Saudi Arabia food labeling (SFDA, GSO 9): Arabic label, dates, nutrition
Imported and locally made prepackaged food in Saudi Arabia must meet the labeling requirements of SFDA.FD/GSO 9:2022, the Gulf standard for labeling prepackaged foodstuffs. The label or sticker gives the statutory information in Arabic, dates are written day first, and processed food carries a nutrition facts label.
Checked against official sources: 2026-10
At a glance
What a Saudi food label must show
SFDA.FD/GSO 9:2022, the Gulf standard for labeling prepackaged foodstuffs, applies to imported and locally produced prepackaged food in Saudi Arabia. The label or sticker gives the product name, the ingredients in descending order of predominance, the producer's name and address, the country of origin, the production and expiry or use-by dates and instructions for use where needed.
The statutory information must be in Arabic, printed or on a sticker; other languages may be added if they match the Arabic. Samples imported into Saudi Arabia must be labeled at least in English.
Saudi food label checklist for exporters
- Statutory information in Arabic
- Product name and ingredients in descending order
- Producer's name and address, and country of origin
- Production and expiry or use-by dates, day first
- Nutrition information for processed food
- Label or sticker agreed with the Saudi importer
Dates, nutrition and stickers
Dates are written with the day first, then the month and year. The month-first format common in the United States is not accepted in Saudi Arabia, so a date such as 03/04 printed for the US market can be read wrongly at the border.
Processed food has needed a nutrition facts label since 1 October 2020; the current rule is SFDA.FD/GSO 2233/2021, enforced since 1 April 2021. The required information may be printed on the original label or added with a sticker, so many exporters agree an Arabic sticker with the importer before shipping.
Step by step
- Agree the Arabic label or sticker with the Saudi importer.
- List the ingredients in descending order and give the producer's name and address.
- Show the country of origin and the production and expiry or use-by dates, day first.
- Add the nutrition information required for processed food.
- Check the final label against SFDA.FD/GSO 9:2022 before printing.
Documents you usually need
- Arabic label or sticker artwork
- Ingredient list in descending order
- Production and expiry dates in day-month-year format
- Nutrition data for the nutrition facts label
- Producer's name and address, and country of origin
Common problems and how to avoid them
What to do: Print them day first, then month and year.
What to do: Add the statutory information in Arabic, printed or on a sticker.
What to do: Add the nutrition facts label required since 1 October 2020.
What to do: State the country of manufacture or production on the label.
Sources
- GSO 9:2022 Labeling of Prepackaged Food Stuffs GCC Standardization Organization
- Is it allowed to write the food product label in English only? Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA)
- Saudi Arabia: FAIRS Country Report Annual (SA2025-0013) USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
- Saudi Arabia Country Commercial Guide: labeling and marking requirements International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce
Rules change often. This note is practical guidance based on the sources above, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the authority, your importer or a licensed customs broker before you ship.
Port codes by country
Food label requirements by country →
Trade notes
Common questions
Which standard sets food labeling in Saudi Arabia?
SFDA.FD/GSO 9:2022, the Gulf standard for labeling prepackaged foodstuffs.
Do food labels in Saudi Arabia need Arabic?
Yes. The statutory information must be in Arabic, printed or on a sticker; other languages may be added if they match the Arabic.
How must dates be written on food for Saudi Arabia?
Day first, then month and year; the US month-first format is not accepted.
Is nutrition labeling mandatory in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, for processed food since 1 October 2020; the current rule is SFDA.FD/GSO 2233/2021.
Can samples be labeled in English only?
Yes. Imported samples must be labeled at least in English.
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