Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) Approval Process

Before we talk about the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) we will find that the Saudi Market is the Major and leading Market in the MENA region. Most overseas investments aspire to win a share of this thriving vital market to win some distinguished profits out of this huge trade movement.

According to the aforementioned, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia sets regulations and standards for the manufacturing, import, and distribution of food, drugs, and medical devices through the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA).

If you scroll down you will learn more about Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) Approval Process.

What is the SFDA certificate?

Before we answer the question, We should know that the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) is an independent corporate body that was established under the Council of Ministers resolution no (1) dated 07/01/1424 H.

• It is directly reporting to The President of the Council of Ministers. The SFDA carries out procedural, executive, and supervisory functions previously executed by several existing agencies.

• The primary objective of the SFDA is to ensure the safety of food, drugs for humans and animals, and biological and chemical substances.

• It also monitors the safety of electronic devices that are related to human health.

• The SFDA regulates, oversees, and monitors the manufacturing, import, and distribution of food, drugs, and medical devices.

• It sets mandatory standard specifications for these products, whether they are imported or locally produced.

• The SFDA and other agency laboratories are responsible for monitoring and testing these products.

• The SFDA Helps to create awareness for consumers on every matter that relates to food, drugs, medical devices, and other products and supplies.

Do you want to import foods into Saudi Arabia from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority or SFDA?

How to register SFDA?

The Certificates of SFDA are very crucial for many cosmetics, Food, and drug products, which is why we are interested in introducing all the details about them to our existing clients and our potential clients.

Are you planning to export your food and beverage products to Saudi Arabia?

We can assist you in navigating the SFDA Food Conformity Assessment process:

1. Our team of experts will guide you through the necessary steps to get your products certified for import into the country.

2. As an exporter/importer, you will be required to fill out the Request for Certification (RFC) and Declaration of Conformity.

3. Once we receive your request, a dedicated local coordinator will review it and check all the required documentation to determine the scope of needs.

4. Your coordinator will assist you in scheduling any necessary verifications to comply with SFDA's regulations. This includes any testing of samples, inspection, and/or audit that may be required.

5. Upon satisfactory results, a Certificate of Conformity (COC) will be issued for the shipment request received. Our team will ensure a smooth and hassle-free certification process for your products

How to get SFDA approval?

• Please be advised that the SFDA does not approve food, beverages, or dietary supplements. Food facilities are not required to obtain certification or approval before distributing their products in the United States.

• Most food facilities must register with the SFDA. However, being registered does not indicate that the SFDA approves of the facility or its products.

• The purpose of SFDA Food Facility Registration is twofold: first, it provides the agency with necessary contact information for routine and emergency communication; and second, it informs the SFDA about facility products and activities, which enables the SFDA to create an inspection schedule based on potential food safety risks.

• We still have more to say about the SFDA certificate, if you enjoyed what we have already introduced, please keep reading for the upcoming details answering the question, Food additives are not approved by the SFDA for food, beverage, and dietary supplement products, which is one of the few exceptions.

• New food additives require SFDA approval. If a manufacturer wishes to use a new food additive in their product, they must put the additive through appropriate testing and prove its safety to the SFDA.

• Dietary supplements that make claims about treating, diagnosing, preventing, or curing diseases are another possible exception. If a company advertises a dietary supplement using any of these claims, it may have to comply with drug regulations and obtain FDA approval if it doesn’t satisfy specific requirements (see SFDA Approval of Drug Products).

What is GHAD SFDA?

To be aware of everything around the SFDA certificate, and get the proper answer to the question, what is the Saudi Food and Drug Authority or SFDA? you should have some information about Ghad SFDA.

• Starting from March 30th, 2023, all Saudi cosmetics importers and manufacturers will be required to register and renew their product licenses on the GHAD notification system instead of eCosma.

• The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has made it mandatory for all importers and manufacturers of cosmetic products to open a commercial account at the GHAD notification system before April 2023.

• Initially, the unified electronic system (GHAD) was introduced by SFDA as a single registration platform for all medical device market authorization in December 2019.

From the end of March 2023, the GHAD system will also include all cosmetics products. To ensure business continuity without interruption, Tabseer advises all cosmetic product importers and manufacturers to start applying for the creation of an account in the GHAD system as soon as possible.

We tried in this article to grab all the details needed. Hope you enjoyed our article, Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) Approval Process.

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