How to certify products in Dubai, UAE

How to certify products in Dubai, UAE - Makebiz

Doing business related to importing and exporting goods to Dubai involves knowing the standards and specifics of certification. Of course, depending on the type of products and their purposes, different information and different studies and inspections will be required. Controlling authorities assess the quality of goods and their compliance with manufacturing and safety standards. 

Drugs and tobacco products, precious metals and stones, materials for construction and decoration, care and hygiene products, organics (all labeled «eco»), foodstuffs, etc. are inspected more thoroughly. 

When inspecting food products, inspection organizations have the right to request additional inspections and laboratory tests to confirm the safety of the composition. Most often this procedure may be required during customs control. 

The label should contain basic information in Arabic, English is possible as an additional language. It is important to indicate data on the name, TM, manufacturer, composition, nutritional value, as well as the necessary storage conditions. Always check the date of production and shelf life. 

Remember that when import-export operations in the UAE, the firm must have a special permit for this type of business and the appropriate trade license with annual renewal. Product certificates are also re-verified every five years. 

Authorization documents for different types of products are issued by specialized bodies. For example, medicines and medical products are controlled by the Ministry of Health. Cosmetics and perfumes are authorized by the Dubai Municipality. Dangerous and flammable goods are the responsibility of the Fire Safety Department.

Plan of action for successful certification: 

  • collect documents and check them for compliance with the region’s legal requirements, quality and safety standards;
  • identify the need for additional research for some categories of cargo; 
  • legalize documents, send product samples to the inspection authorities, prepare for possible inspection at the production or warehouse. 

Only after the successful completion of all inspections, it is possible to obtain permits for import/export of products and their realization.

Standardization and Metrology Authority (ESMA) is an organization that controls the quality of production and compliance with international standards. Obtaining ESMA approval is mandatory for firms with a trade license to export, import and store certain goods. To do so, you need to register on the website of the Authority, submit documentation and pay a fee. 

EQM is a quality label that is voluntary for all products except drinking liquids and dairy products. Here, the presence of a license, reports from an accredited laboratory, and the results of tests for the absence of harmful substances and microorganisms are checked. A state fee is required to review the application and issue the certificate.

Read other articles on this topic:

Back