In 2025, the registration of products in Dubai remains a prerequisite for all companies that plan to produce, import or sell goods in the UAE. Many businesses that already completed company formation in Dubai rely on this process to enter the market legally. The Dubai Municipality oversees the registration process and issues certificates confirming safety and compliance with standards. Without such a certificate, products cannot pass through customs and get on store shelves.
Types of Products Subject to Registration
The registration process covers a wide range of products: cosmetics, food, health supplements, household chemicals, and medical products. First, the company must obtain a valid trading license, which is often part of broader business setup services. It typically takes between two and four weeks to complete, depending on the chosen business activity. Without a license, you cannot create an account on the Montaji online portal, through which all applications are submitted.
Documentation and Labeling Requirements
After the company is registered in the Montaji system, the preparation of documentation begins. A separate application is required for each product, especially if the packaging volumes or formulations differ. Among the required documents: a certificate of free sale, GMP certification, a certificate of composition analysis, a list of ingredients with a percentage, and a product label. Companies that setup a company in Dubai must ensure labels are compliant. It is important that the label is written in English and Arabic, contains the brand name, instructions for use, storage conditions, barcode, expiration date and package weight or volume. Violation of the label requirements often leads to refusal of registration.
Laboratory Testing and Quality Verification
One of the important steps is laboratory testing. The municipality may require product samples to verify the quality and safety of the product. For example, cosmetic products undergo microbiological and chemical analysis, and food products are tested for compliance with safety standards. Many business setup consultants in Dubai recommend conducting preliminary testing to avoid delays. In case of violations, the company must make changes to the composition or provide additional certificates.
Timelines and Validity of Certificates
The deadline for reviewing the application depends on the product category. For cosmetics and food products, it usually ranges from 15 to 25 business days, and for additives, from 20 to 30 days. The registration certificate is valid for 5 years. After this period, an update is required with the submission of new documentation and payment of the fee, which is often supported by company formation services for renewals.
Costs and Additional Expenses
The average cost of registering cosmetic products is about AED 230 per product. Registration of personal care products costs from AED 2,500 to AED 4,000, and health supplements from AED 5,000 to AED 8,000. At the same time, companies must take into account the additional costs of testing, document translation, and consulting services. Businesses considering business setup in Dubai should budget carefully for these expenses.
New Requirements and Environmental Standards
In 2025, new requirements for national conformity marks came into force. They are mandatory for new products from March 15, and for already registered products from September 14. Companies are also required to confirm compliance with environmental standards and provide information on the carbon footprint of products if they belong to high-risk categories. Offshore business setup companies importing goods to Dubai must also comply with these rules.
Label Transparency and Consumer Safety
Special attention is paid to the transparency of the composition and consumer safety. It is forbidden to include false information on the label or conceal allergenic components. Products containing prohibited substances or failing to comply with standards are subject to seizure and disposal. The company may also receive a fine and a temporary trade ban.
Preparation and Strategic Benefits
For successful registration, it is important to prepare the entire package of documents in advance, check the correctness of the labeling and conduct preliminary testing. The registration of products not only ensures the legal presence of goods on the market but also increases the trust of consumers and partners. Many top business setup companies in Dubai highlight that compliance strengthens brand credibility. In the face of increasing competition, strict safety and quality assurance regulations are becoming the basis for long-term business development.
Conclusion: Opportunities for Manufacturers and Importers
The registration process in Dubai combines a high degree of criteria with the option of accelerated registration, provided that all phases are completed fully. This enables producers and importers to bring items to market promptly, build their brand, and expand distribution in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
She worked for eleven years as a writer and editor at the national news biweekly WORLD magazine