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Product Registration in UAE

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Product Registration in UAE

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Product Registration

Product registration in the United Arab Emirates is more than an administrative formality; it is a legal requirement that enables companies to import, manufacture and sell their goods while ensuring consumer safety and public health. Dubai Municipality and other authorities such as Montaji (CPRE & CPIP), the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Ministry of Climate Change & Environment oversee this process. Registering each product variation whether it differs in size, color or packaging is mandatory. The objective is to guarantee that all products on UAE shelves meet rigorous standards, are accurately labelled and carry clear Arabic and English instructions. Without registration, goods cannot be legally imported, marketed or distributed, and any non-compliant items may be confiscated or banned.

What is Product Registration?

Product registration is the process of obtaining formal approval from UAE regulators to verify that a product complies with national safety, quality and labelling standards. Dubai Municipality’s Consumer Products Safety Section reviews product information, packaging, ingredients and origin certificates to ensure that goods are safe for consumers. The procedure applies to cosmetics, personal care items, health supplements, food products and household cleaning products. Registration not only confirms that a product has passed laboratory testing and label assessment but also provides companies with a certificate of conformity that remains valid for five years.

Why is Product Registration in UAE Important?

Registering products is compulsory because it protects the public from counterfeit, unsafe or fraudulent goods.

The UAE authorities introduced mandatory registration to limit the trade of artificial and harmful products, ensure consumer safety, maintain quality and prevent the commercialization of duplicate items.

Proper registration demonstrates that a company has met the requisite health and safety standards, which helps build consumer trust and brand credibility.

It also grants businesses the legal right to import and re export products, benefit from low or zero taxes on manufacturing and trading and access the wider GCC market.

By complying with the regulations, companies avoid fines, delays at customs and potential product recalls.

Which Products Can Be Registered in Dubai, UAE?

The UAE allows registration of a wide range of products provided they meet safety and quality requirements.

Cosmetics & Personal Care

Makeup, skincare, perfumes, deodorants, and hygiene products fall under this category. These products must comply with UAE regulations regarding ingredients, safety testing, labeling in both Arabic and English, and shelf life documentation. Registration is mandatory to ensure consumer safety and prevent counterfeit or harmful chemicals.

Packaged Food

Includes snacks, beverages, canned items, frozen meals, and processed foods. All food items must meet the UAE’s strict food safety standards, which include Halal compliance, nutritional labeling, expiry date clarity, and packaging integrity. Registration helps in tracking origins and verifying that food is safe for public consumption.

Health Supplements

Covers vitamins, protein powders, herbal supplements, and dietary products. These must be approved for claims made on packaging and undergo testing for banned substances. The registration process ensures that health supplements sold in the UAE are free from steroids or unapproved additives and meet international standards.

Pharmaceuticals

Includes both prescription and over the counter drugs. Medicines must be registered with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and require stringent documentation, including clinical trial data, manufacturer licensing, and importation rights. This ensures drug efficacy, safety, and traceability.

Cleaning Products

Refers to household and industrial cleaning agents such as surface disinfectants, detergents, sanitizers, toilet cleaners, and laundry supplies. These products must meet environmental safety standards and not contain restricted or corrosive chemicals. Registration ensures the chemical composition is safe for consumer and environmental use.

Pet Food & Supplies

Covers dry food, wet food, grooming products, and pet hygiene items. These products must be registered to confirm they do not contain harmful substances or banned ingredients and are safe for animal consumption. Registration also facilitates veterinary import approvals.

Toys & Baby Items

Includes age specific toys, baby bottles, pacifiers, teethers, cribs, and other baby gear. All items must meet UAE child safety standards, which include being non-toxic, free of choking hazards, and compliant with GCC Conformity Tracking Symbol (GCTS) requirements. Proper registration ensures they are safe, labeled appropriately, and legally marketable.

Each variation (different sizes or packaging) counts as a separate product and must be individually approved.

Which Goods Are Tagged with Restrictive Status?

Some goods may be imported into the UAE only with special licenses or under specific conditions.

  • Pharmaceuticals

    • Prescription drugs require approval from MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention).
    • Pharmaceutical products must undergo rigorous documentation and safety checks before they can be imported or distributed in the UAE.

  • E-Cigarettes & Vapes

    • E-cigarettes and vaping devices must comply with UAE safety regulations.
    •Products must meet Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) standards for nicotine content, emissions, and device safety.
    • Registration and authorization are required prior to import or sale.

  • Alcohol

    • Alcohol import and sale are restricted to entities with specific licenses.
    • Alcohol can only be sold through licensed venues, and importation must comply with clearance procedures of local authorities.

  • Weapons & Ammunition

    • Weapons, firearms, and ammunition are highly restricted.
    • Importation requires prior licensing and clearance from the Ministry of Interior.
    • Unauthorized import or possession is a serious offense under UAE law.

  • Non-Halal Food (e.g. Pork, Alcohol)

    • Products not compliant with Islamic dietary laws (e.g., pork) require special import clearance.
    • Distribution is only allowed through approved channels that ensure consumer protection and religious compliance.

  • Tobacco Products

    • Tobacco imports must adhere to strict packaging, labeling, and marketing regulations.
    • Products must be registered and comply with Emirates Authority standards, including plain packaging and health warnings.

  • Controlled Substances & Chemicals

    • Goods containing controlled chemicals may fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health.
    • Special permits and approvals are mandatory before such items can be brought into the country.

  • Environment Impact Items (E.g. Pesticides, Non-Biodegradable Materials) )

    • Products that could negatively affect the environment are subject to restrictions.
    • Items like certain pesticides or non-biodegradable goods require clearance from the Ministry of Climate Change & Environment.

  • Sensitive or High-Risk Categories (e.g., Nuclear Materials, Rough Diamonds)

    • Items such as rough diamonds, radioactive materials, or dual-use goods (civil & military) require high-level regulatory oversight.
    • Licenses or special permissions must be obtained prior to import.

  • General Business Compliance

    • Businesses must verify whether their goods fall under any restricted category using the latest government guidelines.
    • All relevant permits and licenses should be secured before importing to avoid penalties, customs delays, or product seizure.

Which Products Are Banned in the UAE?

The UAE has strict regulations regarding certain products that are entirely banned from import, sale, and distribution due to legal, religious, or health-related concerns. These include.

Illegal Drugs

• The UAE prohibits the import or sale of narcotics under any circumstances.

 

• Possession or trafficking of illegal drugs carries severe penalties, including imprisonment and deportation.

Pork Products

• Pork and pork-derived products are banned from general sale.


• They are only permitted in specifically licensed outlets catering to non-Muslim consumers, and with strict import regulations.

Israeli Goods

• Products originating from Israel are not permitted for import or sale due to political restrictions.

 

• This includes food, manufactured goods, and any branded or labeled items linked to Israel.

Betel Leaves

• Betel leaves are banned for health-related reasons.

 

• Their import, sale, or possession is strictly prohibited, and violations can lead to product confiscation and penalties.

Gambling Equipment

• Slot machines, roulette tables, poker sets, and any equipment used for gambling are illegal in the UAE.

 

• The prohibition is grounded in Islamic law, which forbids gambling in any form.

Harmful Additives & Dangerous Chemicals

• Products containing harmful ingredients, carcinogenic compounds, or unapproved additives are prohibited.

 

• The UAE follows international safety standards, and banned substances are regularly updated by regulatory bodies like Dubai Municipality.

Unsafe or Non-Approved E-Cigarettes

• E-cigarettes and vaping products not approved by UAE authorities are banned.

 

• Products with unregulated nicotine levels, poor build quality, or missing certifications are strictly prohibited.

Fireworks & Explosives

• The public use, possession, or import of fireworks and explosive materials is prohibited without special government clearance.

 

• These items are considered a safety risk and are mostly banned for consumer use.

Radioactive Materials

• Highly regulated and largely banned, radioactive materials are not allowed without explicit government licensing.

 

• Unauthorized handling, import, or distribution is a serious violation of UAE federal laws.

General Business Due Diligence

• The UAE prohibits the import or sale of products that threaten public health, morality, or national security.

 

• Companies must conduct thorough compliance checks to ensure their offerings are not listed as banned.

 

• The Dubai Municipality maintains and updates a banned product list, and any shipment found with such items will be confiscated.

Who Can Apply for Product Registration in Dubai, UAE?

Only companies registered in the UAE mainland or free zones and holding a valid trade or industrial license can apply for product registration.

Local Manufacturers

• Local manufacturers must ensure that goods produced domestically are registered before they reach the market.

 

• They should coordinate with the Consumer Products Safety Section to meet all technical requirements.

Foreign Manufacturers

• For foreign manufacturers, the importer or local agent bears responsibility for registering products.

 

• The importer must secure approval before importing consignments into the UAE.

Customs Enforcement & Violations

• If a product is imported without registration, customs authorities may release it only once with a warning.

• Repeated violations lead to confiscation of the product.

Trade License Requirement

• In both cases (local or foreign), the applicant must hold a trade license specifying the relevant business activity (such as cosmetics or general trading).

Essential Pre-Registration Requirements for Product Registration

Several conditions must be satisfied before submitting a registration application.

  • Business Eligibility

    The company must possess a current UAE trade license and be legally established in Dubai or a free zone.

  • Product-Specific Registration

    • Each product variation different size, formulation or packaging must be registered separately.
    • Dubai Municipality may conduct random inspections during the pre-registration stage to ensure compliance with quality standards.

  • Labelling & Product Information

    • Businesses also need to prepare accurate product information and labelling in both English and Arabic.
    • This includes brand name, product name, ingredients, expiry date, weight, packaging type, barcodes and, if necessary, Halal certification.

  • Additional Documentation for Certain Categories

    • Health supplements, cosmetics and detergents require additional documentation such as a free sale certificate, certificate of analysis and ingredients report.
    • For medical devices, the Ministry of Health demands a drug store licence, product catalogue, technical sheet and authorization letter.

  • Environmental Compliance

    Environmental compliance documents may be required for products overseen by the Ministry of Climate Change & Environment.

Product Registration Process in UAE

1. Set up a Company and Obtain a Trade License.

Only an existing UAE company with a valid trade license can register products.

2. Create a Profile with the Relevant Authority

Companies must register with Dubai Municipality’s Montaji portal or the relevant authority (MOH or MOCC) and provide basic company details such as license number and contact information.

3. Prepare and Submit Documentation

Applicants collect product information (name, ingredients, barcodes, labels), certificates of free sale, laboratory test reports and analysis reports and upload these documents via the portal. For cosmetics and personal care products, a product sample must be submitted for label assessment.

4. Pay the Registration Fees

Payment of application fees and testing charges (if required) is necessary before the authority proceeds with evaluation.

5. Testing and Analysis

Depending on the product category, the authority may conduct laboratory tests to verify safety and quality.

6. Review and Approval.

Dubai Municipality reviews the application, checks compliance and issues a product registration certificate valid for five years. If the application does not meet requirements, corrections or additional documents may be requested.

7. Renewal and Amendments

Companies must renew registrations before expiry and update the authority if there are changes in the product formula, packaging or ownership.

Our Product Registration Services

Comprehensive Product Registration Support

• Navigating multiple authorities and documentation requirements can be time consuming.

• DSA offers end to end product registration services designed to accelerate market entry and ensure full compliance.

Initial Assessment & Regulatory Authority Identification

• Our specialists provide initial assessment and guidance on whether your product is eligible for registration and which authority (Dubai Municipality, Montaji, MOH or MOCC) will oversee the process.

Document Collection & Verification

• We collect and verify all documentation including trade licenses, free sale certificates, laboratory reports, halal certificates and ingredient lists to eliminate errors that could delay approval.

Testing Coordination & Label Assessment

• Our team liaises with the authorities to schedule product testing and handle label assessments, ensuring your packaging meets bilingual labelling standards and includes all mandatory information.

Regulatory Communication & Client Updates

• Throughout the process, we keep clients informed and address any queries raised by regulators.

Certificate Issuance & Ongoing Support

• Once approved, we secure the registration certificate and assist with renewals or amendments as your product portfolio evolves.

Your Strategic Registration Partner

• Partnering with DSA allows you to focus on manufacturing, marketing and growing your brand while we manage the regulatory requirements.

How DSA Helps

Dubai Setup Advisors (DSA) simplifies every step of your UAE business formation journey from initial planning to long-term operational support. We’re not just consultants; we’re your on-ground execution partners with deep expertise in UAE legal, regulatory, and commercial frameworks.

Business Planning & Jurisdiction Comparison
Trade Name Reservation & Licensing Approvals
Legal Documentation, Drafting & Translation
Workspace & Tenancy Solutions
Bank Account Opening & Compliance Setup
Visa & Immigration Processing
PRO & Legal Documentation Services
Post-Incorporation Support & Growth Enablement

Why Choose Us?

At Dubai Setup Advisors (DSA), we go beyond basic company registration. We provide strategic guidance, legal clarity, and operational support tailored for global entrepreneurs and investors entering the UAE market. Here’s why clients from over 30 countries trust us to build their presence in the Emirates.

Extensive Experience

End-to-End Service

Transparent Pricing

Global Perspective

Personalized Approach

Comprehensive Network

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Any product that could affect consumer health or safety such as cosmetics, personal care items, food products, health supplements and household detergents must be registered with the relevant UAE authority before it can be imported, manufactured or sold.

A product registration certificate issued by Dubai Municipality is generally valid for five years. Companies must renew the registration before expiry to continue selling the product.

Yes. The requirement applies to companies in both mainland and free zones. Free zone businesses must hold a relevant trade license and register each product variation separately.

No. Each variation in size, color, scent or packaging is treated as a distinct product and must undergo its own registration process.

 The authority may request modifications to labelling or documentation. If the product cannot meet the required standards, it will be rejected and cannot be legally sold or distributed.

Yes. Cosmetic products must pass safety evaluations by the Consumer Products Safety Section. Documents such as free sale certificates, ingredients reports and certificates of analysis are required, and the product label must include Arabic and English information.

For foreign manufacturers, the local importer or agent is responsible for registering the product and ensuring compliance. Failure to register may result in confiscation of goods at customs.

Fees vary depending on the authority and product category. There are typically application fees, testing charges and certificate issuance fees. Cosmetic product registration may also require laboratory analysis fees.

Yes. Items such as narcotics, betel leaves and goods from Israel are prohibited and cannot be registered. Products containing harmful or controlled substances may also be banned.

The process involves multiple authorities, extensive documentation and strict compliance requirements. Professional consultants like DSA can streamline the process, minimize delays and ensure that your products meet all regulatory standards. We also monitor updates to restricted goods lists and labelling rules to keep your products compliant.