The United Arab Emirates follows strict procedures when it comes to regulating products in the domestic market. Product registration in Dubai is a significant process in this regard. Businesses need to go through product registration in Dubai Municipality to ensure their products are safe for use and compliant with local regulations. As a result, it curbs the import of fake products that may risk the safety, health, and hygiene of the public.
Every product manufactured or imported into the UAE market, be it cosmetics, food, or health-related, must be registered with the Municipality of the respective emirate. This not only builds trust among the customers but also helps the company establish a strong presence in the market. Hence, in this blog, we will lead you through the process of product registration in Dubai and the fundamental prerequisites associated with it.
Product registration in Dubai
Product Registration involves obtaining a certificate of conformity from the Municipality. This certificate serves as proof that the product of the company concerned meets the safety and quality standards and is suitable for consumption or sale in the local market. Therefore, importers and local manufacturers are obligated to register their products with the Municipality of their respective emirate. The process is the same in all municipalities of seven emirates – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.
Benefits of product registration in Dubai Municipality
Product registration in Dubai ensures compliance with local regulations and helps businesses grow and succeed in the region through numerous benefits, such as –
- Brand protection – Companies can legally protect their brand through product registration and be assured that no other company sells their products under the same brand name. This helps in building and maintaining a positive brand reputation, further leading to long-term success in the competitive Dubai market.
- Greater insight into trading rights – Businesses can avail a greater understanding of the import and export rights in the region by registering their products with the municipality. Through this knowledge, they can streamline their supply chain, reduce shipping charges, and improve their logistics approach.
- Minimizes bureaucracy in trading – product registration in Dubai minimizes bureaucracy when it comes to trade, eventually allowing businesses to avoid lengthy and intricate procedures.
- Lesser tax responsibilities – Dubai has a favorable tax environment and product registration helps businesses take advantage of these perks.
- Wide range of acceptable products – From food and beverages to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, a wide variety of products are acceptable for product registration. Hence, all sectors can benefit from product registration and expand their operations in the Dubai market.
- Trust among consumers – Product registration guarantees product quality which helps in gaining the trust of consumers. This is a clear depiction that the product meets the highest health and safety standards, and hence, is safe to use.
- Compliance – Product registration in Dubai municipality verifies that the business is compliant with all rules and regulations about ingredients and resources used in products.
- Avoid legal issues and moral offenses – Product registration in Dubai curtails the import and manufacturing of certain culturally or religiously offensive products. Similarly, products that have not been registered with the authorities would be considered illegal. In both cases, businesses can avoid being prosecuted by dutifully registering their products.
- Brand reputation – Businesses adhering to health and safety regulations will be positively perceived in the market.
Who must apply for Product Registration in Dubai?
Simply put, product registration is mandatory to ensure that all products meet the necessary safety and quality standards in the UAE. Hence, it is crucial to comply with the regulations of the Dubai municipality. Now, let’s take a look at which parties are required to apply for product registration in Dubai –
Local manufacturers – Companies manufacturing food, cosmetics, or any other products within the UAE must register their products with Dubai Municipality. The representatives of the company must approach the Consumer Products Safety Section and make sure that their products are properly registered and have received proper certifications before entering the UAE market.
Foreign manufacturers/Importers – Overseas companies manufacturing products to import into the Dubai market are required to register with Dubai Municipality. This includes both importers and distributors of the product. The representatives of the company must make sure that the products intended for import are properly registered before the consignment reaches Dubai.
Process of Product Registration in Dubai
The process of registering the products with the Municipality is the same across the Emirates. Businesses must register their products in the same emirates where their trade license is been issued.
The necessary steps in the product registration process are as follows:-
Hold a valid license
Product registration is mandatory for all businesses operating in the mainland and free zones in Dubai. Hence, the availability of a valid trade license is a prerequisite. An entity operating without a license would be considered illegal under the UAE corporate law.
Register with the Municipality
Once the companies are assured about the validity of their license, they must register with the Municipality. The representative of the company needs to fill out the Products Registration Service Application will all the necessary details about the product. For example, the list of ingredients, the country of origin, date of manufacture, shelf life, and other mandatory details. They also need to provide a copy of a valid label assessment of the product along with the registration fees.
Complete registration
Once all the documents are successfully submitted, the Municipality will review the application and verify the legitimacy of the submitted documents. If they are convinced, they will register the product and generate an electronic registration certificate. However, if they have any objections regarding the application, then the company must respond to it by providing relevant supporting documents.
Upon receiving the certificate, the company can display it on its products to validate its compliance with Dubai’s product health and safety standards.
Categories of products that can be registered
Products that are intended to be registered with Dubai Municipality are categorized into different groups, and each group has specific requirements. Below listed are some of the most common categories meant for product registration in Dubai –
- Cosmetic products – Products intended for application on the human body, such as makeup, skincare, and hair care products
- Health supplements – Products intended to supplement a diet or provide a nutritional benefit, such as vitamins and minerals
- Detergents and Disinfectants – All types of cleaning products, such as laundry detergents, surface cleaners, and disinfectants
- Food products – Food items that are meant for consumption including packaged foods, raw materials, and food supplements.
- Pet food – All food products for pets
- Pharmaceuticals – Products intended for medicinal purposes, such as prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications
Products prohibited from import/manufacture in Dubai
- Narcotic Drugs
- Betel Leaves
- Goods made in Israel
- E-Cigarettes
- Gambling-related products
Products with restrictive status in Dubai
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Rough Diamonds
- Media-related products
- Products related to Nuclear Energy
Conclusion
Shuraa Business Setup is a leading corporate service provider in Dubai helping local manufacturers and importers register their products with different municipality bodies in the UAE. The company strongly commits to encouraging zero trade of fake or harmful products in the market. Their experts hold years of experience in product and trademark registration and therefore, ensure businesses comply with all the stipulated requirements and regulations of the Municipality.
Get full-fledged and continuous support from the business consultants of Shuraa! log on to www.shuraa.com for further details.
