Saudi Food and Drug Authority Announces New Requirements for Halal Labeling on Food Products

Saudi Arabia | Food Regulations | Halal Certification | Regulatory Update

Circular Date: 6 September 2026 

Effective Date: 1 January 2027

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has issued updated regulatory instructions concerning the use of the Halal logo and the word “Halal” on food products manufactured locally or imported into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The new requirements, which will take effect on 1 January 2027, aim to ensure that Halal claims displayed on food packaging are supported by valid certification issued by the Saudi Halal certification authority or certification bodies recognised by the competent Saudi authorities.

The circular is particularly relevant to food manufacturers, exporters, importers and distributors supplying products to the Saudi Arabian market.

Background: Why Has the SFDA Issued This Circular?

The SFDA has been monitoring the compliance of locally manufactured and imported food products with Saudi food safety, quality and Halal certification requirements.

During its regulatory monitoring activities, the Authority identified food products displaying Halal logos that were not recognised by the Saudi authorities.

This prompted the SFDA to reinforce its requirements for the use of Halal logos and certification on food packaging.

The circular also refers to the earlier SFDA Circular No. 10130/A, dated 11/04/1445 AH, which established requirements for importers to obtain Halal certificates from certification entities recognised by the competent authorities in Saudi Arabia for applicable product categories.

The latest clarification seeks to prevent the use of unrecognised Halal logos and ensure consistency in Halal labelling practices across the Saudi food market.

Key Requirements for Food Manufacturers and Importers

1. Halal Logos Must Be Supported by Recognised Certification

Food manufacturers and importers choosing to display a Halal logo must ensure that the claim is supported by a valid Halal certificate.

The certificate must be issued by the Saudi Halal certification authority or a certification body recognised by the competent Saudi authorities.

A Halal logo or certificate issued by an organisation that is not recognised by the Saudi authorities may not satisfy the applicable regulatory requirements.

Businesses should therefore verify the recognition status of their certification providers before using Halal logos on products intended for Saudi Arabia.

2. Compliance with Saudi Regulations Is Mandatory

The use of Halal logos must comply with applicable Saudi laws, technical regulations and relevant certification requirements.

Manufacturers and importers are responsible for ensuring that their Halal claims are appropriately supported and that packaging and labelling practices meet the requirements of the Saudi market.

3. Verification of Recognised Halal Certification Bodies

The SFDA directs manufacturers and importers to the official Saudi Halal Center website to identify certification entities recognised by the Saudi authorities.

Official website: https://www.halal.gov.sa

Businesses should confirm that their chosen certification body is recognised for the relevant certification activities and product categories.

Is Halal Labelling Mandatory in Saudi Arabia?

One of the most important clarifications in the circular concerns the distinction between Halal labelling and mandatory Halal certification.

The SFDA confirms that displaying the Halal logo or the word “Halal” on food packaging is optional rather than mandatory.

However, this does not remove the obligation to obtain Halal certification for products that fall within categories subject to mandatory certification under Circular No. 10130/A and the applicable technical regulations.

In practical terms:

- Halal logo or wording: Optional on food packaging.

- Halal certification: Mandatory for product categories covered by the relevant certification requirements.

- Voluntary Halal claims: Where a manufacturer chooses to display the Halal logo and/or the word “Halal”, the relevant certification requirements must be met.

This distinction is particularly important for international food exporters, as the absence of a Halal logo does not necessarily remove the need for a Halal certificate.

What Does This Mean for Food Importers and Manufacturers?

The updated instructions introduce important considerations for businesses placing food products on the Saudi market.

Manufacturers and importers should review their existing product labels and packaging to identify any Halal logos or claims currently in use.

Where a Halal logo is displayed, businesses should ensure that their certification has been issued by an appropriately recognised entity.

Businesses exporting food products to multiple international markets should be especially careful, as Halal certification or logos accepted in one country may not automatically be recognised in Saudi Arabia.

Companies should also determine whether their food products fall within categories requiring mandatory Halal certification, regardless of whether a Halal logo appears on the packaging.

Implementation Date: 1 January 2027

The SFDA has confirmed that the requirements outlined in the circular will become effective on 1 January 2027.

Food manufacturers, importers and exporters should use the period before implementation to review their Halal certification arrangements and product labelling.

The Authority has also indicated that appropriate regulatory or legal measures may be taken against businesses that fail to comply with the requirements.

Conclusion

The SFDA's September 2026 circular represents an important clarification of Halal labelling requirements for food products sold in Saudi Arabia.

While the use of the Halal logo and the word “Halal” remains optional, businesses choosing to make these claims must ensure that they are supported by certification recognised by the Saudi authorities.

Importantly, mandatory Halal certification requirements continue to apply to the relevant product categories, irrespective of whether Halal wording or logos appear on the packaging.

With the new requirements taking effect on 1 January 2027, food manufacturers and importers are encouraged to review their certification status, packaging and regulatory compliance arrangements ahead of the implementation date.