Product Registration In Dubai

Yes, most products require Arabic and English labeling information. Specific content requirements vary by product category but generally include product name, manufacturer details, country of origin, ingredients/components, usage instructions, safety warnings, production and expiry dates, and batch/lot numbers. Food products have additional nutritional labeling requirements, while electronic products must include technical specifications.

Limited quantities may be imported for testing and registration purposes with special permits. Some product categories also offer conditional import permissions while registration is in process. However, full commercial distribution is generally not permitted until registration is complete. Penalties for non-compliance include product seizure, fines, and potential business license impacts.

Minor changes to packaging or labeling typically require notification to authorities without full re-registration. However, significant changes to formulation, ingredients, components, manufacturing process, or product specifications usually require formal variation applications or new registrations. Our team provides guidance on change classification and ensures proper compliance procedures are followed for product modifications.

While international certifications are valuable supporting documents that may reduce testing requirements, they do not replace UAE registration. However, products with established approvals from recognized international authorities often experience smoother registration processes. Our team leverages these existing certifications to optimize your application strategy and potentially reduce testing requirements.

The timeline varies significantly based on product category and complexity. Simple product notifications may be completed in 2-4 weeks, while standard registrations typically take 2-3 months. Complex products requiring extensive testing or review (pharmaceuticals, medical devices, specialized electronics) may take 4-6 months or longer. Expedited pathways are available for certain categories, which our experts can advise on based on your specific product.

Renewal frequencies vary by product category and regulatory authority. Food product registrations typically require renewal every 1-2 years, cosmetics every 2-3 years, and medical devices every 5 years. Electrical products often require renewal every 3 years. The renewal process is generally simpler than initial registration if no significant changes have been made to the product formulation or specifications.

Registration costs include government fees, laboratory testing charges, and service fees. Government fees range from AED 1,000-5,000 for basic registrations to AED 10,000+ for specialized categories. Testing costs vary widely based on required parameters, from AED 2,000 for simple products to AED 20,000+ for complex testing. Most registrations require renewal every 1-5 years depending on the product category.

Products requiring registration include food and beverages, cosmetics and personal care items, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, electrical and electronic products, toys and children’s products, chemical substances, automotive parts, telecommunication equipment, and building materials. The specific registration requirements vary by product category and regulatory authority, with some low-risk products eligible for simplified notification procedures.