SGS supports food exporters with streamlined compliance for Saudi Arabia

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is reinforcing its support for exporters supplying food to Saudi Arabia by ensuring full compliance with Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) requirements.  

With food imports continuing to grow, strict adherence to safety and quality standards is essential to protecting public health and strengthening the Kingdom’s food security. 

Working closely with the SFDA, SGS guides clients through every step of the process, from accurate product and facility registration on the GHAD platform to ensuring the completion of all required documentation. Depending on the product category, this may include halal and health certificates, commercial invoices, packing lists and, where applicable, a certificate of conformity (CoC). 

A CoC issued by SGS provides assurance that consignments meet Saudi Arabia’s safety and regulatory standards. While not required for all origins, CoCs are mandatory for food shipments from countries such as:

• Egypt and Jordan (food and beverages)

• Sri Lanka (tea)

• Somalia and Sudan (meat)

• India (meat, rice, sesame, processed foods, fresh produce and spices) 

All SGS CoCs must be obtained before shipment. 

To further improve efficiency, the SFDA has consolidated procedures into two digital platforms: GHAD for product and facility registration and FASEH for documentation submission and shipment clearance. Effective August 24, 2025, all CoCs will be issued exclusively through the FASEH platform. 

Leveraging its regulatory expertise and digital know-how, SGS ensures exporters can transition seamlessly to these systems. By minimizing risk and uncertainty, SGS helps clients achieve faster, stress-free border clearance while maintaining compliance with Saudi regulations.