How to Register Cosmetic Products in Dubai

How to Register Cosmetic Products in Dubai

Dubai has turned into a powerhouse of beauty and personal care brands, pulling in businesses from all over the globe. Yet, to be fair, no cosmetic product can be sold, imported, or distributed in the UAE without first going through a compulsory registration procedure with Dubai Municipality. The purpose of this process is to guarantee that the products are safe, properly labeled, and comply with local and Gulf (GSO) standards. The registration also provides consumers with the safety of avoiding the market of poisons or low-quality products. Here, we shall discuss the registration procedure of cosmetic products in Dubai and the important steps to be taken.

What Does Cosmetic Product Registration Mean?

In Dubai, the registration of cosmetic products is a compulsory procedure that guarantees that all the beauty and personal care goods that are distributed in the market are not harmful to humans. The registration is facilitated by Dubai Municipality, which conducts a verification of the product’s compliance with the health, safety, and quality standards of the UAE and the Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO).

Such an undertaking requires that one provide the product specifications, the list of ingredients, and the packaging information, which will all be part of the product’s evaluation. After being given the go-ahead, the product can be legally brought into the country, made, and distributed in the UAE.

Who Is Allowed to Register Cosmetic Products in Dubai?

Only companies located in the UAE can register cosmetic products in Dubai. The companies that are included here are local manufacturers, importers, or distributors who possess a valid trade license. The license must clearly indicate that the business is engaged in the trading of cosmetics or in general.

Those who do not have a license in the UAE cannot, therefore, carry out product registration directly. The company also needs to find a distributor on the mainland if it is registered in the Free Zone, so that the registration process can be done through Dubai Municipality.

How Do You Register a Cosmetic Product in Dubai?

 

To sell or distribute cosmetic products in Dubai, you have to register them with the Dubai Municipality first. This confirms that your products are designed safely for the consumer and comply with health and quality standards set by the Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO) that are necessary for the issuance of the certificates. Regardless of whether you are a manufacturer, importer, or distributor, the proper registration process is necessary for legal market entry in the UAE.

Let me give you a simple procedure to follow that will illustrate the situation clearly:

Step 1: Obtain a Valid UAE Trade License

Before starting the registration, your business must have a valid UAE trade license. The license should include activities related to cosmetics or general trading. Without this license, you cannot proceed with the product registration.

Step 2: Create an Account with Dubai Municipality

Register your company with Dubai Municipality through their online system called Montaji. This platform is used to submit and track cosmetic product registrations.

Step 3: Prepare Product Information

You’ll need to gather detailed information about the cosmetic product. This includes the product name, brand, purpose, country of origin, ingredients, and manufacturer details.

Step 4: Submit Required Documents

Upload all the necessary documents using the Montaji system. These usually include:

  • Product label and packaging artwork

  • Certificate of Free Sale from the country of origin

  • Ingredient list with percentages

  • Product images from all angles

  • Safety data sheet (if applicable)

Step 5: Pay the Registration Fee

Once the documents are uploaded, pay the applicable registration fee as the system instructs.

Step 6: Product Review and Approval

Dubai Municipality will carefully review your application, check for compliance with GSO standards, and may request clarifications or additional documents. If everything is in order, they will approve the product.

Step 7: Receive Product Registration Certificate

After approval, you will receive an official cosmetic product registration certificate. This certificate allows you to legally import, advertise, and sell your product in Dubai and across the UAE.

What Documents Do You Need for Cosmetic Registration?

One of the requirements before you can register a cosmetic product in Dubai is to have a certain set of documents that prove that the product is safe, has correct labelling, and is sourced from a country where it has been approved. These documents allow Dubai Municipality to decide whether the product meets the safety standards of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and is of good quality.

Such a list of documents needed is as follows:

  • Valid UAE trade license of the company
  • Product label and packaging artwork (in English or Arabic)
  • Certificate of Free Sale from the country of origin
  • Ingredient list with full composition and concentrations
  • Product image (showing all sides of the packaging)
  • Safety Data Sheet (SDS), if required
  • Laboratory test reports (if requested for specific products)
  • Power of Attorney (if the registration is done by a third party)
  • Declaration letter stating product safety and intended use

What Are the Rules for Cosmetic Labeling in Dubai?

In order to register the cosmetic product in Dubai, you need to get the documents proving that the product is safe, properly labeled, and approved in the country of origin. These documents allow Dubai Municipality to carry out the inspection of the product quality and safety in accordance with GSO regulations.

Here’s a list of the documents you’ll need:

  • Valid UAE trade license of the company
  • Product label and packaging artwork (in English or Arabic)
  • Certificate of Free Sale from the country of origin
  • Ingredient list with full composition and concentrations
  • Product image (showing all sides of the packaging)
  • Safety Data Sheet (SDS), if required
  • Laboratory test reports (if requested for specific products)
  • Power of Attorney (if the registration is done by a third party)
  • Declaration letter stating product safety and intended use

How Can SetupMate Support You with Cosmetic Registration in Dubai?

SetupMate is a straightforward way to register a cosmetic product as it carries you through every stage, including document preparation and communication with Dubai Municipality. Our team of professionals guarantees that your product complies with all safety and labelling requirements; thus, you will not be faced with any hold-ups or rejection. Besides that, if necessary, we will help you get your trade license and provide you with end-to-end support by using the Montaji system. If you use SetupMate, you can pay complete attention to your business while we take care of the legal and regulatory issues in a smooth and professional manner.

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