Saudi Arabia Halal Import Requirements: What Exporters Need to Know in 2026

Saudi Arabia: The Gateway Halal Import Market

Saudi Arabia is one of the world's largest food importers, bringing in over 80% of its food supply from abroad. The Kingdom imports more than $25 billion in food products annually, with demand driven by a population of 36 million (including a significant expatriate workforce), high per-capita income, and limited domestic agricultural production.

For halal food exporters, Saudi Arabia represents both a premium market and a stringent regulatory environment. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) enforce some of the most detailed import requirements in the Muslim world.

Regulatory Bodies

SFDA (Saudi Food and Drug Authority)

SFDA is the primary regulator for food safety, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. All imported food products must be registered with SFDA and meet the agency's technical regulations covering composition, additives, contaminants, and microbiological limits.

SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization)

SASO sets the product standards that imported goods must meet, including labelling requirements, shelf life, and packaging specifications. The SABER platform is the mandatory online system for obtaining product conformity certificates before goods can clear customs.

Halal Certification Requirements

All meat and poultry imports must come from slaughterhouses approved by the Saudi government. Key requirements:

• Slaughter must be performed by a Muslim slaughterman
• Animals must be alive and healthy at the time of slaughter
• The name of Allah must be invoked at the time of slaughter (Tasmiyyah)
• Mechanical slaughter is permitted for poultry under specific conditions (the machine must be operated by a Muslim, and Tasmiyyah must be recited)
• Stunning is permitted only if it does not kill the animal before the cut
• Each shipment must carry a halal certificate from an SFDA-recognised certification body in the country of origin

For non-meat products (dairy, bakery, confectionery, beverages), halal certification is not always mandatory but is strongly recommended. Products containing any animal-derived ingredients (gelatin, rennet, L-cysteine, glycerin) must provide halal certification or proof of plant/synthetic origin.

Labelling and Packaging Requirements

Saudi Arabia requires bilingual labelling in Arabic and English. Labels must include:

• Product name in Arabic and English
• Full ingredient list in descending order of weight
• Net weight/volume
• Country of origin
• Production and expiry dates (Hijri and Gregorian calendars accepted)
• Storage conditions
• Manufacturer/importer name and address
• Nutritional information panel (mandatory since 2018)
• Allergen declarations
• Barcode (GS1 standard)

Products that do not meet labelling requirements will be rejected at the port of entry. Relabelling at the border is not permitted — labels must be applied at the point of manufacture.

SABER Platform and Product Registration

Since 2019, all imported consumer products must obtain a Product Conformity Certificate (PCoC) and a Shipment Conformity Certificate (SCoC) through the SABER platform before shipping. The process involves:

1. Register on the SABER platform as an importer or manufacturer
2. Submit product details, test reports, and relevant certificates
3. Obtain the PCoC (valid for one year for registered products)
4. For each shipment, apply for a SCoC linked to the approved PCoC
5. Present the SCoC at Saudi customs for clearance

Key Product Categories and Opportunities

Meat and Poultry

Saudi Arabia imports approximately $5 billion in meat annually. Brazil, India, Australia, and the EU are major suppliers. Frozen chicken accounts for the largest volume. The Kingdom has approved slaughterhouses in over 30 countries, and exporters must ensure their facilities are on the SFDA-approved list.

Dairy and Processed Foods

Dairy imports exceed $3 billion, with cheese, milk powder, and UHT milk in high demand. Processed foods — including snacks, confectionery, and baked goods — are a growing segment driven by convenience culture and a young population (over 60% under 35).

Fresh Produce and Grains

Wheat, rice, barley, and fresh fruits are imported in large quantities. The Saudi Grains Organization (SAGO) manages strategic grain imports, while fresh produce comes primarily from neighbouring countries, South America, and South Africa.

Practical Tips for Exporters

• Start with SABER registration — this is non-negotiable and takes 2-4 weeks for first-time applicants
• Work with a Saudi-based import agent — local knowledge of customs procedures, distribution channels, and retail networks is essential
• Invest in Arabic labelling at the production line, not as an afterthought
• Attend Saudi food trade shows — Saudi Food Show (Riyadh), Gulfood (Dubai, serving the wider GCC), and Saudi Horeca are key networking events
• Factor in Vision 2030 — Saudi Arabia is actively diversifying its economy and investing in food processing, aquaculture, and agricultural technology, creating joint venture opportunities