SFDA fines 17 pharmaceutical establishments SR1.575 million over violations

Riyadh witnessed the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) issuing fines totalling SR1.575 million against 17 pharmaceutical establishments due to regulatory violations. These infractions were discovered between May, June, and July 2026, as per the SFDA’s compliance report.

Among the 17 establishments, eight fell short of complying with the obligation to directly report drug movements through the electronic Pharmaceutical Products Tracking System, "RSD". The RSD system is instrumental in monitoring and tracing pharmaceutical products for human use, from manufacturing to consumer reach, employing technology to guarantee product availability and safety while thwarting commercial fraud.

Four entities were found to be lacking in maintaining adequate levels of their registered pharmaceutical products, leading to shortages or depleted stock. Similarly, four establishments neglected to inform about anticipated drug supply shortages or interruptions at least six months in advance of any anticipated supply disruption or stock availability impact.

One individual establishment failed to keep sufficient stock of all its registered pharmaceutical products for at least six months and did not replenish any shortages within a specified period of up to three months. Under the Pharmaceutical and Herbal Establishments and Products Law, such violations could incur penalties of up to SR5 million, mandatorily involve the temporary closure of a pharmaceutical establishment for up to 180 days, and possibly result in the cancellation of its license.