Introduction

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has established regulations governing the import of food products into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These requirements aim to strengthen food safety, align with international standards, and streamline import processes. The framework builds upon previous SFDA regulations and policies, enhancing transparency and compliance for importers, exporters, and regulatory bodies. This article outlines the key aspects of these regulations and links them to earlier policies that continue to shape the food import landscape.

1. Food Control in Exporting Countries

• SFDA has the authority to audit and verify food safety measures and regulatory frameworks in exporting countries.
• The audit process ensures compliance with Saudi food laws, technical regulations, and international food safety standards.
• Key areas of focus include:
  • Food safety legislation and enforcement.
  • Animal and plant health regulations.
  • Pesticide, antibiotic, and hormone usage in food production.
  • The existence of traceability systems to track food products from origin to consumer.
  • Official inspection procedures conducted by the exporting country’s competent authority.
• These controls build upon the KSA Food Act, which has long mandated that imported food cannot be released without SFDA approval.

2. General Import Requirements

• Exporting countries must submit updated information on their food safety policies, including:
  • Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations.
  • Food inspection and control procedures.
  • Pesticide residue and food additive tolerance levels.
  • Food chain management practices.
• The SFDA requires guarantees from exporting countries to confirm compliance with Saudi safety standards. These requirements are consistent with the Codex Alimentarius and World Trade Organization (WTO) SPS Agreement.

3. Special Requirements for Animal and Plant Products

• Food of Animal Origin:
  • Health certificates issued by competent authorities in the exporting country are mandatory.
  • Residue control plans must be in place for banned or restricted substances.
  • A traceability system must be implemented for all animal-origin products, ensuring tracking throughout the supply chain.
  • Halal certification is required, issued by a recognized Halal authority in accordance with SFDA/GSO standards.
  • These requirements reinforce previous regulations on Halal compliance (SFDA.FD/GSO 2055-1 and GSO 993).
• Food of Plant Origin:
  • Some plant-based food items require certification by an official phytosanitary body.
  • SFDA may impose specific processing conditions for establishments handling plant-origin products.
  • Previous regulations on pesticide residue limits and organic food safety remain in force (SFDA.FD/GSO 382 and GSO 2481).

4. SFDA Import Procedures

• SFDA maintains a list of approved exporting countries and food establishments.
• Countries must provide official guarantees demonstrating compliance with Saudi food safety regulations.
• Import permits may be granted on a case-by-case basis for countries not yet on the SFDA-approved list, provided they meet safety requirements.
• SFDA reserves the right to conduct inspections and audits in exporting countries based on:
  • Risk assessments.
  • Historical compliance records.
  • Reports of international food safety incidents or disease outbreaks.
• These procedures expand on previous import guidelines under the Saudi Food Act (Article 7) and SFDA risk assessment policies.

Conclusion

The SFDA regulations strengthen Saudi Arabia’s commitment to food safety, consumer protection, and international trade compliance. Businesses involved in food imports must align with these requirements to ensure seamless market entry and avoid potential trade disruptions. By implementing stricter auditing procedures and reinforcing existing regulations, these measures enhance transparency, traceability, and overall quality control across the food supply chain.

To stay compliant and competitive, businesses should regularly consult official SFDA publications and collaborate with industry experts to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.

For organizations seeking specialized guidance in regulatory compliance, risk assessment, and streamlined import procedures, QPulse Consulting offers tailored solutions to help businesses meet international food safety standards and achieve seamless market access.