Saudi Arabia is one of the important and growing markets for the beauty and personal care industry in the Middle East. For international skincare and cosmetics brands planning to enter the Saudi market, understanding the local regulatory requirements is an essential step before importing and selling products.
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) oversees cosmetic product compliance in the Kingdom, while the GHAD electronic system is used for cosmetic product notification and related regulatory services.
At UMISI Beauty Co., Ltd., we understand that regulatory documentation is an important part of international cosmetics manufacturing. As an OEM/ODM cosmetics manufacturer, we can provide relevant product and manufacturing documents to help our Saudi clients prepare their GHAD submissions and communicate with the SFDA through the appropriate regulatory process.
When exporting cosmetics to Saudi Arabia, you may frequently encounter two terms: SFDA and GHAD. Although they are closely connected, they serve different purposes.
SFDA stands for the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. It is the government authority responsible for regulating food, drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics in Saudi Arabia.
For cosmetic products, SFDA establishes regulatory requirements and oversees product safety, compliance, notification, and market surveillance.
GHAD is the Unified Electronic System used by SFDA for various regulatory services, including cosmetic product notification and establishment-related services.
Through the GHAD platform, eligible businesses can submit product information, manufacturer details, and supporting documents for cosmetic product notification.
In simple terms:
SFDA is the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing cosmetic products in Saudi Arabia.
GHAD is the electronic platform used to submit and manage relevant regulatory applications and product notifications.
For more information, visit the official websites:
SFDA: https://www.sfda.gov.sa/
According to SFDA's Guidance of Regulations and Requirements for Cosmetic Products Notification, cosmetic products must be listed in the GHAD system before they can be imported or traded in Saudi Arabia, subject to the applicable regulatory requirements.
The notification process helps SFDA maintain information about cosmetic products available in the Saudi market, including their brands, manufacturers, and responsible businesses.
For Saudi importers, distributors, and brand owners, preparing the required product information and supporting documentation is therefore an important part of market entry preparation.
Completing the relevant notification and import compliance procedures can help businesses avoid unnecessary delays and regulatory complications.
The required documents and information may vary depending on the product category, manufacturer, importer, and specific application.
Commonly requested product and manufacturing information may include:
Product name and brand name
Product category and description
Product formulation and full INCI ingredient list
Ingredient concentrations and functions, where required
Product specifications
Product images
Product packaging artwork and label design
Manufacturer's company information
Factory address and manufacturing details
Manufacturing license or relevant factory documentation, where applicable
GMP or ISO 22716 certificates, where applicable
Manufacturer authorization letter or other supporting documents, if requested
Depending on the product and regulatory requirements, additional documents may be requested to support the notification or import process.
It is important to prepare accurate and consistent information. Product names, ingredient lists, manufacturer details, and packaging information should match across the relevant documents.
Choosing a reliable cosmetics manufacturer is important not only for product quality but also for preparing the documentation needed for international markets.
At UMISI Beauty Co., Ltd., we provide OEM and ODM cosmetics manufacturing services for customers developing their own beauty brands.
For Saudi customers, we can help prepare relevant product and factory documentation required to support the GHAD notification process and submissions to SFDA.
Our support may include:
1. Product Formula and INCI List
We can provide the product ingredient list and relevant formulation information to help customers prepare their cosmetic product documentation.
2. Product Specifications
We can prepare product specifications and other relevant technical information according to the product and documentation requirements.
3. Product Images and Packaging Artwork
We can provide product photographs and coordinate packaging information, labels, and artwork files for regulatory documentation.
4. Factory and Manufacturing Documents
We can provide available factory-related documents, such as manufacturing information and applicable quality management certificates, subject to the specific product and request.
5. Manufacturer Authorization and Supporting Documents
Where required, we can coordinate relevant manufacturer authorization letters and other supporting documents for our customers.
Our goal is to make the documentation preparation process more convenient for Saudi importers and brand owners.
Please note that the Saudi importer or other eligible local applicant is generally responsible for maintaining the appropriate GHAD account and submitting the notification. UMISI supports customers by preparing and providing the relevant manufacturer-side documentation. The final requirements and regulatory decisions are determined by SFDA.
Another important point for businesses exporting cosmetics to Saudi Arabia is that product notification and shipment clearance are separate regulatory steps.
GHAD – Product Notification
GHAD is used for cosmetic product notification and related regulatory services. Product information and supporting documents are submitted through the platform by the eligible applicant.
FASEH – Electronic Shipment Clearance
FASEH is SFDA's electronic system for product shipment clearance. For cosmetics, importers may need to complete the relevant shipment certification and clearance procedures in addition to product notification.
In general, businesses should consider both product-level regulatory requirements and shipment-level import requirements when planning exports to Saudi Arabia.
Completing GHAD notification does not automatically mean that every shipment has completed its clearance requirements.
Saudi importers should confirm the latest applicable procedures with SFDA and their designated conformity assessment or certification provider.
UMISI Beauty Co., Ltd. specializes in OEM and ODM cosmetics manufacturing, helping international customers develop and manufacture products under their own brands.
Our manufacturing services cover a wide range of beauty and personal care products, including:
Facial serums and essences
Facial creams and moisturizers
Cleansers and facial toners
Sunscreens and skincare products
Body lotions and body creams
Face masks and other personal care products
We offer customized formulation development, packaging selection, product manufacturing, and relevant technical documentation.
Whether you are launching a new skincare brand or expanding an existing cosmetics business in Saudi Arabia, we can work with you to understand your product requirements and prepare the relevant manufacturer-side documents.
We believe that successful international cosmetics manufacturing involves more than producing a good product. It also requires clear communication, reliable documentation, and cooperation throughout the manufacturing and export process.
If you are a Saudi importer, distributor, or beauty brand owner looking for an OEM/ODM cosmetics manufacturer, UMISI is ready to discuss your project.
We can help you with:
Custom skincare and cosmetics manufacturing
Product formulation and ingredient information
Product specifications and supporting documents
Factory and manufacturing documentation
Documentation support for GHAD notification and SFDA submissions
To help us understand your requirements, please share:
Which cosmetic products are you planning to import into Saudi Arabia?
Do you already have your own brand and product designs?
How many units do you plan to order for each product?
Do you already have a GHAD account or a local Saudi importer handling the notification process?
Contact UMISI Beauty Co., Ltd. to discuss your OEM/ODM cosmetics manufacturing project and documentation requirements for the Saudi Arabian market.
Website: https://www.umisi.com/
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