Exporting food ingredients to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman—offers lucrative opportunities, but requires navigating strict regulatory frameworks. For food manufacturers supplying industrial ingredients like dehydrated onion and garlic powders, compliance begins long before the shipping container is loaded.
The most critical regulatory body in the region is the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). SFDA requires all foreign manufacturing facilities to be registered and approved. Registration involves submitting clear documentation on food safety management systems, HACCP certificates, and proof of Halal compliance.
Labeling standards are another strict requirement. Under GSO 9/2013 standards, food ingredient labels must contain clear bilingual (Arabic/English) product descriptions, precise lists of ingredients in descending order of weight, manufacturer details, country of origin, production and expiration dates, and storage conditions. For bulk packaging (like our 14kg, 20kg, and 25kg multi-layer paper bags), labels must be printed directly on the outer layer or use industrial-strength adhesive labels that cannot be tampered with.
Furthermore, strict physical testing is performed at the port of entry. Shipments must match specific moisture thresholds (typically below 6% for dehydrated vegetables) to prevent mold growth during ocean transport in hot climates. Partnering with an exporter like EZZY Foods—who holds pre-existing SFDA registrations, Halal certifications, and APEDA memberships—guarantees a smooth logistics process without costly port delays.