Saudi Food Authority Mandates Halal Certificates from Recognized Bodies for Food Imports

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – [Date] – In a move to ensure compliance with Islamic dietary laws and technical regulations, the Saudi Food & Drug Authority (SFDA) has issued a circular emphasizing that all food importers must obtain Halal certificates exclusively from certification bodies recognized by the SFDA’s Saudi Halal Center. The directive, outlined in Circular No. 10130/C dated 11/04/1445 AH (October 26, 2023), aims to strengthen the oversight of food products entering the Kingdom.

The SFDA has observed that some importers have been submitting Halal certificates issued by bodies not recognized by the Saudi Halal Center. This practice contravenes the Food Law established by Royal Decree No. (M/1) dated 06/01/1436 AH and its Implementing Regulation issued by the SFDA’s Board of Directors. To address this, the SFDA has reiterated that all Halal certificates must be issued by approved certification bodies to ensure compliance with Islamic dietary standards.

Key Requirements for Halal Certificates:

1. Halal Slaughter Certificates: Required for consignments of whole carcasses, their parts, and entrails of permissible animals such as cows, sheep, goats, camels, chickens, ostriches, poultry birds, and rabbits. This applies to all permissible wild animals that have undergone no manufacturing processes beyond cutting and packaging.
2. Halal Certificates for Processed Foods: Required for a wide range of products, including:
   • Processed, seasoned, and canned meats (e.g., minced meat, burgers, sausages, dried meat, meatballs).
   • Compound food products containing meat, meat products, or animal-derived ingredients such as grease, gelatin, collagen, and enzymes (e.g., pizza, samosa, pies, cakes, sauces, chocolates, candies, supplements, drinks, and snacks).
   • Any product bearing the word or logo “Halal” on its packaging.

The SFDA has urged importers to verify the list of recognized Halal Certification Bodies (HCB) through the Saudi Halal Center’s official website: https://halalsfda.gov.sa. The list is regularly updated to ensure compliance with the latest standards.

Recognition of International Halal Certifications:

The Saudi Halal Center has eased trade barriers for Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam and many other countries  by recognizing specific Halal certification bodies within those countries. For Japan, the Japan Islamic Trust is the sole approved certifier. This move by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) is expected to boost trade while ensuring adherence to Saudi Arabia’s stringent Halal standards. The SFDA’s recognition of these designated bodies will simplify the import process for businesses exporting Halal products to the Kingdom.

Related: Japan Islamic Trust Holds Sole Authority for Halal Certification to Saudi Arabia

Legal Consequences for Non-Compliance:

The SFDA has warned that legal actions will be taken against any importer found violating the new directive. This underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of Halal food products and ensuring that all imported goods meet the stringent requirements of Islamic law and Saudi regulations.

Call for Cooperation:

In the circular, the SFDA expressed its appreciation for the cooperation of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce & Industry, and regional chambers in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. The authority has requested that these organizations disseminate the circular to all registered companies to ensure widespread awareness and compliance.

This latest move by the SFDA reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to regulate the food industry and uphold the highest standards of Halal certification, ensuring consumer confidence in the products available in the Kingdom.

For further inquiries, importers are encouraged to visit the Saudi Halal Center’s website or contact the SFDA directly.