SFDA’s new AI tool verifies packaging in seconds, cutting inspection time by 98%

SAUDI ARABIA – Saudi Arabia’s Food and Drug Authority has launched ProVerifier, an AI-powered smart verification tool that analyzes a single image of product packaging or labels and cross-references it against regulatory standards in six to 20 seconds, reducing product verification time by up to 98 percent.

The tool, developed by Saudi national talent within the SFDA Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (SAIL), was unveiled at the LEAP 2026 conference in Riyadh in the presence of Digital Government Authority Governor Eng. 

Ahmed Al-Suwaiyan. ProVerifier allows field inspectors to verify product compliance by scanning packaging or labels, automatically extracting data and matching it against approved regulations. 

The initial rollout focuses on pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, with plans to expand to food products and medical devices in subsequent phases. 

How AI-Powered Packaging Analysis Transforms Regulatory Compliance

Dr. Hisham Aljadhey, CEO of the SFDA, stated that ProVerifier acts as an intelligent assistant for field inspectors, enabling faster and more accurate regulatory decisions. 

The tool standardizes institutional verification protocols, reduces operational burdens, and enhances the safety of imported and circulating products while accelerating clearance at points of entry. 

By equipping inspectors with product information during fieldwork, the initiative accelerates procedures without compromising the accuracy or quality of regulatory decisions. 

The AI extracts data from packaging or labels, cross-references it with approved regulations and standards, and generates an advisory result within seconds. 

The response time of six to 20 seconds enables inspectors to examine significantly more products per inspection visit, maximizing operational output and reallocating vital resources toward high-priority risks.

Initial Rollout Focuses on Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics Packaging

The initial phase covers pharmaceuticals, health products, and cosmetics, with plans to expand to food products and medical devices in the future. 

The tool’s ability to rapidly verify product packaging addresses a critical need in Saudi Arabia’s growing import market, where the volume of regulated products continues to increase annually. 

By standardizing verification criteria across the organization, the SFDA aims to reduce inspection time and operational burden while ensuring consistent regulatory treatment at all entry points. 

The tool is part of the SFDA’s broader strategy to leverage AI and machine learning for regulatory oversight, with the authority planning to integrate ProVerifier with existing digital systems for seamless data sharing. 

This initiative reflects the SFDA’s broader effort to modernize its regulatory ecosystem through advanced technology and innovation, aiming to empower national talent, boost operational performance, and drive sustainable public health impacts and product safety.

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