Countries / Middle East & Africa

Saudi Arabia

Medicines, tobacco, alcoholChecked 17 Oct 2026
SystemRSD (SFDA, medicines); ZATCA tax stamps (excise goods)
Code on the productGS1 DataMatrix on medicines; digital tax stamps on tobacco
AggregationMedicines: yes.
First stepRegister your products and GTINs in the national system: RSD.
Supplier checklist (PDF)

Overview

Every registered medicine is serialised and tracked through RSD, with aggregation since 2020. Cigarettes need digital tax stamps since 2019, shisha since 2020.

If you supply this market

  1. Register your products and GTINs in the national system: RSD.
  2. Print a unique serialised code on every saleable pack.
  3. Verify every code on the line; aggregate into cases and pallets where required.
  4. Report production and shipments to the national system.

Typical steps for this type of regime. The exact rules are in the sources. Choosing equipment: printing methods.

Timeline

Already in force

  • 2019Tax stamps on cigarettes; RSD serialization
  • Aug 2020RSD aggregation deadline
  • 2020Tax stamps on shisha

What the code looks like

GS1 DataMatrix on the medicine pack

GS1 DataMatrix on the medicine pack

(01) 09506000134352
GTIN: the product number
(17) 271231
Expiry date, YYMMDD
(10) AB1234
Batch
(21) 7G4K9P2XQ5
Serial number, unique to this pack

The same data is printed next to the code as text (GTIN, SN, LOT, EXP). Illustration built on the GS1 example GTIN; the code does not identify any product.

How this code is built →
TAX STAMPSN 0001234567

Tax stamp on each unit

Physical stamp
Applied to every pack or bottle, usually by the manufacturer or importer
Serial number + 2D code
Issued by the tax authority; the manufacturer applies it
Check
Inspectors and often consumers scan it to confirm the duty was paid

The stamp is ordered from the authority and activated when it is applied. Schematic drawing.

How this code is built →

Frequently asked questions

Is product marking mandatory in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, for medicines, tobacco or alcohol, depending on the product: RSD. Other consumer goods are not marked unit by unit.

What is already in force?

2019: Tax stamps on cigarettes; RSD serialization; Aug 2020: RSD aggregation deadline; 2020: Tax stamps on shisha.

What code goes on the product?

GS1 DataMatrix on medicines; digital tax stamps on tobacco.

Is aggregation required?

Medicines: yes.

What changes next?

No announced changes found yet.

Where can I check the rules?

Start with ZATCA: tax stamp system. All sources are listed at the end of this page.

Sources

Checked 17 Oct 2026. Seen something outdated? Send a correction.