Shelf Life & Expiry Rules UAE
Avoid product rejections with expert help on UAE shelf life & expiry rules. We support MOHAP, ESMA & Dubai Municipality compliance | Product Registration UAE.
UAE Product Shelf Life & Expiry Regulations Explained
In the UAE, shelf life and expiry regulations aren’t just cosmetic details — they’re regulatory essentials.
Whether you're registering food, cosmetics, or health supplements, failing to comply with shelf life and expiry guidelines can lead to rejection, fines, or forced product withdrawals.
Why Shelf Life Matters in the UAE
Authorities like MOHAP, Dubai Municipality, and ESMA require shelf life and expiry information to:
Protect consumer health
Ensure proper product usage
Maintain supply chain integrity
Products without clearly defined or compliant expiry labeling may be rejected at inspection or during digital portal review (e.g., MOHAP or MONTAJI).
Key Expiry Labeling Requirements in the UAE
Here’s what regulators typically check:
Manufacturing Date (MFG) and Expiry Date (EXP) must be shown clearly
Arabic and English must both appear on the label
Expiry dates must follow standard DD/MM/YYYY or MM/YYYY format
Label must not obscure or fade (no ink smudging, poor embossing, or sticker issues)
Failure to follow these formats often results in delays or relabeling demands from authorities.
Shelf Life by Product Category
Different products have different shelf life expectations. Here's a breakdown:
Food & Beverages: Typically require 6–24 months depending on type (e.g., dairy vs packaged goods)
Cosmetics: Usually 24–36 months from manufacturing, unless opened (some require PAO — Period After Opening symbol)
Health Supplements: 24–36 months, depending on formulation, packaging, and stability tests
In many cases, stability testing is required to prove claimed shelf life.
Common Mistakes That Trigger Non-Compliance
Missing one of the two languages (Arabic or English)
Printing expiry date directly on transparent or dark backgrounds
Using wrong formats (e.g., YY/MM/DD)
Mismatch between label and documents submitted during registration
Inspectors may flag these issues for relabeling or outright rejection.
What Inspectors and Portals Actually Check
Are MFG and EXP visible and legible?
Do label dates match what’s declared in documentation?
Is the product shelf life realistic for its category?
Are shelf life claims backed by lab or stability data (for supplements or cosmetics)?
How Product Registration UAE Ensures Expiry Compliance
We help clients:
Align label design with UAE expiry date formats
Translate and format MFG/EXP properly in both Arabic and English
Review all documentation to match portal submissions
Conduct pre-inspection label checks and mock approvals
Shelf life compliance isn't optional — it's a dealbreaker. Let us help you get it right the first time.
Continue Reading
Learn how Demystifying Cosmetic Handbook tackles shelf life compliance specific to skincare and beauty products.
Understand how DCL Certification Guide UAE 2025 applies to shelf life labeling standards enforced by Dubai Municipality.
Explore FMCG Compliance in UAE Guide for how expiry dates affect fast-moving product approvals and packaging.
Learn why lab testing is required in our guide on Product Testing Rules for UAE Registration 2025.
Need help with shelf life labeling or regulatory review?
Speak to our team via the chatbot in the bottom-right corner or contact us here.
