Stuck at Saudi Customs? Here’s How to Clear Your Product
Is your product held at Saudi customs? Learn what causes SFDA delays, how to resolve them fast, and avoid costly holdups, penalties, or rejections at the port.
7/8/20252 min read
Why Your Product Was Delayed at Saudi Customs (And How to Fix It)
You’ve done everything right — product registered, label approved, documents submitted. But then comes the shock: your shipment is stuck at Saudi customs. Days go by. Deadlines slip. Your distributor is frustrated. Sound familiar?
Delays at Saudi ports are one of the most painful (and expensive) problems businesses face. But what actually causes them — and more importantly, how can you fix it or prevent it next time?
Let’s break it down:
Why is my product stuck at Saudi customs?
The most common reason is SFDA clearance issues. Even if your paperwork is correct, missing registrations, unrecognized certificates, or packaging errors can flag your shipment. Customs often holds products until SFDA gives the green light.
Can labeling cause a customs delay?
Absolutely. If your product’s Arabic labeling doesn’t match SFDA rules — or if there’s inconsistency with your submitted dossier — it may get flagged. Even font size, allergens, or missing country of origin can trigger a hold.
What if I already have an approved SFDA registration?
That helps — but it doesn’t guarantee release. SFDA may still request on-spot verification, especially if something in your import documents or packaging has changed since registration.
Do I need to register each shipment with SFDA?
Not always — but some products require import permits per batch. If you don’t have the right pre-approval or haven’t uploaded the correct documents to the SFDA Import System (GHAD), your product could be delayed.
Can shipping documents cause a delay?
Yes. Incomplete or inconsistent commercial invoices, missing batch numbers, or incorrect HS codes are top triggers. Customs will pause clearance until corrections are made.
What happens after a delay starts?
You’ll typically get a notification through your shipping agent or distributor. Customs may wait for SFDA feedback, request clarification, or reject the shipment entirely. Storage fees can pile up — and in extreme cases, products are destroyed.
How do I fix a current customs delay?
Contact your regulatory agent (like us) immediately
Re-upload corrected documents to GHAD
Coordinate with SFDA and customs through your local representative
Be ready to provide labeling evidence, test reports, and a power of attorney
How can I prevent customs delays in the future?
Ensure SFDA registration is fully approved before shipping
Double-check Arabic labels match approved files
Use correct documentation with no missing values
Confirm import permit or GHAD entries are complete
Does Saudi Food Registration help with this?
Yes — we actively:
Clear stuck shipments with customs & SFDA
Fix documentation issues mid-shipment
Handle GHAD uploads and batch tracking
Prevent repeat delays with compliance audits
Is your product stuck at Saudi customs?
Reach out to our team or use the chat in the bottom-right — we’ll help unblock your clearance quickly.
Recommended Reads:
Fix your documents before rejection: Key Documents for SFDA Registration
Avoid shipment labeling mistakes: Master SFDA Labeling Standards
Learn why approvals get delayed: Avoid SFDA Delays in 2025
Need SFDA approval for complex blends? Learn how to get it fast.
Rejected over classification? Learn how to choose the right HS code.