KSA Shelf Life & Expiry Rules 2025 | Saudi Food Registration
Learn SFDA’s shelf life and expiry labeling rules for food products in Saudi Arabia. Avoid mistakes and get approved faster | Saudi Food Registration.
6/3/20252 min read
Saudi Arabia’s Shelf Life & Expiry Date Rules Explained (2025)
Understanding shelf life and expiry labeling is essential for any food product entering the Saudi market.
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) enforces strict guidelines on how shelf life is determined, displayed, and justified — and a mistake here can lead to customs delays or outright rejection.
In this guide, we explain the latest 2025 rules for shelf life, production and expiration date labeling, and how to comply with SFDA expectations.
What Does SFDA Mean by Shelf Life?
Shelf life refers to the period during which a product remains safe to consume, retains its intended nutritional value, and continues to meet its label claims.
The SFDA defines this through both scientific testing and product type categorization.
What’s the Difference Between Expiry Date and Best Before in KSA?
SFDA treats expiry terms seriously:
"Expiration Date" is used for products that become unsafe after a certain point — such as dairy, meat, or functional foods.
"Best Before" is allowed only for products that may lose quality but not safety — such as dry grains or snacks.
Using the wrong term can lead to relabeling requests or rejection.
Is It Mandatory to Include Both Production and Expiry Dates?
Yes — as of 2025, SFDA requires both the production date and expiry date to be clearly printed on all food packaging.
Some exemptions apply for specific product categories like bulk commodities or raw imports.
Key Requirements:
Dates must be in Gregorian format (DD/MM/YYYY)
Must be clearly printed (no embossing or smudging)
Arabic language must be present
How Is Shelf Life Determined for SFDA Approval?
SFDA expects shelf life to be supported by:
Accelerated or real-time stability studies
Microbiological and sensory test results
Packaging compatibility reports
If your dossier lacks this data, your product may be rejected or approved with reduced shelf life.
What Happens If Shelf Life Is Too Long or Not Justified?
Products with unusually long shelf life claims (e.g., 2–3 years for perishable goods) are often flagged. SFDA may:
Demand reformulation or packaging changes
Request full shelf life studies
Reject the registration application
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using expiry-only without showing production date
Printing date codes in unreadable or foreign formats
Labeling short shelf life items with overly long dates
Failing to update shelf life after packaging change
Related Topics You Might Find Helpful
Learn how label validation helps avoid SFDA penalties
See what documents are needed in your product dossier
Understand how quality assurance supports shelf life compliance
Need expert help with SFDA registration? Start with this consultation guide.
Labeling Shelf Life Correctly Builds Trust
Getting shelf life and expiry labeling right is not just about compliance — it’s about market access.
It builds trust with regulators, prevents costly relabeling, and ensures your product moves smoothly through customs.
Need support reviewing your expiry labeling for Saudi Arabia?
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