Service overview
What is SFDA Cosmetics Establishment License
Cosmetics establishment license is the formal approval from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) to operate a cosmetic and personal care manufacturing or storage activity inside the Kingdom. The license is issued through the GHAD electronic system, and is a substantive prerequisite before notifying any cosmetic product in the eCosma system. Without an establishment license, no cosmetic product can be legally imported, manufactured, stored, or distributed in the Saudi market.
Main License Types
| License Type | Duration | Government Fee | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics Manufacturing Plant License | 5 years | SAR 5,000 | Local manufacturers |
| Cosmetics Warehouse License | 5 years | SAR 3,000 | Importers and distributors |
Note: Fees are subject to 15% VAT above the base fee. Manufacturers wishing to store their products before distribution need both licenses (manufacturing + warehouse) together.
Mandatory Sequence — Why Licensing First
| Stage | Prerequisite | Electronic System | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Establishment Licensing | Complete legal incorporation | GHAD System | Approval of establishment to operate |
| Product Notification | Valid establishment license | eCosma System | Listing of each SKU separately |
| Consignment Clearance | Complete product notification | Fasah Platform | Market entry for shipments |
The order is strict and does not allow bypassing. Attempting to notify a product in eCosma before establishment licensing will be automatically rejected by the system.
Regulatory Requirements for License Issuance
| Requirement | Manufacturing Plant | Warehouse |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Registration with correct activity | ✓ Mandatory | ✓ Mandatory |
| Municipal license for the location | ✓ Mandatory | ✓ Mandatory |
| Civil Defense license | ✓ Mandatory | ✓ Mandatory |
| Ministry of Industry license | ✓ Mandatory | ✗ Not required |
| MISA investment license | By company type | By company type |
| Lease contract or property deed | ✓ Mandatory | ✓ Mandatory |
| Saudi manager with Bachelor's degree | ✓ Mandatory | ✓ Mandatory |
| Qualified Saudi technical officer | ✓ Mandatory — chemistry/pharmacy | ✓ Mandatory — sciences |
| Qualified Saudi quality manager | ✓ Mandatory | ✗ Not required |
| GMP or relevant ISO certificate | ✓ Preferred before inspection | ✗ Not required |
| Site plan and internal design | ✓ Mandatory detailed | ✓ Mandatory |
Licensing Procedure Stages in GHAD System
The procedure proceeds through six consecutive stages: First — establishment account setup in GHAD via SFDA's electronic portal, linking it with commercial registration and parallel authority licenses. Second — preparation of complete technical file including site plans, specifications, and quality procedures. Third — electronic submission via GHAD and fee payment through SADAD. Fourth — on-site inspection by SFDA inspectors to verify actual compliance with declared specifications. Fifth — response to inspection observations if any and conducting necessary corrections. Sixth — formal license issuance with approved document number and 5-year validity.
Technical Site Requirements for Cosmetics Manufacturing Plants
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Area Separation | Separate areas for raw materials, production, filling, storage |
| Drainage Network | Approved industrial drainage system that does not contaminate surrounding area |
| Ventilation and Cooling | Central air conditioning maintaining recommended temperatures for materials |
| Pest Control | Documented plan with approved pest control company |
| Staff Facilities | Changing rooms, sanitary facilities, separate dining area |
| Internal Quality Lab | For factories — equipment for raw material and final product analysis |
| Lighting and Flooring | Cleanable flooring, lighting not affecting color assessment |
| GMP Documentation | Documented good manufacturing practices for factories — preferred before inspection |
Cosmetics Warehouse Requirements
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Ventilation and Cooling | Stable room temperature maintenance |
| Pest Control | Documented plan with contracts with approved companies |
| FIFO Procedures | First-In-First-Out system preventing storage of expired products |
| Quarantined Consignment Separation | Separate area for new consignments before clearance |
| Inventory Tracking System | Electronic, accessible to SFDA inspectors |
| Backup Power Network | For temperature-sensitive products |
| Warehouse-Importer Linkage Documents | Documented legal relationship |
Complete Fees and Indirect Costs
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Plant License Fee | SAR 5,000 | For 5 years + 15% VAT |
| Warehouse License Fee | SAR 3,000 | For 5 years + 15% VAT |
| Value Added Tax | 15% | Added above base fee |
| SADAD Biller 109 Payment Fees | Included in base fee | SADAD system |
| License Renewal After 5 Years | Same fee | Mandatory before expiration |
Why Motaded for Your Establishment Licensing
We have practical experience qualifying cosmetics manufacturing plants and warehouses for SFDA requirements. We visit your site before submission to identify and remedy gaps before the inspector arrives, significantly reducing first-visit rejection probability. We work daily with the GHAD system and SFDA inspectors, and maintain a ready roster of approved pest control companies and technical consultants. For comprehensive overview of all SFDA services from Motaded, see the main platform page.
Packages and Pricing
| Package | Price | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics Warehouse License | SAR 8,000 | Single cosmetics warehouse license + on-site consultation + technical file preparation + government fee SAR 3,000 + inspection preparation + observation responses |
| Cosmetics Manufacturing Plant License | SAR 15,000 | Cosmetics manufacturing plant license + everything in warehouse package + basic GMP procedure preparation + technical officer & quality recruitment consultation + government fee SAR 5,000 |
| Manufacturing + Warehouse Combined | SAR 25,000 | Both licenses + integrated file management + linkage in GHAD system + 15% discount versus separate purchases |
| Additional Services | Case-by-case | Saudi technical officer recruitment, full GMP certification, ISO 9001 preparation, license renewal after 5 years, post-inspection rejection advisory |
Package Inclusivity — Covered and Excluded
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Government licensing fees | ✓ Covered |
| On-site consultation and file preparation | ✓ Covered |
| Inspection preparation and observation responses | ✓ Covered |
| Company incorporation + Commercial Registration | ✗ Separate service |
| Technical officer and quality recruitment | ✗ Separate service (HR) |
| Full GMP certification | ✗ Requires specialized consultant |
| Site technical modifications costs | ✗ Borne by client |
| 15% Value Added Tax | ✗ Added to price |
Service snapshot
Manufacturing & Importing Companies
GHAD Electronic System
License Duration
Objectives
We prepare your facility on-site before inspection to raise first-visit approval probability.
We link the license with facility preparation for eCosma product notification seamlessly.
We visit the site on-site and work with the Saudi technical officer to prepare all inspection elements.
Work Tracks
Field Assessment and Consultation
GHAD System Filing
On-Site Inspection Preparation
Steps to Obtain
Areas of Work
We license new factories at SAR 5,000 for 5 years, including basic GMP preparation.
We license importer and distributor warehouses at SAR 3,000 for 5 years with approved FIFO procedures.
Extra data
Local Manufacturing Plant Licensing
We license new cosmetics manufacturing plants with basic GMP specifications, guiding you for full GMP certification later.
Import Warehouse Licensing
We license importer warehouses with approved FIFO procedures, adequate ventilation, and safe quarantine for consignments before clearance.
License Renewal Before Expiration
We track your license expiration dates and renew 90 days before expiration to avoid activity suspension.
Saudi Technical Officer Recruitment
We help recruit technical and quality officers with required qualifications via our HR Recruitment service.
Linking License with Product Notification
After license issuance, we help you transition to eCosma product notification under a unified account.
Foreign Company Licensing
We handle MISA license first then SFDA license as an integrated package with optimal timing for foreign companies.
FAQs
- What is the difference between establishment license and product notification?
Establishment license approves the entity. Product notification lists each item. License first, then notification.
- How long does the procedure take?
60 to 120 business days depending on facility readiness and response speed.
- Can a foreign company obtain the license?
Yes, by first obtaining MISA investment license then SFDA license.
- What if the license is rejected after inspection?
An opportunity is given to remedy observations. Motaded guides you in corrections.
- Must the technical officer be Saudi?
Yes, SFDA requires Saudi nationality for technical officer, GM, and quality manager.
