Food Product Registration in Dubai, UAE
Dubai maintains the standards and credibility of market products under its jurisdiction. For that purpose, it requires businesses to register their products with the Dubai Municipality (DM), so a good standard, transparency, and records can be maintained. Food product registration is can be done through DM’s FIRS portal. It has a structured process, but may require professional assistance if you’re not aware of the laws and processes.
Key reasons to register food products in the Emirate of Dubai:
- Ensures compliance with UAE food safety regulations
- Builds consumer trust through product authenticity
- Allows legal import, distribution, and sale in Dubai
- Protects brand reputation and avoids penalties
- Helps prevent counterfeit or unauthorized product copies
You require a trade license that should have relevant business activities for registration. The registration process has a few essential steps like submitting the information, testing the product, aligning the product label with requirements, etc.
The registration remains valid for a whole five years. This guide walks you through everything you should know about registering your food items in Dubai. It will help you avoid any complications and challenging along the way.
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Categories for Product Registration in UAE
Personal care & cosmetics products are applied to the body for cleansing, beautifying, or altering appearance. This includes skincare items, shampoos, conditioners, soaps, deodorants, perfumes, makeup products, and lotions.
Beverages & Food product registration edible items meant for human consumption that require health and safety approvals. This includes packaged foods, snacks, juices, dairy products, canned goods, baked items, soft drinks, and cooking oils.
Non-pharmaceutical products taken to support diet and nutrition. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal capsules, protein powders, amino acids, weight management pills, and energy boosters.
Medicinal products and equipment used for diagnosis, treatment, or health monitoring. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, syringes, thermometers, surgical tools, diagnostic kits, and bandages.
Chemical substances used for cleaning and sanitization in homes or industries. This includes floor cleaners, hand sanitizers, laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, surface sprays, and industrial disinfectants.
Edible products specially formulated for domestic animals’ nutrition. This includes dry kibble, wet canned food, food supplements, treats, biscuits, and special diet products for cats and dogs.
Plant-based formulations used for general wellness or therapeutic purposes. This includes essential oils, herbal syrups, natural balms, oil infusions, powders, tinctures, and traditional remedies.
Everyday products not falling into specialized categories but still require compliance.
This includes electronics, home utensils, plastic items, storage containers, kitchen tools, batteries, and cleaning accessories.
Items made for child entertainment, development, or daily use. This includes dolls, board games, baby bottles, teethers, rattles, pacifiers, play mats, and educational toys.
Wearable or fabric-based products sold to consumers in the UAE market. This includes shirts, uniforms, dresses, towels, blankets, safety vests, workwear, and baby clothing.
Fitness and recreational gear requiring conformity with UAE safety standards. This includes gym equipment, resistance bands, treadmills, sports balls, bicycles, helmets, and protective pads.
Steps for Food Product Registration in Dubai
You have to enroll with Dubai Municipality as a business holding a UAE based trade license. The trade license should have the business activities relevant to the products you’re going to register.
Make an account at the FIRS interface which is regulated by the Dubai Municipality. Ensure that you provide the right information about your business while making the account.
Submit all the product details, including the brand name, product name, origin, production, ingredients and anything else the authority may require. This step is mandatory and providing invalid or wrong information can cause rejection.
Provide the label that you’re packaging the product with for label assessment. It has to be bilingual (Arabic & English) with clear information, maintaining compliance with labeling policy in Dubai.
Certain products may be required to be tested. The authorities will demand samples to conduct the tests upon. Provide the samples for inspection. The product must meets the local standards.
Your application will be reviewed and the product analyzed. You have to wait for this while. It can take 4 to 6 weeks generally for product registration in Dubai, depending on several factors.
Upon approval, you will receive your certificate of registration. Your business can involve the approved product in food trade, production, food import and other required operations.
Understanding Product Legalization in Dubai
For food products, Dubai Municipality lets Food Import and Re-export System (FIRS) ensure the quality of products in the market. If you wish to conduct business involving food, it is necessary to legalize them through registration.
Difference Between Mainland & Free Zone Online Business
- Mainland
- Free Zone
The mainland licenses are regulated by the Department of Economic Development (DED). It provides several benefits to online businesses. Here are some of the highlights:
- You can trade freely within the UAE market
- UAE residents and foreign investors can get government support
- Mainland partnerships may be better for the long term
Free zones are regulated by their own authority, offering many benefits to new e-commerce businesses in Dubai. Some of the highlights about free zone setup include:
- Free zones in Dubai offers 100% foreign ownership and tax benefits
- Limited to operating within the Free Zone
- License issued by Free Zone authority with simplified setup
Your Best Banking Options in the UAE
Emirates NBD
This bank started in 1963. Its one of Dubai’s oldest and largest banks. It leading in digital banking. Its strong local trust and wide service network give it a solid edge in both personal and business services.
RAKBANK
RAKBANK was founded in 1976 and focuses on helping individuals and small businesses. It offers both regular and system compliant to Islam. The bank’s strength is in simple services, e.g. fast opening, and easy loan access for startups and freelancers.
First Abu Dhabi Bank
FAB was founded in 2017 from a merger and is now the largest bank in the UAE. It offers strong financial support and global reach. FAB’s edge is in high-value services and safe, large-scale banking for professionals and growing businesses.
ADCB
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank began in 1985. It is known for smart digital services. It focuses on saving time for users through applications and online tools. It has strong customer service and tech-based growth. Among the best for personal and corporate banking.
Emirates Islamic Bank
This bank started in 2004. It is known for blending laws of Islam with modern tools. It was the first shariah bank to launch WhatsApp banking. Its main strength is offering Shariah-compliant products with easy access and user-friendly digital support.
Benefits of Product Registration in Dubai
Legal market access
Brand protection
Consumer trust boost
Customs clearance ease
Retail shelf entry
E-commerce approval
Regulatory compliance
Avoids heavy fines
Stops product bans
Govt. tender eligible
Regulatory Requirements for Registration in UAE
- Valid UAE trade license with relevant food-related activity
- Company must be enrolled with Dubai Municipality
- Clear and accurate product labeling in bilingual format
- Label must include ingredients, nutritional info, expiry date, country of origin, and storage instructions
- Products must not contain banned or harmful substances
- Compliance with UAE food safety and halal standards
- Packaging must be safe, hygienic, and tamper-proof
- Imported products may require lab testing and analysis
- Only authorized representatives or local distributors can apply for registration
Required Documents for Registering Products in Dubai
- Valid UAE trade license copy
- Emirates ID or passport copy of the authorized person
- Product label image in English or Arabic
- Product artwork or packaging image
- Ingredients list with percentage composition
- Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
- Halal certificate (if applicable)
- Product origin certificate (if required)
- Free Sale Certificate from country of origin
- Laboratory test reports (if requested by authorities)
Required Documents for Businesses
- Valid trade license
- Commercial registration certificate
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Emirates ID of all signatories
- Passports of all shareholders
- Proof of operating address
- Board resolution (if applicable)
Common Mistakes & Solutions When Opening a Mashreq Account
Wrong Account Choice
Mistake: Choosing an account that does not suit your needs can cause problems later.
Solution: Check account features and pick the right type (salary, savings, etc.).
Missing Documents
Mistake: Submitting incomplete or incorrect papers can delay your application.
Solution: Double-check all documents before applying. Ask the bank for a checklist.
Ignoring Online Option
Mistake: Not using Mashreq’s app may cause extra effort and time.
Solution: Try Mashreq NEO for fast and easy online account opening.
Low Balance Maintenance
Mistake: Not maintaining required balance can lead to fines (for some accounts).
Solution: Choose zero-balance salary account if you want to avoid this issue.
Delaying First Deposit
Mistake: Not making the first deposit on time may keep your account inactive.
Solution: Deposit the required amount soon after opening the account.
Common Mistakes & Solutions When Opening a &
Mashreq Account
Wrong Account Choice
Mistake: Choosing an account that does not suit your needs can cause problems later.
Solution: Check account features and pick the right type (salary, savings, etc.).
Missing Documents
Mistake: Submitting incomplete or incorrect papers can delay your application.
Solution: Double-check all documents before applying. Ask the bank for a checklist.
Ignoring Online Option
Mistake: Not using Mashreq’s app may cause extra effort and time.
Solution: Try Mashreq NEO for fast and easy online account opening.
Common Mistakes in Registration Process & Solutions
Mismanaging the Paperwork
Mistake: Many people unaware of the laws and requirements mismanage the paper work e.g., provide wrong, invalid or incomplete documents.
Solution: Do thorough research on what documents you need to submit. It’s best to seek professional help for accuracy.
Unchecked Food Items
Mistake: People underestimate the local standards and submit products that may not meet the minimum standard.
Solution: The requirements are clear. Ensure your product meets them. You cannot hope to get registration without meeting the standard.
Mishandling Information
Mistake: While filling out the registration and application forms, people often tend to miss or provide invalid information
Solution: Be extra vigilant while filling the forms and ensure your documents are valid. If you’re new to the process, seek professional help.
Register Your Food Product in Dubai with IBG in 4 Simple Steps
Book a Free Consultation
Consult with our experts to assess your product and registration needs.
We Handle the Documents
We prepare and review all required documents with complete accuracy.
Fast-Track Submission
Your application is submitted quickly through our direct links with authorities.
Get Your Certificate
Receive your certificate and start selling your product legally in the UAE.
Why Choose IBG Consultancy to Apply for Product Registration
The market for food products in the Emirate of Dubai is open and diverse. If you belong to the that business sector, ensure you get your products registration right. Contact us today and get your product legalized with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who oversees the control and safety of consumables in Dubai?
Dubai Municipality’s food control section is responsible for ensuring that all consumables meet local food safety standards and align with health and safety regulations in the Emirate.
Is it mandatory to translate product details into multiple languages?
What types of consumables fall under this legal process?
How important is the packaging in this process?
Can one license allow the sale of multiple products?
Does Dubai Municipality assess the labels before market entry?
What happens if a consumable doesn’t meet the required criteria?
Who can help with the entire submission and compliance journey?
Is there a digital system for managing these submissions?
Can a company based outside Dubai go through this process?
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