SFDA Fines 17 Drug Firms SR1.575M for Violations

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority has imposed fines totaling SR 1,575,340 on 17 pharmaceutical establishments for a range of violations recorded during May, June and July 2026. The penalties relate to failures in medicine availability, advance shortage reporting, and real-time reporting of drug movements.

8 establishments were fined for not directly reporting drug movements in the electronic Pharmaceutical Products Tracking System known as RSD (Rasd). Another 4 establishments were penalized for failing to ensure the availability of their registered pharmaceutical products, which led to shortages or stock depletion.

A further 4 establishments were fined for not reporting an anticipated shortage or interruption in supply at least 6 months before the expected disruption. One additional establishment was penalized for failing to maintain sufficient stock of all registered products for 6 months and for not replenishing shortages within the specified period of up to 3 months.

Under the regulatory framework, establishments must keep a minimum stock of registered pharmaceutical products sufficient for 6 months and replenish any shortage within a maximum of 3 months. They are also required to report any expected shortage or supply interruption at least 6 months before it affects availability.

Why it matters

These requirements are designed to protect patients from sudden medicine shortages and to keep the supply chain transparent. Penalties for such violations can reach up to SR 5 million, alongside possible temporary closure or cancellation of a facility's license in severe or repeated cases. For residents and families across the Kingdom, stronger oversight aims to ensure that registered medicines remain reliably available at pharmacies.

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