Product registration in Dubai is a legal requirement enforced by Dubai Municipality and other regulatory bodies. It ensures product safety, market compliance, and consumer protection. Without registration, products cannot be legally imported, distributed, or sold in the UAE market.
What Does Product Registration in Dubai Cover?
Product registration covers a wide range of categories. The process differs slightly by product type, but all registrations share a single goal: compliance with UAE health and safety standards.
Main product categories requiring registration include:
- Cosmetics and personal care Product registration in Dubai Municipality
- Food and beverages
- Health supplement
- Detergents and disinfectants
- Petroleum-based products
- Electronic items with safety risk
Dubai Municipality, ESMA (Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology), and MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention) are among the main regulatory authorities.
Who Must Register Products in Dubai?
Companies wishing to import, manufacture, or distribute products must register them with Dubai Municipality or relevant authority. Registration is mandatory for:
- Local distributors
- Import-export companies
- Free zone trading firms
- International manufacturers targeting the UAE
Individual sellers or freelancers cannot register products without a licensed company in the UAE.
Why Is Product Registration in Dubai Legally Required?
Product registration is legally required to protect consumer health, ensure environmental safety, and regulate quality standards. It is also enforced to comply with international import/export protocols.
| Purpose | Regulatory Benefit |
| Consumer safety | Prevents harmful or banned substances |
| Trade compliance | Aligns with GCC and international standards |
| Market control | Tracks substandard or counterfeit products |
| Public health protection | Especially for cosmetics, supplements, and food |
Failure to register products can result in import bans, fines, or product recalls.
What Documents Are Required for Product Registration?
The required documents depend on the product type but generally include:
- Valid Trade License (must reflect relevant activity)
- Product label artwork in English or Arabic
- Ingredient list or product composition
- Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) from country of origin
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for chemicals or cosmetics
- Laboratory test reports, if required
All documents must be submitted in Arabic or English. Translations must be certified.
How Long Does Product Registration Take in Dubai?
The average timeframe is 5 to 15 working days. Duration depends on:
- Product category
- Completeness of documentation
- Authority workload
Cosmetics and food products may face lab testing, which can extend the process.
What Are the Steps of Product Registration in Dubai?
Here is a simplified overview of the process:
- Company Setup: Obtain a valid trade license
- Register with DM Portal: Create an account with Dubai Municipality
- Submit Application: Upload product documents and labels
- Review Process: DM evaluates documents and composition
- Testing (if required): Specific products undergo lab analysis
- Approval Issued: Receive official product registration certificate
Once approved, products can be legally marketed, imported, and sold in Dubai and the wider UAE.
What Happens If a Product Is Not Registered?
Unregistered products are flagged by customs and regulatory authorities. This leads to:
- Import restrictions or rejection at UAE ports
- Penalties ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 50,000
- Temporary suspension of trade license
- Legal action for public health endangerment
Dubai actively inspects and monitors markets to eliminate non-compliant products.
Are There Any Costs Associated With Product Registration?
Yes. Costs vary depending on the product and authority.
| Product Type | Estimated Fee Range (AED) |
| Cosmetics | 500 – 1,000 |
| Food Products | 500 – 1,500 |
| Health Supplements | 1,000 – 2,500 |
| Detergents/Chemicals | 700 – 1,200 |
Additional charges may apply for laboratory testing or label modification.
Can a Free Zone Company Register Products in Dubai?
Yes. A UAE-licensed free zone company can register products, but only for non-retail distribution within the UAE mainland. To sell directly in Dubai, a local distributor or mainland company is required.
What Are the Benefits of Product Registration in Dubai?
Registering products offers legal, commercial, and operational advantages:
- Market access across Dubai and the UAE
- Consumer trust through regulatory compliance
- Brand protection via verified registration
- Import/export eligibility through customs clearance
- Higher valuation for licensed, compliant companies
What Is the Validity Period of a Product Registration Certificate?
Most certificates are valid for 5 years. However, some categories (especially food and health products) may require annual renewal or batch-wise approval.
Is Product Labelling Part of the Registration?
Yes. Label compliance is mandatory. The label must include:
- Product name
- Manufacturer details
- Country of origin
- Net weight or volume
- Production and expiry dates
- Ingredients and usage instructions
- Storage conditions
Arabic labeling is compulsory for food and cosmetics.
Are There Any Exemptions From Product Registration?
Products that fall under personal use quantity or one-time samples may be exempt. However, repeated importation of such goods can trigger regulatory scrutiny.
Also, B2B industrial products may follow a different pathway through ESMA or other authorities.
Who Are the Regulatory Authorities Handling Product Registration?
| Authority | Role |
| Dubai Municipality (DM) | Main body for cosmetics, food, and detergents |
| MOHAP | Health products and medical devices |
| ESMA | Electronic appliances, textiles, industrial items |
| Dubai Civil Defense (DCD) | Flammable and hazardous materials |
| Dubai Customs | Verifies registration during import |
Each authority enforces sector-specific regulations.
Can a Registered Product Be Modified Without Re-registration?
No. Any change in product composition, label, or packaging requires re-approval. This includes:
- Rebranding
- Formula update
- New label language or design
- Manufacturer or country change
Failing to update the registration leads to immediate cancellation.
