Circular regarding the clarification of Halal certificate requirements for certain food products issued by the Saudi Food & Drug Authority (SFDA) — Saudi Halal Center
2nd June, 2025, This circular serves as a supplementary clarification to the previously issued circular No. 10130, dated 11/4/1445 AH (corresponding to November 26, 2023 Gregorian calendar), which concerns the mandatory Halal certification requirement for imported food products.
Based on the requirements of the Saudi Halal Center under the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and the designated conformity assessment bodies, this circular aims to further clarify that certain food products must obtain a Halal certificate if they contain ingredients that require Halal certification. Such documents must be provided at the time of importation.
This applies specifically to products containing any ingredients derived from animals, fats, oils, gelatin, enzymes, meat, or their derivatives. The relevant product categories include, but are not limited to:
- Meat, derivatives, and extracts
- Milk and dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and derivatives
- Gelatin, collagen, and animal-derived enzymes
- Any ingredient made from animal fats, oils, or their derivatives
- Other food products such as pastries, pizza, samosa, pies, cakes, chocolates, sweets, beverages, dietary supplements, ready-to-eat products, and light meals.
This circular is issued within the ongoing efforts to enhance awareness of Halal certification requirements, ensure strict adherence to approved standards, reduce errors, and eliminate confusion regarding product classifications that require Halal certification.
Below are the detailed instructions:
1. Milk and Dairy Products
A Halal certificate is required in the following cases:
- Products based on milk or dairy ingredients, or products supplemented with other ingredients intended to change texture or flavor (e.g., cheese or yogurt derivatives).
- If the product contains any animal-derived ingredients such as animal fats or oils.
- Exception: Milk-derived fats/butter/whey are excluded (clarification may be provided if needed).
- The product label contains a Halal mark.
2. Dough-Based Products
Halal certification is required for dough-based products, such as pizza and pastries, under the following cases:
- If any ingredient of animal origin (e.g., animal fats or oils) is used during production.
- Exception: Milk-derived fats/butter/whey are excluded (clarification may be provided if needed).
- The product label contains a Halal mark.
3. Chocolates and Confectionery
Halal certification is required in cases where:
- Any ingredient of animal origin is used, such as gelatin, collagen, animal fats, or animal oils.
- Exception: Milk-derived fats/butter/whey are excluded (clarification may be provided if needed).
- The product label contains a Halal mark.
4. Ice Cream
Halal certification is required when:
- The product contains any animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin, collagen, animal fats, or animal oils.
- Exception: Milk-derived fats/butter/whey are excluded (clarification may be provided if needed).
- The product label contains a Halal mark.
5. Foods for Special Dietary Uses
Halal certification is required when:
- Any animal-derived ingredient such as gelatin, collagen, animal fats, or animal oils is included during production.
- Exception: Milk-derived fats/butter/whey are excluded (clarification may be provided if needed).
- The product label contains a Halal mark.
Importers may verify the list of designated conformity assessment bodies through the Saudi Halal Center platform, which is regularly updated: https://halal.gov.sa/home
Reference
https://www.sfda.gov.sa/ar/node/3599810