SASO & SFDA Standards for Stainless Steel Kitchen Equipment in Saudi Arabia

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Understanding Saudi SASO & SFDA Standards
for Stainless Steel Kitchen Equipment (2025 Guide)

In Saudi Arabia, the foodservice and hospitality industries are rapidly modernizing, with a strong emphasis on hygiene, safety, and sustainability. If you’re planning to manufacture, import, or operate stainless steel kitchen equipment in the Kingdom, it’s critical to comply with SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization) and SFDA (Saudi Food and Drug Authority) requirements. This guide explains in detail what these standards mean, how to comply, what certifications are required, and how to design equipment that meets both functional and regulatory expectations.

Introduction to SASO and SFDA

What is SASO?

SASO is the national standards organization in Saudi Arabia. It issues technical regulations and conformity requirements for a wide range of products—including commercial kitchen equipment—to ensure safety, quality, and energy efficiency.

Key SASO Responsibilities:

  • Developing mandatory and voluntary standards.
  • Implementing conformity assessment programs (e.g., SABER).
  • Regulating energy efficiency, fire safety, electrical, and building material standards.

What is SFDA?

The SFDA is responsible for the regulation and supervision of food, drugs, and medical devices. In the context of kitchen equipment, the SFDA focuses on:

  • Hygiene and sanitation compliance.
  • Food contact material safety.
  • Inspection of imported equipment for F&B operations.

Why Standards Matter for Kitchen Equipment

Stainless steel kitchen equipment must conform to SASO and SFDA rules to:
  • Legally import or sell equipment in Saudi Arabia.
  • Ensure food safety in restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and factories.
  • Avoid product recalls, fines, or rejections at customs.
  • Enhance customer trust and B2B procurement eligibility.

Key SASO Regulations for Kitchen Equipment

Below are the core SASO technical regulations relevant to stainless steel kitchen installations:
SASO RegulationRelevance to Kitchen Equipment
SASO 2927:2019Hygiene requirements for food contact surfaces
SASO IEC 60335 seriesElectrical safety for kitchen appliances
SASO 2663:2021Safety of machinery used in food preparation
SASO ISO 22000Food safety management systems in food-related equipment
SASO GSO 323Stainless steel composition and corrosion resistance standards

Important Note: All electrical kitchen equipment must be SABER-certified under SASO’s conformity program.

SFDA Requirements Include:
  • Only food-grade stainless steel (304, 316) is allowed for contact surfaces.
  • Surfaces must be non-reactive, non-toxic, non-absorbent, and easy to clean.
  • Welds must be smooth with no crevices or rough edges.
  • All parts in contact with food must be corrosion-resistant even in high-moisture environments.
Material TypeAllowed by SFDAUsage Notes
SS 304 (18/8)✅ YesCommon for food prep tables, sinks, hoods
SS 316 (18/10)✅ YesPreferred for high-corrosion zones
Galvanized Steel❌ NoNot food safe—restricted to external parts
Aluminium (raw)❌ NoOnly allowed with FDA food-safe coatings

SFDA Compliance for Food Contact Equipment

If your kitchen equipment comes in direct or indirect contact with food, SFDA mandates strict requirements, especially for materials used in fabrication.

8. Importing Equipment: What to Know

Import Documentation Checklist:

  • Commercial Invoice
  • Certificate of Origin
  • SASO PCoC and SCoC
  • SFDA Food Contact Approval (if applicable)
  • Product Specs & Technical Drawings

Ports in Saudi Arabia (for imports):

  • Jeddah Islamic Port
  • King Abdulaziz Port (Dammam)
  • Riyadh Dry Port (Inland)

Tip: Work with a local customs broker or legal consultant for smoother clearance.

9. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with SASO or SFDA standards may result in:

ViolationPossible Penalty
No SASO CoCRejection at customs or shipment return
Use of non-food-grade stainless steelEquipment seizure, fines
Poor design leading to food contaminationTemporary or permanent kitchen shutdown
No SFDA food contact registrationProhibited from sale in KSA

10. Final Thoughts: Best Practices for Compliance

  • Always design equipment with SFDA and SASO standards in mind—not as an afterthought.
  • Choose 304/316 stainless steel for any surface that touches food.
  • Register on SABER early and work with licensed certification bodies.
  • Prioritize smooth finishes, hygiene-focused design, and proper zoning.
  • Maintain full traceability of your equipment's origin, materials, and testing.

Useful Resources

  • SABER Platform – Product Certification Portal
  • SFDA Food Contact Materials Guidelines (Arabic)
  • SASO Technical Regulations Library
  • Saudi Exports Food Equipment Guidelines (PDF)
FAQS

Frequently asked questions

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A: No. SFDA restricts its use in food-contact areas due to corrosion and hygiene concerns.

A: Typically 7–21 working days depending on document readiness and product category.

A: Use of wrong materials (SS201/430), missing CoC, and improper design without radiused corners or open welds.

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Contact INOTECH today or visit our Riyadh showroom to explore the full range of automatic plate dispensers and commercial kitchen solutions.

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