How to prepare a food-product registration translation
This guide covers the translation and preparation of food-product registration data for the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, including the product name, label artwork, and supporting attachments. Electronic registration is not only a file-upload exercise: entered fields should correspond to the label image and manufacturer information. Always distinguish establishment registration, product registration, and shipment clearance. There is no general rule requiring every foreign certificate to be translated into Arabic, prepared by a particular translator, or attested; any additional translation or certification depends on the specific file and current platform.
- Product-registration form and related electronic fields
- Product name and descriptive food class
- Product label or artwork and product photographs
- Ingredient statement shown on the label, in Arabic and English where provided
- Foreign-establishment registration certificate issued by a governmental health authority
- Industrial certificate issued by the relevant authority or ministry in the country of origin
- Certificate of origin, commercial invoice, and packing list or packing declaration
- Bill of lading and health certificate, with additional documents where applicable, such as halal, conformity, or phytosanitary certificates
Distinguish establishment registration, product registration, and shipment clearance. Start by classifying the food and checking the current authority requirements.
Create an account in the Food Registration System, choose the establishment type, complete and submit the form, and activate the account by email through the system workflow.
Enter the product name in Arabic as shown on the label. Preserve the official forms of the brand and manufacturer name; do not invent an Arabic commercial name.
Use the product label or artwork and the manufacturer specification. Reconcile ingredients, weight, origin, manufacturing, packing, and warnings with the image and electronic fields.
For clearance, documents may include the certificate of origin, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and health certificate, with conditional documents depending on the food, country, and case.
Keep the original foreign document alongside the working translation and use clear files. Check the current platform requirements before filing, then monitor the application and complete information if requested.
| Document type | Common use | Note |
|---|---|---|
Must the product name be in Arabic?
The official FAQ says the product name is entered in Arabic as shown on the label and not in English alongside Arabic in the product-name field.
Should I translate the brand?
Do not turn a mark into an invented Arabic description. The FAQ says a non-Arabic company’s trademark and brand name are entered in English in the relevant fields.
Should I translate the manufacturer’s name?
The FAQ says a non-Arabic manufacturer’s name is written in English. Preserve the legal name shown on the certificate rather than replacing it with an unverified translation.
What should be the source for translating ingredients?
Use the approved product label, artwork, and manufacturer specification. Entered data should match the image; do not add ingredients absent from the source.
Is a marketing translation enough?
No. The system name must reflect the label, and the data must correspond to the label image and electronic fields.
Does every foreign certificate require an Arabic translation?
There is no rule that broad. Whether a particular certificate must be translated or certified depends on the specific file and current platform.
Which documents does the clearance guide list?
It lists copies of the certificate of origin, commercial invoice, packing declaration or list, bill of lading, and health certificate, with additional documents where applicable.
Is a Certificate of Conformity always required?
No. The guide says it is optional for all countries but mandatory for some countries, so the applicable case must be checked.
When may a halal certificate be needed?
The clearance guide lists an original halal certificate for foods containing an animal-origin component and for any food whose label uses “Halal.”
Does establishment registration replace product registration?
No. The clearance guide says the importing establishment and the imported products or materials must be registered before importation.
Which foreign-establishment documents does the FAQ mention?
It mentions a registration certificate issued by a governmental health authority and an industrial certificate issued by the Ministry of Industry or Commerce.
May I use an English translation for the product name?
In the product-name field, the FAQ says no; use Arabic as shown on the label. Brand and non-Arabic company fields are treated differently.
Is there a fixed image-size limit?
The older FAQ states a 1 MB maximum for images. Do not present it as a guaranteed current rule; check the live system.
Is acceptance guaranteed if the translation matches the fields?
No. Matching reduces data errors but does not guarantee acceptance; product-, country-, or stage-specific requirements may apply.
Is there an official general translator list or translation fee?
The requirements presented do not provide a general translator list, fee, or uniform translation timeline. These details vary by the relevant authority and platform.
This guide is for general information and is not legal or consular advice. Always verify current requirements with the receiving authority.