficult product types
Monitor SFDA platform regularly for feedback or requests
Related Reading for Faster SFDA Success
Why Early Regulatory Intelligence Matters for Product Registration in Saudi Arabia
Understanding the Role of GMP in Saudi Food Product Approvals
The Benefit of Having an Insider During SFDA Approvals Fixing SFDA registration rejection issues effectively
Concerned your product name might already exist in the Saudi market? Don’t miss our latest guide on handling trademark conflicts during SFDA registration
Final Note
SFDA delays are preventable — but only with proactive regulatory management.
Whether you're launching a single product or an entire line, taking the time to double-check classifications, documents, and supply chain readiness can cut weeks off your approval timeline.
Need help speeding up your SFDA application?
Contact our support team or use the live chat below to get expert help today.