SFDA Launches Smart Product Verification Tool at LEAP 2026
Hisham Aljadhey, CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) launched ProVerifier, a smart product verification tool, at the recently concluded LEAP 2026, held in Riyadh from 31 August to 3 September 2026, under the theme ‘Into New Worlds’. The unveiling took place in the presence of Ahmed Mohammed Alsuwaiyan, Governor of the Digital Government Authority (DGA). The 5th edition of the event brought together technology leaders, companies, and innovators from Saudi Arabia and across the globe.
Aljadhey highlighted that the idea for ProVerifier was conceived within the SFDA Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (SAIL) and developed by Saudi national talent. The tool, which verifies products via a single packaging or label image, is designed to act as an intelligent assistant for field inspectors, enabling faster and more accurate regulatory decisions.
The SFDA CEO noted that the launch of ProVerifier represents a step in a broader journey to build a regulatory system that increasingly leverages data and artificial intelligence. By equipping inspectors with product information during fieldwork, this initiative accelerates procedures without compromising the accuracy or quality of regulatory decisions.
ProVerifier allows field inspectors to verify product compliance by taking a single image of product packaging or labels. Powered by artificial intelligence, the tool automatically extracts data, cross-references it with approved regulations and standards, and generates an indicative result within seconds.
The tool will contribute to enhancing overall regulatory efficiency, standardising institutional verification protocols, reducing verification time, and easing operational burdens, thereby strengthening the safety of imported and circulating products while optimising the quality and efficiency of regulatory operations at points of entry.
The initial rollout of the tool focuses on pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, with plans to expand coverage to food products and medical devices in subsequent phases.
Through this launch, the SFDA aims to reduce product verification time by up to 98%, with a response time of just 6 to 20 seconds. This performance jump enables inspectors to examine significantly more products per inspection visit, maximise operational output, and reallocate vital resources toward high-priority risks.
This initiative reflects the SFDA’s broader effort to modernise its regulatory ecosystem through advanced technology and innovation. It aims to empower national talent, boost operational performance, and drive sustainable public health impacts and product safety.
