SFDA Certificate for Dates
Dates have to meet SFDA food rules, and every shipment needs the SFDA CoC.
Overview
This page covers fresh and dried dates, including pressed and stuffed dates.
Food in Saudi Arabia is overseen by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), not SASO, so dates do not go through SABER. Your Saudi importer clears each shipment with SFDA, using the SFDA CoC and the other documents you send.
Documents required
- Commercial invoice
- Certificate of origin
- Test report
- Physical inspection and photos
- Phytosanitary certificate
This is our default preparation list. Actual requirements depend on the product, HS Code, applicable regulation, certification route and shipment details. We verify the list for your product before proceeding.
The market
Saudi Arabia imported US$400 thousand of dates in 2024. Almost none came from India.
Source: UN Comtrade, HS 0804.10, 2024
Find your HS code
Dates are coded by whether they are fresh, dried or pressed.
How it works
Step 1
Confirm your product and code
Send us the product details and your label. We confirm the right HS code and SFDA requirements.
Step 2
Prepare the documents
We help you prepare the SFDA CoC and the other documents.
Step 3
Ship to your importer
Your Saudi importer clears the shipment with SFDA. We help with questions along the way.
Request a quote
Tell us about your dates. You can review the prepared request and send it through WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Do dates need a SABER certificate?
No. Food is overseen by SFDA, not SASO, so dates do not go through SABER.
Who clears the shipment with SFDA?
Your Saudi importer. They need the SFDA CoC and the other documents from you before they arrive.
Do you provide the certificate?
Yes*. We help you get the SFDA CoC, from preparing the documents to the final approval.