Everything about SFDA Cosmetics Registration in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, quality, and effectiveness of products that reach consumers in the Kingdom, especially in the cosmetics sector. As the main regulatory body, the SFDA oversees the registration of cosmetic products to ensure they meet strict health and safety standards before being placed on the Saudi market.

If you’re a manufacturer, importer, or distributor, understanding the SFDA cosmetics registration process is essential for compliance and market access. The process involves evaluating product formulations, labels, and safety data to confirm adherence to national and international regulations. Without completing SFDA registration in Saudi Arabia, cosmetic products cannot be legally sold within the Kingdom.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the key steps, requirements, and best practices for a successful SFDA registration, helping you bring your cosmetic products to market with confidence.

Who needs to register and why?

Any company involved in the manufacturing, importing, distributing, or selling of cosmetic products in Saudi Arabia must comply with the SFDA cosmetics registration requirements. This includes local manufacturers, international exporters, brand owners, authorized distributors, and even online retailers who wish to place their products on the Saudi market.

Why is SFDA registration necessary?

The registration of cosmetic products with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority ensures that all items are safe for consumer use, properly labelled, and free from banned or restricted substances. It also enhances consumer confidence and protects public health by preventing the circulation of counterfeit or unsafe products.

Who must complete cosmetic product registration with the SFDA?

1- Manufacturers (local and international) looking to introduce products into Saudi Arabia
2- Importers are responsible for bringing foreign cosmetics into the Kingdom
3- Brand owners who sell under their label
4- Distributors and agents acting on behalf of international brands

5- E-commerce businesses selling cosmetics directly to Saudi consumers

Whether you’re expanding into the Saudi market or launching a new product line, completing the cosmetic product registration process with SFDA is a legal requirement and a critical step toward business success.

Key Requirements for SFDA Cosmetic Registration

To legally place cosmetic products on the Saudi market, both local and international stakeholders must comply with the SFDA cosmetics requirements. Whether you’re a local manufacturer, an importer, or a foreign exporter, registering your products with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority is essential to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.

The SFDA cosmetics registration process involves submitting detailed information about each product, ensuring that formulations, labelling, and claims meet SFDA standards. Below are the key requirements categorized by entity type:

For Local Manufacturers:

• Valid industrial license from the Saudi Ministry of Industry
• Registration of the manufacturing facility with the SFDA
• Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance
• Safety and efficacy documentation for each cosmetic product
• Arabic and English product labels in line with SFDA standards
• Submission of product information file (PIF) including ingredients and safety data

For Importers in Saudi Arabia:

• A valid Commercial Registration (CR) showing cosmetics as part of business activity
• Establishment registration on the SFDA’s e-platform (eCosma)
• Appointment of a Responsible Person (RP) within the Kingdom
• Authorization letter from the original manufacturer or brand owner
• Product Certificate of Free Sale (from the country of origin)
• Labelling in Arabic and compliance with SFDA cosmetic labelling rules

For International Exporters:

• Authorization for a local Saudi representative or importer
• Provision of full product formulation and technical documents
• Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Certificate of Free Sale (CFS)
• Compliance with the prohibited/restricted ingredients list by the SFDA
• Cooperation in supplying any additional testing or documentation required during evaluation

The SFDA Cosmetics Registration Process: Step by Step

In the following lines, we will mention the steps of the SFDA Cosmetics Registration process in detail:

• • • Register the establishment with the SFDA
      • Upload your commercial license, contact information, and appoint a Responsible Person (RP).
    • Submit product information for each cosmetic item
      • Include product name, intended use, ingredients, manufacturing site, and technical documents.
    • Upload required documentation
      • Product Information File (PIF)
      • Certificate of Free Sale (CFS)
      • Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
      • Safety data and labelling in Arabic
    • Ensure product labelling complies with SFDA guidelines
      • Labels must include product name, ingredients, manufacturer details, country of origin, usage instructions, and warnings (if applicable).
    • Pay the registration fees via the SFDA portal
    • Wait for SFDA evaluation and approval
      • The authority may request additional information or clarification.
    • Receive product registration approval
      • Once approved, your product will be listed as compliant, allowing it to be imported and sold legally in Saudi Arabia.

Benefits of the SFDA Cosmetics Registration 

Complying with SFDA cosmetics registration is not just a legal requirement — it also brings significant advantages for manufacturers, importers, and brand owners looking to succeed in the Saudi market. The registration of cosmetic products with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority ensures that your business meets high safety and quality standards while gaining a competitive edge.

Key Benefits of SFDA Registration in Saudi Arabia

• Legal Market Access
  • Only products with valid SFDA registration in Saudi Arabia are allowed to be imported, distributed, or sold in the Kingdom.
• Consumer Confidence
  • Registered products show that they meet strict safety and quality standards, which enhances brand credibility and consumer trust.
• Protection from Market Rejection
  • Ensures your products won’t face delays, fines, or removal from shelves due to non-compliance with local regulations.
• Improved Brand Reputation
  • Being listed as an SFDA-compliant brand gives your business recognition in one of the region’s most regulated markets.
• Competitive Advantage
  • Early and proper registration of cosmetic products positions your brand ahead of unregistered competitors.
• Support for Long-Term Expansion
  • Once registered, it becomes easier to introduce new products and expand your brand portfolio within Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC.

How Tabseer Helps in SFDA Cosmetics Registration 

When it comes to navigating the complexities of SFDA cosmetics registration, Tabseer stands out as one of the most trusted and accredited bodies in the region.

With extensive experience in the Saudi regulatory landscape and a deep understanding of SFDA requirements, Tabseer offers expert support to manufacturers, importers, and brand owners seeking smooth and efficient registration of cosmetic products. From document preparation to portal submissions and technical guidance, Tabseer ensures full compliance with SFDA registration in Saudi Arabia, helping clients avoid delays, reduce costs, and accelerate their time to market with confidence.

According to the previous lines, Tabseer plays a vital role in helping its clients obtain the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) by acting as an accredited. With extensive expertise and recognition from key regulatory authorities, Tabseer ensures that products meet all relevant technical regulations and standards required for market access, especially in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region.

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