• The Authority issues technical regulations and standard specifications for food, its facilities, and the employees working in them. In the absence of Saudi or Gulf technical regulations or standard specifications, the Authority may apply any relevant international legislation, regulations, or specifications related to food until it issues the technical regulations or standard specifications, according to the following sequence:

  • 1- International legislation or specifications or documents issued by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Health Organization, the World Organisation for Animal Health, the International Plant Protection Convention, or the joint committees among them.

  • 2- The International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

  • 3- Legislation or specifications issued by relevant regional authorities.

  • 4- Technical regulations or standard specifications or requirements approved in any other country.

• The Authority has the right to issue an amendment annex to the approved technical regulations or standard specifications when necessary.

• For the clearance of imported food, approval from the Authority is required according to the following permission requirements and procedures:

• 1- The imported food must comply with the provisions of this law, its executive regulations, the approved technical regulations, and any

• decisions, conditions, or requirements mentioned in the circulars issued by the Authority or in any agreements or memorandums of understanding between the Kingdom and the exporting countries.

• 2- The food establishment must be licensed and registered with the Authority.

• 3- The imported food must be registered with the Authority.

• 4- The shipment of imported food must be accompanied by the official documents and certificates stipulated in the

• approved technical regulations, decisions, and circulars issued by the Authority.

• 5- The imported food must not be subject to a ban by the Authority.

• The following imported food for non-commercial purposes is exempt from this article:

  • 1- Foods for personal use as specified in the technical regulations.

  • 2- Samples of imported food intended for conducting studies and scientific research that will not be used for human consumption.

  • 3- Display and marketing samples not intended for sale and accompanied by health documents with the label:

  • (Free Sample).

  • 4- Food samples used in exhibitions and festivals provided that:

    • A- They comply with the specific requirements and technical regulations.

    • B- The importer ensures the suitability of these foods for their intended purpose.

    • C- They are not sold or distributed outside the exhibition venue or after its conclusion.

• Food establishments must register with the authority, in accordance with the following conditions and procedures:

  • A- Submit a registration application and fill out the relevant forms.

  • B- The establishment must be licensed to trade in food with the authority.

  • C- Identify the person responsible for the food establishment and their deputy in case of absence.

  • D- Fulfill the requirements and documents related to the food establishment and its employees, as stated in the food establishment registration guide.

  • E- Fulfill any other requirements specified by the authority, which are published on its website.

The food establishment must update its registered information with the authority upon any change, including the cessation of activity.

The registration period for the food establishment is five years, renewable.

The authority may suspend the registration of the food establishment in the event of non-renewal of the license.