What are the costs and time required to process Class C medical device registration in Saudi Arabia?
Release time:2025-07-14 14:50:44 The author: source:
The costs and time required to process Class C medical device registration in Saudi Arabia depend on several factors such as documentation readiness, whether the product already has international approvals (e.g., CE, FDA), and the involvement of third-party services.

The costs and time required to process Class C medical device registration in Saudi Arabia depend on several factors such as documentation readiness, whether the product already has international approvals (e.g., CE, FDA), and the involvement of third-party services. Below is a detailed breakdown of all associated costs and timelines based on the current SFDA regulatory framework:


🕒 Time Required for Class C Medical Device Registration

Process StepEstimated TimeNotes
1. Appoint Authorized Representative (AR)1–2 weeksMandatory for foreign manufacturers
2. Establishment License (EL) application2–4 weeksFor both AR and manufacturer
3. Technical documentation preparation4–6 weeks (or more)Depends on availability of CE/FDA docs and internal readiness
4. MDMA (Marketing Authorization) submission & SFDA review3–6 monthsIncludes document review and any back-and-forth responses
5. MDMA approval and certificate issuanceImmediate after approvalApproval letter + certificate download
🟢 Total Estimated Time5–8 monthsEnd-to-end duration for most applicants

⚠️ Note: If your device lacks prior regulatory approvals (CE/FDA), expect the SFDA review to take closer to 6 months.


💰 Cost Breakdown for Class C Medical Device Registration

Cost ItemEstimated Cost (SAR)Estimated Cost (USD)Notes
✅ Establishment License (EL) – Manufacturer5,000–7,000 SAR$1,300–$1,870 USDRequired for legal manufacturer
✅ Establishment License (EL) – AR5,000–7,000 SAR$1,300–$1,870 USDAR must hold an active license
✅ MDMA Registration Fee (SFDA)8,000–15,000 SAR$2,130–$4,000 USDVaries based on device type and complexity
✅ Translation Fees (IFU + labeling)2,000–3,000 SAR$530–$800 USDEnglish to Arabic translations
✅ AR Service Fee (optional)5,000–10,000 SAR$1,300–$2,700 USDIf outsourcing registration to local rep
✅ Consulting/Technical File Support (optional)5,000–10,000 SAR$1,300–$2,700 USDFor manufacturers needing document preparation
✅ Certificate of Free Sale (FSC)Varies by origin countryTypically $100–$300 USDMust be issued by competent authority
✅ ISO 13485 Certification (if needed)VariesTypically $3,000–$10,000 USDOnly if manufacturer lacks valid certification

💡 Typical All-In Cost Range

Registration ScenarioTotal Estimated Cost
🔹 Low Cost (in-house, CE-certified device, no consultant)20,000–25,000 SAR ($5,300–6,700 USD)
🔹 Full Support (AR + consultant + translations)30,000–40,000 SAR ($8,000–10,700 USD)
🔹 No ISO/CE/FDA, complex device45,000+ SAR ($12,000+ USD)

📌 Additional Notes

🔸 Validity Period

  • MDMA Certificate is valid for 3 years

  • Renewal required before expiration (usually faster than initial registration)

🔸 Fast-Track Option?

  • No formal fast-track for Class C, but CE or FDA clearance may allow for abridged review pathway, reducing review time.


✅ Summary: Costs & Timeline Overview

AspectValue
⏱ Total Time5–8 months
💵 Total Cost RangeSAR 20,000–40,000 (USD ~$5,300–$10,700)
📄 Document TranslationsArabic required for IFU, labeling
🔍 Regulatory PathwaysFull or abridged, depending on prior approvals
📜 Certification Validity3 years (MDMA Certificate)

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