Guide to Product Registration in Dubai

Setting up a business in Dubai offers exciting opportunities, especially for those looking to enter sectors like cosmetics, food, and health supplements. But before your products can hit the shelves, they need to be officially registered with Dubai Municipality. This process helps ensure public safety and legal compliance, and it’s a necessary step if you want to sell your goods in the UAE market.

Why Product Registration Is Required

In Dubai, it is mandatory to register certain products, such as cosmetics, food items, pharmaceuticals, detergents, and electronics. The main purpose is to ensure these goods meet UAE standards for safety, labeling, and quality. Without registration, businesses cannot legally import, produce, or distribute these products in the region.

Main Benefits:

• Legal Authorization: Ensures you’re operating within local laws.
• Consumer Protection: Confirms products meet safety standards.
• Simplified Trade: Makes customs clearance and retail sales easier.
• Brand Trust: Boosts consumer confidence and helps build your reputation.

With evolving regulations in 2025, including packaging standards and digital compliance checks, staying informed is more important than ever.

Who Needs to Register Products

If your company is involved in bringing goods into Dubai, manufacturing locally, or distributing in the UAE, you’ll likely need to register those products. This applies to:

• UAE-based manufacturers
• Importers and distributors
• Foreign businesses planning to sell in Dubai

Keep in mind: your business must hold a valid UAE trade license that matches the category of goods you’re handling (e.g., “food trading” or “cosmetics import”).

What Products Need Registration?

While not every product requires formal registration, many categories do. These include:

• Packaged Food & Beverages: Requires labeling with ingredients, nutrition details, and expiry dates.
• Cosmetics & Personal Care Items: Must meet safety standards and be free from banned ingredients.
• Pharmaceuticals & Supplements: Need approval from the Ministry of Health and Prevention.
• Detergents & Cleaning Products: Must comply with chemical safety guidelines.
• Electronics & Household Items: Subject to standards from the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA).
• Packaging & Kitchenware: Items that contact food must meet hygiene standards.

Some products (e.g., e-cigarettes, narcotics, or restricted imports) have stricter regulations or are outright prohibited.

How to Register Your Product: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Establish Your Business

You’ll need to set up a business entity either in mainland Dubai or a UAE free zone. This involves obtaining a trade license that reflects the specific product category you intend to work with. Setup can take a few weeks.

Step 2: Sign Up with Dubai Municipality

Register your company on the Dubai Municipality with the help of business setup advisor. This is the main platform for consumer product registration.

You’ll need:

• A copy of your trade license
• Company contact information
• Application forms for each product

Step 3: Gather Required Documentation

Documents vary depending on the product type but generally include:

• Bilingual Label (Arabic/English) with product info and usage instructions
• Free Sale Certificate from the country of origin
• Certificate of Analysis showing ingredient details and safety
• Certificate of Conformity confirming compliance with UAE standards
• Product Artwork showing clear packaging visuals
• Lab Reports for high-risk items
• GMP Certificate for items like cosmetics or drugs
• Product Sample for testing, if required

Food items may also need Halal or health certifications from the origin country.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Business setup advisor will upload your documents and pay the fee (around AED 10 per product). The review process varies depending on the product type, usually taking anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Step 5: Product Review & Label Check

Your product might undergo lab testing and a label review. Officials will check for banned substances, unverified claims, and ensure all information complies with local standards. If changes are needed, you’ll receive feedback to revise and resubmit.

Step 6: Receive the Certificate

Once approved, you’ll get a digital certificate valid for five years. Each variation of a product (e.g., size, flavor) must be registered separately.

Step 7: Maintain Compliance

Post-registration, it’s your responsibility to:

• Renew the certificate every five years
• Update authorities on any label or formula changes
• Monitor for unauthorized usage
• Handle any safety or recall issues

Costs Involved

Costs vary by product type and complexity. Here’s a general idea:

• Application Fee: AED 10
• Certificate Fee: AED 100–220
• Lab Testing: Based on product type (e.g., cosmetics might cost AED 230)
• Renewals: Similar to initial fees

What’s New in 2025?

Dubai has introduced several updates to modernize and tighten regulations:

• Blockchain-Based Documentation: Ensures data security and product traceability.
• AI-Enhanced Reviews: Speeds up label and compliance checks but requires higher accuracy.
• Sustainable Packaging Rules: All products must use recyclable materials.
• Carbon Reporting: Some industries must disclose environmental impact.
• Updated Deadline: Products registered before 2025 must comply with new rules by September 14, 2025.

These changes reflect Dubai’s focus on safety, tech adoption, and sustainability.

Should You Work with a Consultant?

For newcomers or companies outside the UAE, working with a local consultancy can simplify the process. They typically offer:

• Help with documentation
• Guidance on regulatory changes
• Ongoing support for compliance

While not essential, having an expert can save time and help prevent costly errors.

Final Thoughts

Registering products in Dubai is a necessary step for doing business in the region. The process ensures public safety, legal trade, and smoother market access. As regulations continue to evolve in 2025, businesses must stay informed and prepared.

Whether you’re importing food, launching cosmetics, or distributing electronics, proper registration is your gateway to the UAE market.