Drugs bought on Internet need prior SFDA approval

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has confirmed that it allows the public to purchase food online from companies abroad without prior approval, but buying drugs and herbal products need its authorization.
Transport and courier companies are allowed to bring food into the country that has been purchased on the Internet, the SFDA said in a press statement on Tuesday.
The normal legal procedure is to refer the customs documentation of the imported food shipments to inspection departments at the point of entry, or the closest department in an area. These consignments would then be checked to see whether they comply with standard SFDA regulations. The transport companies and recipients must work with customs and SFDA inspectors at the points of entry or the nearest food inspection department, according to the press statement.
The SFDA said it had earlier issued warnings that the public must seek approval before making any purchase on the Internet of drug, health or herbal products. The regulations for these purchases are posted on the SFDA website, it said.
The SFDA said that some transport and courier companies are incorrectly telling their clients to seek pre-authorization for the import of food.