Saudi Arabia requires Arabic labeling for prepackaged beverages, with nutrition information and marketing claims assessed under separate Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) rules. For drinks made in Vietnam, the manufacturer prepares accurate formula, test and artwork information. The Saudi importer confirms applicable standards and submits product details. This guide addresses Saudi market-entry labeling, not Vietnam's export procedures or a guarantee of customs clearance.
Identify the rules for the finished beverage
Start with the finished product, not the brand or a label borrowed from another Gulf market. The Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO) standards used by SFDA include three core frameworks: SFDA.FD/GSO 9 for prepackaged-food labeling, SFDA.FD/GSO 2233 for nutrition labeling and SFDA.FD 2333 for nutrition and health claims. The SFDA FAQ identifies these frameworks, not the complete applicable editions.
The importer must obtain the Saudi-applicable versions before artwork approval. For fruit juice, nectar and fruit drinks, SFDA separately identifies SFDA.FD/GSO 1820 and SFDA.FD 5012 in its juice-and-nectar FAQ. Energy drinks and unusual ingredients also warrant category-specific review.
Make Arabic text the controlling artwork check
English-only retail labels are not sufficient. SFDA explains that labels and accompanying information must be in Arabic. Other languages may appear alongside Arabic, but their information must match it. This is stated in .
