Get your beauty products SFDA-ready for Saudi Arabia
Every cosmetic product sold in Saudi Arabia must be notified (listed) with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) before it reaches the shelf. We guide Turkish, Korean and international brands through the whole process, from the product file to the first shipment.
Why beauty brands are looking at Saudi Arabia
A young, digitally connected population and fast-growing modern retail make the Kingdom one of the most attractive beauty markets in the region.
Strong retail demand
Large beauty chains, pharmacies and e-commerce platforms are actively adding new international brands.
K-beauty & Turkish beauty are trending
Korean skincare and Turkish personal-care products are well known and trusted by Saudi consumers.
A regional gateway
A compliant setup in Saudi Arabia is a strong base for expanding across the GCC.
The SFDA cosmetics process, step by step
The exact path depends on your products and sales model. This is the typical journey we manage for you.
Saudi presence
Foreign brands sell through a Saudi-registered importer, distributor or their own Saudi entity. We help you choose and set this up.
Establishment registration
The Saudi importer or company is registered on the SFDA electronic system before any product can be listed.
Product notification
Each product (SKU) is notified with its formula, ingredients, label artwork and photos.
Label & claims check
We review Arabic labelling, warnings, importer details and marketing claims against SFDA rules.
Certificate of Conformity
Shipments of cosmetics need a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from an approved body for customs clearance.
Launch & sell
Clear customs, list on marketplaces and retail, and keep your files up to date.
Documents brands are usually asked for
We send you a clear checklist for your exact products. These are the most common items:
Authorization letter
From the manufacturer or brand owner to the Saudi importer/distributor.
Full ingredient list
INCI names with concentrations and the function of each ingredient.
Label artwork
Final packaging artwork, including the Arabic text.
Product photos
Clear images of every side of the pack.
Certificate of Free Sale
Showing the product is legally sold in the country of origin.
GMP certificate
For example ISO 22716 for the manufacturing site.
Safety & test reports
Such as safety assessment, microbiology and stability data.
Certificate of analysis
Batch analysis results from the manufacturer.
What RDO does for you
- Explain which requirements apply to your products
- Prepare and review the SFDA product file with you
- Review Arabic labels and claims before you print
- Coordinate the Certificate of Conformity for shipments
- Introduce you to Saudi importers, distributors and retailers
- Set up your own Saudi company if you prefer full control
What you prepare
- Product formulas and ingredient lists
- Packaging artwork files
- Certificates from your factory (GMP, Free Sale)
- Test reports you already have
- Your target products and launch timeline
Frequently asked questions
What is the SFDA?
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA, الهيئة العامة للغذاء والدواء) regulates food, medicines, medical devices and cosmetics in Saudi Arabia. Cosmetics must be notified with the SFDA before they are sold.
Is it called registration, notification or listing?
All three words are used. For cosmetics the SFDA uses a product notification (listing) system rather than a full drug-style approval, but each product still has to be submitted and accepted before sale.
Can a Turkish or Korean company register products directly?
Normally the submission is made by a Saudi-registered importer, distributor or company. We help you work with a suitable local partner or set up your own entity.
Does every product need its own notification?
Yes. Each product, and in practice each variant/SKU, is notified separately with its own formula and label.
Do I need an Arabic label?
Arabic information is required on cosmetics sold in Saudi Arabia, such as the product function, warnings and importer details. We review your artwork before printing to avoid costly reprints.
How long does it take?
Timing depends on how complete your documents are and how many products you have. Once we see your product list we give you a realistic timeline.
SFDA requirements are updated from time to time. This page is a general guide; we confirm the current requirements for your specific products before you start.
Ready to bring your beauty brand to Saudi Arabia?
Send us your product list and we will reply with the steps, documents and a timeline for your brand.
Checklist: Get your beauty products SFDA-ready for Saudi Arabia
Steps
- Saudi presence - Foreign brands sell through a Saudi-registered importer, distributor or their own Saudi entity. We help you choose and set this up.
- Establishment registration - The Saudi importer or company is registered on the SFDA electronic system before any product can be listed.
- Product notification - Each product (SKU) is notified with its formula, ingredients, label artwork and photos.
- Label & claims check - We review Arabic labelling, warnings, importer details and marketing claims against SFDA rules.
- Certificate of Conformity - Shipments of cosmetics need a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from an approved body for customs clearance.
- Launch & sell - Clear customs, list on marketplaces and retail, and keep your files up to date.
What you prepare
- Product formulas and ingredient lists
- Packaging artwork files
- Certificates from your factory (GMP, Free Sale)
- Test reports you already have
- Your target products and launch timeline
Prepared by RDO - rdo.sa - WhatsApp +966 50 095 1660
