Classify Supplements Correctly

How to Classify Your Supplement Before UAE Registration (2025)

Before registering a health supplement in the UAE, it’s critical to determine the correct classification — whether your product is a dietary supplement, herbal product, nutraceutical, or traditional remedy.

Misclassification leads to delayed approvals, rejected applications, or costly reformulations.

Why Supplement Classification Matters

Each supplement type is reviewed by different UAE authorities and subject to different regulations. For example:

• MOHAP handles most dietary and health supplements.

• Dubai Municipality regulates borderline products (cosmetics or food with health claims).

• ESMA may step in for fortified or functional food-like products.

Correct classification determines:

• Which authority you apply through (MOHAP, MONTAJI, etc.)

• Testing and documentation requirements

• Labeling format (especially claim approvals)

• Allowed ingredients and dosage limits

Main Categories of Supplements in the UAE

1. Dietary Supplements

Products containing vitamins, minerals, or essential nutrients. These include:

• Multivitamins

• Omega-3 capsules

• Iron or calcium tablets

✅ Handled by MOHAP
✅ Must meet dosage limits and purity standards

2. Herbal Products

Plant-based formulas including:

• Herbal teas

• Extract capsules

• Traditional Ayurvedic blends

✅ May need special ingredient origin certificates
✅ Some overlap with traditional medicines

3. Nutraceuticals & Functional Foods

Products with nutritional + claimed health benefits:

• Probiotic drinks

• Fortified protein bars

• Functional juices

✅ Requires evidence for functional claims
✅ May fall under food or supplement depending on composition

4. Traditional Medicines

Remedies based on regional healing practices:

• Unani or Chinese medicine blends

• Black seed-based oils

• Traditional tonics

✅ May require proof of historical usage
✅ Additional approvals if claims are strong

Tips for Proper Classification Before Submission

• Avoid vague claims like "boosts immunity" without substantiation

• Translate all traditional names into scientific equivalents

• Cross-check MOHAP’s and Dubai Municipality’s latest guidance

• Prepare your formula, label, and application according to your chosen category

How Product Registration UAE Helps You Classify & Register Correctly

We:

• Analyze your formula and ingredient list

• Determine the best-fit classification

• Guide you on labeling, claim wording, and documentation

• Help you avoid the top 10 rejection reasons (see our related blog below)

Our goal is to help you avoid costly errors and gain faster approvals across MENAT.

Continue Reading

• Learn the Top 10 Supplement Registration Mistakes brands make when entering the UAE market.

• Explore our full Supplement Registration Guide 2025 to understand MOHAP, labeling, and testing requirements.

• See how Shelf Life & Expiry Rules UAE impact long-term compliance.

• Get step-by-step help with your UAE submission in our full MOHAP supplement approval guide.

Explore Further: Read Related Articles