Saudi Arabia’s cosmetics market is booming. Global and regional brands are racing to meet the country’s growing demand for skincare, personal care, fragrances, and makeup. But success in this market depends on one crucial factor — full compliance with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA).
To import, market, or sell cosmetic products in the Kingdom, every brand must register its products through the SFDA’s GHAD portal, the official system that manages product registration, company licensing, and post-market surveillance.
The process can be complex, especially for foreign companies without a local presence. That’s where The Saudi Gate comes in. We provide full-service solutions to help you register your cosmetics in the GHAD system, secure SFDA approval, and manage importation compliance from start to finish.
What Is the SFDA GHAD Portal?
The GHAD portal is the SFDA’s official digital platform for registering, tracking, and monitoring products that fall under its regulatory scope. This includes cosmetic and personal care products, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and food supplements.
For cosmetics, GHAD ensures that every product entering the Saudi market meets local safety, labeling, composition, and quality standards before it’s imported or sold.
GHAD Portal Functions for Cosmetics
- Product registration and notification.
- Licensing of importers, manufacturers, and distributors.
- Document and ingredient submission for approval.
- Post-market monitoring and renewals.
- Verification of compliance during customs clearance.
No cosmetic product can legally be marketed or distributed in Saudi Arabia without being properly registered in GHAD.
Why Cosmetics Must Be Registered in GHAD
The SFDA requires cosmetic products to be registered in GHAD for one clear reason — consumer safety. Every formula, ingredient, and claim must meet the Kingdom’s safety and labeling standards.
Without GHAD registration:
- Products are blocked at customs.
- Importation licenses are denied.
- Retail distribution becomes illegal.
- Non-compliance can result in fines or product bans.
If your company wants to operate in Saudi Arabia’s cosmetic market, GHAD registration is mandatory. The Saudi Gate handles this entire process to ensure your products meet SFDA requirements efficiently and correctly.
The Saudi Gate’s Role in SFDA GHAD Registration
The Saudi Gate simplifies the entire regulatory journey. Our experts handle all steps from company registration in GHAD to cosmetic product approvals, label verification, and import clearance.
1. Company Registration in the GHAD Portal
Before products can be registered, your company must be listed as an authorized entity under SFDA’s system. The Saudi Gate manages:
- Creation of your GHAD account.
- Submission of business licenses, trade documents, and authorizations.
- Linking your GHAD profile to your Saudi commercial registration or Importer of Record (IOR).
For foreign companies without a local entity, we act as your authorized local representative to ensure a smooth setup.
2. Product Registration and Notification
Once your company is registered, each product must be individually notified in GHAD. This includes:
- Uploading product formulas and ingredient lists.
- Submitting certificates of analysis and manufacturing licenses.
- Providing product images, artwork, and packaging details.
- Declaring functions and claims accurately.
The Saudi Gate ensures your product data is complete, consistent, and formatted according to SFDA specifications. Missing or incorrect details are a common cause of delays — we eliminate those risks entirely.
3. Ingredient and Safety Review
The SFDA reviews each ingredient against its prohibited and restricted substances list. Products containing banned or excessive concentrations of certain chemicals are rejected.
The Saudi Gate conducts a pre-submission ingredient check, identifying any non-compliant substances and recommending safe alternatives. We also verify preservative and colorant levels according to SFDA standards to ensure approval on the first submission.
4. Arabic Labeling and Packaging Review
Every cosmetic product sold in Saudi Arabia must include Arabic labeling that follows strict guidelines. The Saudi Gate translates and reviews all packaging to ensure:
- Correct Arabic translations of product names and descriptions.
- Full ingredient lists and batch numbers.
- Expiration and manufacturing dates.
- Country of origin and storage conditions.
- Any warnings or usage instructions required by the SFDA.
We ensure your packaging meets regulatory standards without compromising your brand’s design and appeal.
5. Importer of Record (IOR) and Customs Management
Foreign brands without a Saudi entity need an Importer of Record to handle customs clearance and SFDA verification. The Saudi Gate provides this service under full compliance.
We act as your IOR, responsible for:
- Import licensing and documentation.
- Customs clearance coordination.
- Communication with SFDA and Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA).
- Verification of registered products at the border.
Our role ensures your products enter Saudi Arabia legally, quickly, and efficiently.
6. Post-Market Compliance and Renewals
Cosmetic registrations in GHAD are valid for a limited period and must be renewed periodically. SFDA also conducts post-market surveillance to ensure ongoing compliance.
The Saudi Gate provides continuous support by:
- Managing renewal applications and updates.
- Handling product formulation changes or packaging updates.
- Assisting with SFDA inspections or corrective actions.
- Monitoring product safety reports and adverse event submissions.
With The Saudi Gate, your compliance remains active and uninterrupted.
Cosmetic Products Regulated Under SFDA GHAD
The GHAD portal covers a wide range of cosmetic and personal care products, including:
- Skincare products (creams, serums, lotions, sunscreens).
- Haircare products (shampoos, conditioners, hair dyes).
- Makeup and beauty products (lipsticks, foundations, eye shadows).
- Fragrances and perfumes.
- Oral care (toothpaste, mouthwash).
- Nail products.
- Soaps and body washes.
- Deodorants and antiperspirants.
Each category has specific documentation and ingredient requirements. The Saudi Gate tailors its registration process according to your product type, ensuring quick and correct approval.
Challenges Companies Face in GHAD Registration
Many businesses underestimate the complexity of SFDA registration. Common challenges include:
- Incomplete product documentation – Missing ingredient certificates, GMP documents, or artwork.
- Arabic translation errors – Poor translations can lead to SFDA rejection.
- Unregistered manufacturers – The SFDA requires manufacturers to have valid licenses and GMP certification.
- Incorrect classification – Mislabeling a cosmetic as a medical product delays approval.
- No local representative – SFDA requires a Saudi-based entity for communication and importation.
The Saudi Gate resolves these issues before submission. Our process ensures your registration is accurate, compliant, and accepted without unnecessary back-and-forth.
The Saudi Gate: One Partner for Full Compliance
Partnering with The Saudi Gate means you get one expert team managing your entire compliance lifecycle. Our services include:
- GHAD company registration and portal management.
- Cosmetic product notification and approval.
- Arabic label translation and compliance checks.
- Importer of Record and customs clearance.
- Post-market surveillance and renewal management.
- Guidance for local manufacturing or co-packing options.
We handle every technical and legal step so your products can reach Saudi consumers faster.
Local Manufacturing and Vision 2030 Opportunities
Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is actively promoting local manufacturing and assembly of cosmetic and personal care products. This includes support for:
- Establishing local factories and packaging plants.
- Joint ventures between international and Saudi entities.
- Local labeling and distribution hubs.
The Saudi Gate helps companies transition from import-only operations to local manufacturing setups, securing industrial licenses, MISA approvals, and SFDA plant registrations.
We help you take full advantage of Vision 2030’s industrial incentives while maintaining product registration compliance under GHAD.
Why Choose The Saudi Gate
Foreign brands choose The Saudi Gate because we deliver clarity and results.
Our strengths include:
- Deep expertise in SFDA GHAD registration and cosmetics regulation.
- Strong working relationships with SFDA and customs authorities.
- In-house Arabic translation and labeling compliance team.
- Reliable Importer of Record and customs clearance services.
- Transparent communication and full documentation control.
We don’t just register your products — we help you operate efficiently and legally in the Saudi market.
The Saudi Cosmetics Market Outlook
The Saudi cosmetics market continues to grow at a rapid pace. Increased consumer awareness, the influence of global trends, and government support for local production have made the Kingdom one of the most attractive markets in the region.
Future growth areas include:
- Halal-certified cosmetics and ethical beauty.
- Natural and organic skincare.
- Male grooming products.
- E-commerce-driven distribution models.
By registering your products correctly in GHAD and partnering with The Saudi Gate, your brand can enter this expanding market confidently and competitively.
Step-by-Step: How The Saudi Gate Helps You Enter the Saudi Market
- Initial Consultation – We evaluate your products, documents, and market goals.
- GHAD Account Setup – We create and configure your SFDA portal access.
- Product Registration – We handle all document preparation and submission.
- Labeling and Translation Review – We ensure full Arabic compliance.
- Importation and Customs Clearance – We act as your Importer of Record.
- Distribution Support – We connect you with trusted partners and retailers.
- Post-Market Management – We manage renewals and ensure ongoing compliance.
Compliance Is the Gateway to Market Success
The SFDA GHAD system is not an obstacle — it’s a framework that protects consumers and raises product standards. For global cosmetic brands, mastering GHAD registration is the key to long-term success in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Gate gives you that mastery. We handle every detail — from registration and import licensing to labeling and customs clearance — so you can focus on your brand’s growth and sales.
If your company plans to import, distribute, or manufacture cosmetics in Saudi Arabia, don’t navigate SFDA’s GHAD system alone.
Contact us today and let us handle your SFDA GHAD registration, licensing, and importation compliance — efficiently, accurately, and in full accordance with Saudi regulations.
The Saudi Gate — Your trusted gateway to the Saudi cosmetics mark