March 2023

On March 3, 2023, SASO published a list of amended standards in the official gazette.

See pdf attachment March 2023 Newsletter - 20230303 SASO Standards Update - EN.pdf

On March 2, 2023, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) announced the creation of a new Unified Electronic System called GHAD. The new Ghad system launched on March 30, 2023. All products registered previous on eCosma will be automatically transferred to the new site and importers will use the new site going forward.

GHAD will be used for:

• List of cosmetic products

• Licenses for cosmetic facilities (factories, warehouses)

• Drug warehouses licensing

Importers are required to create a new personal profile in the new system and submit a request to create a business account. Please visit https://ghad.sfda.gov.sa for more information.

On March 16, 2023, the KSA Ministry of Commerce issued a recall for Anker's Portable Power Banks, Model #535 due to possible overheating of the lithium batteries which could lead to a risk of fire. Consumers are instructed to stop using the product immediately and contact the company for a refund.

On March 22, 2023, the KSA Ministry of Commerce issued a recall for IKEA's BLÅVINGAD Fishing Game due to a defect in the screws that could create a choking hazard. Consumers are instructed to stop using the game immediately and return to IKEA for a full refund.

On March 29, 2023, the KSA Ministry of Commerce issued a recall for Scott Bicycle Speedster 40 model due to a defect in the steering fork of the bike which could break during use resulting in injuries. Consumers are instructed to contact the company for free repair.