Strategic Insights (2): UAE Product Registration Services
Master UAE product registration using strategic insights on classification, labels, dossiers, and timelines—then execute with a focused 30-day plan.
10/2/2025
Strategic Insights (Part 2):
UAE Product Registration Services—Deep Dive by Category
Updated: August 2025
This Part 2 guide expands our strategy series with category‑specific requirements, documents, timelines, and common pitfalls—so you don’t lose weeks to avoidable rework.
Quick Navigator
Part 1 if you havent read it yet
Why a Strategic Approach Matters
In the UAE, approvals hinge on correct classification, Arabic labeling, and a clean dossier aligned to the right authority (Dubai Municipality, MOHAP, ESMA/MoIAT).
Treat each category as a distinct pathway with its own documents, claims rules, and timelines.
Cosmetics
Authority: Dubai Municipality (+ ECAS via MoIAT/ESMA for conformity)
Core requirements
ECAS conformity file aligned to product type
Dubai Municipality product registration (per SKU)
Label: INCI names, Arabic/English, warnings, net content, importer details
Typical documents
Certificate of Free Sale, GMP/ISO (where applicable)
Full ingredient % list (check restricted substances)
Safety/test reports if required
Artwork (Arabic/English)
Timeline: ~2–6 weeks (clean file)
Common pitfalls
Missing Arabic on outer pack; medical/therapeutic claims; INCI mismatches.
Detergents & Disinfectants
Authority: Dubai Municipality (product) + MoIAT/ESMA (conformity), environment/safety rules
Core requirements
Valid UAE trading license for relevant activities
Composition and hazard classification
Label with pictograms, storage/disposal statements, Arabic/English
Typical documents
CFS, SDS localized to UAE
Ingredient % with hazard data
Artwork and packaging specs
Timeline: ~3–6 weeks
Common pitfalls
Incorrect hazard phrases/symbols; missing SDS localization; no importer details.
Health Supplements
Authority: MOHAP (primary)
Core requirements
MOHAP registration (per formulation)
Label: Arabic/English, serving size, warnings, no drug‑like claims
Evidence for actives/claims
Typical documents
CFS; GMP for manufacturing site
Full formulation with % and evidence for key ingredients
Stability/safety data if required; artwork sets
Timeline: ~4–8+ weeks (depending on queries)
Common pitfalls
Submitting via the wrong authority; dosage/claims triggering reclassification; missing MOHAP warnings.
Medical Products
Authority: MOHAP (devices, pharmaceuticals)
Core requirements
Manufacturer & product registration via MOHAP portal
Technical documentation (device class/pharma CTD basics)
Importer/authorized representative details
Typical documents
Manufacturer registration certificate
Free Sale certificate (embassy‑authenticated)
Technical dossier (device classification, safety/performance)
QMS evidence (e.g., ISO 13485 for devices)
Timeline: varies by class; devices typically longer than cosmetics/supplements
Common pitfalls
Incomplete manufacturer file; unclear classification; lack of performance evidence.
Pre‑Submission Checklist (use for any category)
Correct classification and authority confirmed
Arabic on outer pack & any leaflet; compliant claims
CFS valid; GMP/ISO where applicable
Full ingredient % list and restricted ingredient check
Safety/test/clinical (as needed) + SDS (for chemicals)
Legalization/translation completed
Portal data matches documents (names, %s, pack sizes)
Importer/license link and import registration (where required)
30‑Day Execution Plan
Week 1: Classification sanity‑check; dossier gap analysis; label mockups
Week 2: Translations/legalizations; claims edits; importer & import registration prep
Week 3: Build cloud dossier; internal QA; authority Q&A pack
Week 4: Submit; respond to queries; plan post‑approval (barcodes, renewals, traceability)
KPIs: first‑time approval rate, query count per SKU, mismatch rate, average query resolution time
FAQs
Do all consumer products need Arabic on the outer pack?
Yes. Arabic is mandatory on consumer‑facing information; mirror in English.
Can I submit the same EU label?
Usually not. Adjust claims, format, and language to UAE standards.
How long do approvals take?
Clean dossiers: 2–8 weeks for most categories; devices can take longer.
Do I need ECAS/EQM?
Depends on the category. Many cosmetics/detergents need ECAS/EQM; supplements/medical follow MOHAP pathways.
Can a distributor submit for me?
Yes, but you remain responsible. Many brands use a specialist to build a UAE‑ready file and manage submissions.
Why Partner with Product Registration UAE
Category specialists (cosmetics, supplements, detergents, medical)
End‑to‑end: classification → dossier → label → submission → responses
Faster cycles: clean files, localized labels, and SLA‑driven query handling
Contact us today or use our Chatbot in the bottom right corner for expert guidance.
Explore Related Blogs for More Insights
How to Register Food & Beverage Products in the UAE – A step-by-step guide to ensuring compliance for food and beverage imports.
The Role of GMP in UAE Health Supplement Approval – Understand how GMP certification ensures the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements.
Mastering UAE Product Labeling Regulations – Learn how proper labeling impacts regulatory approvals and consumer trust.
learn more about FSC Certification in the UAE and its compliance requirements.
