What your shipments need
- SFDA registration and Arabic labelling checked first
- Reefer containers and cold chain for chilled and frozen goods
- Capacity planned ahead of Ramadan and Hajj peaks
- Fast clearance to protect shelf life
Services that fit
| Service | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Sea freight (FCL reefer) | Frozen and chilled food from Brazil, India, Australia and Europe |
| Air cargo | Fresh produce and short shelf-life goods |
| GCC road freight | FMCG from the UAE and the region |
| Domestic LTL | Distribution to warehouses and retailers across KSA |
Compliance to plan for
- Food needs SFDA registration or a release permit and compliant Arabic labels
- Meat and poultry must come from SFDA-approved, halal-certified plants
- Fresh produce needs phytosanitary certificates and MEWA clearance
Frequently asked questions
What do food imports need before they ship?
Food products need SFDA registration or a release permit, Arabic labelling with production and expiry dates, and a health certificate from the country of origin.
Can you move chilled and frozen food?
Yes. We book reefer containers and refrigerated trucks, monitor temperature in transit and prioritise clearance at Jeddah and Dammam.
How long does food clearance take?
With documents ready, clearance usually takes 3–7 working days. SFDA sampling can add time, so we file early and track inspection results.
Reviewed by Hammad Basravi, Operations Manager, Freight & Customs · Updated October 2026