Cosmetic products sold in the UAE must meet the applicable registration and regulatory requirements before they are placed on the market. In Dubai, cosmetic products are registered with Dubai Municipality through the Montaji system.
The process also involves documents, product details, labeling, fees, and other requirements depending on where the product is being registered in the UAE.
Cosmetic Regulatory Authorities in the UAE
Cosmetic products placed on the UAE market must meet the applicable regulatory, conformity and product registration requirements. These requirements can vary depending on the product and the Emirate in which it will be marketed. Federal conformity requirements may apply alongside local registration requirements, so companies should identify the relevant requirements before starting the process.
Federal-Level Requirements
At the federal level, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) administers UAE conformity requirements for regulated products, including cosmetics under the Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme (ECAS). At the local level, additional product registration requirements may apply depending on the Emirate.
Dubai Cosmetic Product Registration
In Dubai, cosmetic and personal care products are registered through Dubai Municipality’s Montaji system.
Outside Dubai, the responsible local authority and registration process can vary by Emirate. Companies should check the requirements of the Emirate where the product will be marketed.
Registration in Other Emirates
Cosmetic product requirements can differ between Emirates. In Sharjah, Sharjah City Municipality provides a non-food product registration service and reviews products against applicable UAE and GCC requirements. The published requirements include a valid trade licence, product-contents certificate, biochemical analysis, and product and packaging information. An ECAS conformity certificate is specifically required for perfumes.
Ras Al Khaimah Municipality also operates a product-registration system through its Public Health Department for consumer products and other product categories within its scope.
For Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain, companies should verify the current requirements with the relevant local authority before placing cosmetic products on the market, as the applicable local procedures may differ.
Cosmetic Product Classification in the UAE
In Dubai, cosmetics and personal care products fall under the consumer products category, not medicines. This includes items like skin care products, makeup, soaps, shampoos, deodorants and hair care products.
Detergents are also regulated as consumer products, but they come under a different category.
Cosmetic Product Registration Process in UAE
Cosmetic products must meet the applicable registration and conformity requirements before they are placed on the UAE market. The exact process can vary depending on the Emirate.
1. Get the company licence
The applicant should hold the required commercial or trade licence for the relevant registration or conformity process.
2. Identify the relevant authority
In Dubai, cosmetic and personal care products are registered through Dubai Municipality’s Montaji system.
In other Emirates, the local authority and process can vary.
At the federal level, MoIAT handles standards, technical regulations, and conformity requirements.
3. Prepare the documents
The documents required can depend on the product and registration route. They may include:
- product formulation
- label artwork
- Certificate of Free Sale, where applicable
- GMP-related documents, where required
- product safety or test reports
4. Submit the application
For Dubai, the application is submitted through Montaji along with the required documents and applicable fees. For other Emirates, the local process should be checked with the relevant authority.
5. Review and registration
The authority reviews the submitted documents and product information. If the applicable requirements are met, the product can proceed through the relevant registration or conformity process.
Required Documents for Cosmetic Product Registration in the UAE
The documents required for cosmetic products in the UAE depend on the applicable conformity and product registration route. Federal conformity requirements under MoIAT and local registration requirements, such as Dubai Municipality’s Montaji process, should be considered separately.
For Federal Conformity Requirements (MoIAT/ECAS)
For cosmetic products subject to the UAE Conformity Assessment Scheme (ECAS), the MoIAT service requirements include:
- Valid UAE industry or trade licence
- Test report from an accredited and recognized laboratory according to the applicable Gulf/UAE standard
- Formula declaration issued by the manufacturer, including the ingredients and their percentages
- Free Sale Certificate for imported products
MoIAT’s cosmetics service documentation states that the laboratory test report has a validity period of three years and that legalization of the Free Sale Certificate is not mandatory.
For Dubai Municipality/Montaji Registration
For cosmetics, personal care products and fragrances submitted through Dubai Municipality’s Montaji system, the required documentation includes:
- Product artwork or images showing all sides of the product
One of the following:
- Product conformity certificate from the relevant certification authority/notified body; or
- Product composition and ingredient-concentration report issued by the manufacturer; or
- Laboratory test report from a Dubai Municipality-approved laboratory
Additional documents, such as a Halal certificate, where considered necessary
Dubai Municipality’s current technical guidance specifically presents these three alternatives under the documentation requirements for cosmetics, personal care products and fragrances.
Dubai Municipality Review Procedure for Cosmetic Products
For products submitted through Dubai Municipality, the application is reviewed to check whether the product and its documents meet the applicable consumer product requirements.
If everything is in order, the application moves forward. If not, Dubai Municipality can ask the applicant to correct or clarify the points raised during review.
Dubai Municipality Cosmetic Registration Fees
For Dubai Municipality, the processing fee for consumer product registration is AED 10 for each product and each variant included in the application.
A Knowledge Fee of AED 10 and an Innovation Fee of AED 10 apply where the applicable fee is more than AED 50. Payments are non-refundable once the application has been submitted and the payment is confirmed.
Dubai Municipality Registration Timeline and Validity
For Dubai Municipality, cosmetic and personal care product registration through Montaji generally takes up to 22 working days once the application is complete.
The registration is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. Renewal or extension should be checked against the current Dubai Municipality requirements before expiry.
The timeline and validity can differ for registration routes handled by other authorities in the UAE.
Conclusion
Cosmetic product registration in the UAE requires companies to consider both federal conformity requirements and the applicable requirements of the Emirate where the product will be marketed. Identifying the correct route, preparing compliant product documentation and meeting labeling and safety requirements can help reduce delays during review.
Artixio supports cosmetic companies with UAE regulatory requirements, product documentation and market-entry compliance. Learn more about our cosmetic regulatory services or contact us for regulatory support.
