Product Registration in the UAE

Product registration in the UAE is essential to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance. Various authorities, including Dubai Municipality (DM), the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), MOIAT (Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology), and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), oversee the registration process for different product categories. Each authority assesses products to ensure they meet health, safety, and quality standards, with specific regulations depending on the product type.

Once a product meets the necessary guidelines and regulatory requirements, the relevant authority issues a Product Registration Certificate, granting approval for market entry. It is important to note that all products must be registered with the applicable regulatory authority before they can be sold or distributed in the UAE, including products imported solely for re-export purposes.

Why is Product Registration Mandatory in the UAE?

Product registration is a vital requirement in the UAE, as all products intended for local trade must be registered with the relevant municipality or regulatory authority in each emirate. A Product Registration Certificate is compulsory and must be presented during the customs clearance process for imported goods.

This registration ensures that all consumer products feature accurate and comprehensive labeling, providing customers with essential information about the products they are purchasing. Such transparency enables consumers to make informed decisions and fosters greater trust in the market.

Furthermore, product registration is crucial for consumer safety, as it involves a thorough analysis of the product’s ingredients. Regulatory authorities assess whether any substances pose potential health risks and identify restricted or harmful ingredients. Products containing such substances may be rejected or required to undergo modifications before approval. This regulatory process helps uphold high safety standards, ensuring that only compliant and safe products are available in the UAE market.

The following documents are generally required for registering a product in the UAE. However, it’s important to note that the exact requirements may vary depending on the product type and the specific authority handling the registration. Accurate documentation requirements will be determined when submitting for actual product registration.

To successfully register a food product in the UAE, businesses must submit the following documents to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements:

  • Trade License: A valid license for food-related activities.
  • Emirates ID: A copy of the company representative’s Emirates ID.
  • Company Contact Details: Registered company address, phone number, email, and P.O. Box.
  • Certificate of Free Sale (CFS): Proof that the product is freely sold in its country of origin.
  • Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certificate: Confirms that the manufacturer follows quality control standards.
  • Product Formulation & Ingredient List: A detailed breakdown of all ingredients used in the product.
  • Safety & Efficacy Studies (if applicable): Required for specific food products to verify safety and effectiveness.
  • Product Label (English & Arabic): Must include the product name, brand, country of origin, ingredients, and usage instructions.
  • Packaging Artwork with Mandatory Labeling: Ensures that the packaging complies with UAE regulatory standards.
  • Test Reports & Quality Assurance Certificates: Laboratory reports verifying compliance with food safety standards.
  • Manufacturer’s Authorization Letter: Confirms that the manufacturer allows the importer or distributor to register and sell the product.
  • Health Certificate: Issued by the food safety authority in the country of origin, confirming the product is safe for consumption.
  • Halal Certification (if applicable): Required for products containing animal derivatives.

This comprehensive list ensures full compliance with the Dubai Municipality’s Food Import and Re-export System (FIRS) requirements, ensuring a smooth registration process for food products in the UAE.

The following steps outline the general process for registering a product in the UAE. However, it’s important to note that the exact steps and requirements may vary depending on the product type and the specific regulatory authority. The precise procedure will be determined upon actual submission for product registration.

  1. Company Registration – Businesses must first register with the appropriate authority, such as Dubai Municipality (DM), MOHAP, or MOIAT, depending on the product type.
  2. Product Classification – The product is categorized under its specific type (e.g., food, cosmetics, health supplements) to determine the applicable regulations and requirements.
  3. Document Submission – Submit all necessary documentation, including formulation details, labels, and safety reports, as required by the relevant authority.
  4. Laboratory Testing – Certain products may need to undergo laboratory analysis to ensure they meet the safety and quality standards mandated by UAE regulations.
  5. Regulatory Approval – Once compliance is verified, the respective UAE authority grants registration approval, allowing the product to be imported and sold within the UAE.

This structured process ensures that products meet all regulatory standards for safe and legal market entry in the UAE.

Product registration in the UAE is managed by various authorities to ensure compliance with safety, health, and quality standards. Food Products are regulated by the Food Safety Department and registered through the Dubai Municipality (DM) system. Cosmetics, personal care products, perfumes, health supplements, detergents, antibacterial products, and food contact materials fall under the jurisdiction of the Health and Safety Department and are registered via DM system. while the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) oversees pharmaceuticals and medical devices. MOIAT (formerly ESMA) ensures conformity for industrial and consumer goods via ECAS and EQM certifications. MOCCAE handles agricultural, veterinary, and food safety regulations, while ADAFSA oversees food products in Abu Dhabi. Other key regulators include FANR for radiation-emitting devices and FTA for excise goods. Each authority ensures products meet UAE market standards before approval.

1. Health & Safety Department

  • Applicable Products:
    • Cosmetics
    • Personal care products
    • Perfumes
    • Health supplements
    • Disinfectants
  • Department: Public Health & Safety Department
  • Portal: Dubai Municipality
  • Certification: Product Registration

2. Food & Safety Department

  • Applicable Products:
    • Food & Beverages
  • Department: Food Health & Safety Department
  • Portal: Dubai Municipality
  • Certification: Product Registration & Label Assessment

3. Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) 

  • Applicable Products:
    • Pharmaceuticals
    • Medical devices
    • Herbal medicines
  • Department: Drug Registration & Control Department
  • Portal: MOHAP Website
  • Certification:
    • Medical Device Marketing Authorization (MDMA)
    • Drug Registration Certificate

4. Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT) (Formerly ESMA) 

  • Applicable Products:
    • Electrical appliances
    • Regulated consumer goods
  • Department: Conformity Affairs Department
  • Portal: MOIAT Website
  • Certification:
    • ECAS (Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme)
    • EQM (Emirates Quality Mark)

5. Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) 

  • Applicable Products:
    • Pesticides, fertilizers, and agricultural products
    • Veterinary medicines and animal feed
    • Food safety and import regulations
  • Department: Food Safety & Agricultural Affairs
  • Portal: MOCCAE Website
  • Certification:
    • Agricultural Product Registration
    • Veterinary Product Registration

6. Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) 

  • Applicable Products:
    • Food and agricultural products in Abu Dhabi
  • Department: Food Safety & Control Department
  • Portal: ADAFSA Website
  • Certification: Food Product Registration

7. Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) 

  • Applicable Products:
    • Radiation-emitting medical devices
    • Nuclear-related products
  • Department: Radiation Safety Department
  • Portal: FANR Website
  • Certification: Radiation Equipment & Material Registration

8. Dubai Health Authority (DHA) 

  • Applicable Products:
    • Pharmaceuticals
    • Medical devices (for Dubai-based healthcare providers)
  • Department: Health Regulation Sector
  • Portal: DHA Website
  • Certification: DHA Medical Product Registration

9. Sharjah Municipality 

  • Applicable Products:
    • Cosmetics
    • Personal care products
    • Other regulated consumer products in Sharjah
  • Department: Public Health & Safety Department
  • Portal: Sharjah Municipality Website
  • Certification: Consumer Product Registration

10. Federal Tax Authority (FTA) – Excise Goods Registration 

  • Applicable Products:
    • Tobacco products
    • Soft drinks
    • Energy drinks
    • Other excise goods
  • Department: Excise Tax Registration Division
  • Portal: EmaraTax Website
  • Certification: Excise Goods Registration
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