SFDA Cosmetics Registration Guide .. Saudi Arabia 2025

If you’re looking to launch your cosmetics products in Saudi Arabia, sfda cosmetics registration is the first step. But how do you ensure your products meet the required standards and gain consumer trust? Let’s break down the process and get your products market ready.

Introduction to SFDA and Its Role in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) plays a key role in regulating products to ensure they are safe and high-quality, and cosmetics are no exception.

If you’re planning to sell skincare, makeup, or personal care products in Saudi Arabia, SFDA cosmetics registration is an important step. It helps protect consumers while also opening doors for businesses to enter a trusted and growing market.

The SFDA helps protect public health and ensures that products meet the highest safety and quality requirements before reaching consumers. By enforcing strict standards, the SFDA helps protect public health and ensures that products meet the highest safety and quality requirements before reaching consumers. 

Whether you are a company looking to enter the Saudi market or a consumer, obtaining Saudi Arabia SFDA approval is essential to ensure the entry of your cosmetic products.

Who Needs SFDA Cosmetics Registration?

Whether you are a company looking to enter the Saudi market or a consumer, obtaining Saudi Arabia SFDA approval is essential to ensure the entry of your cosmetic products.

SFDA cosmetics registration is required for any business aiming to import, distribute, or sell cosmetic products in Saudi Arabia. Only local companies licensed by the SFDA can apply, and they must hold valid import and distribution permits. Additionally, they are required to have warehouses inspected and approved by the SFDA to ensure regulatory compliance.

Step-by-Step SFDA Registration Process for Cosmetics

Registering a cosmetic product in Saudi Arabia whether imported or locally manufactured must be done through the SFDA’s official Ghad platform. The process includes registering the local company, the manufacturer, and the product itself. It’s a notification-based system, meaning the company is responsible for ensuring the product meets all SFDA requirements.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the steps:

1. Appoint a Local Company
   Only licensed local companies can register cosmetic products. Their commercial registration must include a valid SFDA-recognized activity like wholesaler, distributor, or beauty shop.

2. Register on Ghad Platform
   This involves uploading company documents, owner information, ID copies, and a signed appointment letter.

3. Register the Manufacturer
   Include factory details along with relevant registration and quality certificates.

4. Ensure Product Compliance (Off-Platform)
   The company must verify that the product meets all SFDA specifications before listing, as non-compliant products may be blocked at customs or withdrawn from the market.

5. Claim Verification (Off-Platform)
   All marketing claims on the packaging must be approved and fall within SFDA’s allowed cosmetic claims.

6. Ingredient Compliance (Off-Platform)
   Make sure the product does not contain any banned or restricted active substances, colorants, or preservatives.

7. Submit Product Information
   Upload product images, labels, and detailed formulation including ingredient names and concentrations.

Required Documents for SFDA Submission

To complete the SFDA cosmetics registration in Saudi Arabia through the Ghad system, businesses must submit detailed and accurate documentation. Below is a breakdown of the required documents for a smooth registration process:

• Manufacturer Information
  

1. 1. • Factory or manufacturer name
      • Valid manufacturing license number
        

• Product Details

1. 1. • Product name in both Arabic and English
      • Barcode of the product
      • Country of the brand and the manufacturing country
      • Product category (e.g., cream, shampoo, makeup)
        

• Ingredients List
  

1. 1. • Product size and measurement unit (e.g., 150 ml)
      • Full list of ingredients using INCI names
        
      • Percentage of each ingredient
      • Function or purpose of each ingredient in the formula
        

• Label and Packaging
  

1. 1. • Final label in Arabic and English
      • Brand name clearly shown
      • Manufacturer address and country of origin
      • Usage instructions
      • Clear image of the packaging with barcode visible
        

Ensuring your documents meet SFDA requirements is key to avoiding registration delays and entering the Saudi cosmetics market successfully.

SFDA Registration Timelines and Fees

 sfda cosmetics registration in Saudi Arabia is a quick and essential step for market access. While no registration fees are required for listing cosmetic products, businesses must pay applicable fees for licensing local companies, warehouses, and factories involved in import and distribution.

The typical SFDA registration timeline ranges from 3 to 7 working days, depending on the accuracy of the submitted data and supporting documents. Ensuring all requirements are met can help avoid delays.

Post sfda cosmetics registration Compliance and Maintenance

After completing SFDA cosmetics registration in Saudi Arabia, brands must follow strict compliance and maintenance practices to stay aligned with local regulations. Here’s what you need to ensure:

• Stay updated on SFDA laws and cosmetic regulations in Saudi Arabia.

• Use only approved ingredients and ensure product safety through proper lab testing if needed.

• Work with regulatory consultants to avoid compliance issues.

• Keep all documents updated, including product composition, usage instructions, and manufacturing details.

• Maintain clear and compliant product labeling in both Arabic and English.

• Ensure your cosmetic manufacturing follows good quality and safety practices.

• Collaborate with licensed local distributors or partners who understand SFDA requirements.

Following these steps will help your brand maintain SFDA compliance and succeed in the competitive Saudi cosmetics market.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

SFDA cosmetics registration can be challenging for many businesses due to changing regulations, documentation complexity, and strict compliance standards. Common issues include:

• missing or incorrect product data
• non-compliant ingredients
• unclear labeling, and delays due to unfamiliarity with the Ghad system.

 To overcome these, companies should:

• Work with local experts or authorized agents who understand SFDA procedures.  
•  Double-check all documents, labels, and ingredient lists before submission.  
• Stay updated on regulatory changes through the SFDA website or consultants.  

Proper planning and expert support can help brands avoid delays and ensure smooth  sfda cosmetics registration in Saudi Arabia.

Conclusion and Next Steps

To sell cosmetics in Saudi Arabia,sfda cosmetics registration is a must. Make sure your products meet safety rules, your documents are complete, and labels follow local standards. Work with local experts to make the process easier and stay compliant after Saudi Arabia SFDA approval.