Saudi Arabia has announced strict new regulations for the packaging and labelling of fruits and vegetables sold in local markets, reinforcing national efforts to ensure food safety, enhance environmental sustainability, and align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 transformation agenda. The rules, issued on Thursday, September 18, 2025, were introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA).
New rules for packaging and labelling fresh produce
The updated regulations require all packaged agricultural products, specifically fruits and vegetables, to display detailed labels. These labels must clearly specify:
- Product name
- Net weight
- Packaging date
- Country of origin
- Producer or supplier details, including:
- Agricultural registration number
- Name
- Logo
In addition to labelling, the regulations include strict technical requirements for packaging materials. The ministry mandates that:
- Plastic and cardboard packaging must be:
- Made of durable, food-grade, recyclable materials
- Designed to allow proper air circulation
- Cardboard containers must:
- Be made of corrugated cardboard (Layered, ridged cardboard)
- Have separate or attached lids made from the same material
- Withstand storage and handling pressures
For added safety during distribution, cardboard boxes placed on pallets must be externally covered to prevent contamination. Inner surfaces can be lined, coated, or treated with moisture-resistant materials, as long as these treatments are safe for the produce. MEWA emphasized that these steps are intended to safeguard public health, reduce environmental impact, and modernize agricultural practices in line with national strategic objectives.
MEWA: The authority behind the new regulations
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) is the Saudi government authority responsible for regulating food safety, agricultural production, and environmental sustainability. Its responsibilities include setting standards for the handling, packaging, and labelling of food products, overseeing supply chain hygiene, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations across markets. MEWA also promotes sustainable farming practices, monitors pesticide use, and manages water resources critical to agriculture. Established in 1953, the ministry plays a central role in advancing food security and public health in line with Vision 2030.