UAE is a major trade and commerce hub of the world. The beauty and personal care market in UAE is a prospective segment due to the demand from the local UAE Market. Additionally, the GCC and Asian markets support the import-export of cosmetics and perfumes. To Import and Sell Perfumes & Cosmetics in UAE required trading licensing and special approvals from various government departments.
The Personal Care market in UAE is highly regulated by the UAE Government’s Drug Department. Eventually, it is to ensure personal safety is not compromised and also the products maintain a high level of product quality.
The Personal Care and Perfumes in UAE that are locally manufactured as well as imported must get all the required clearance from the Food & Drug Control Authorities.
How to Import and Sell Cosmetics & Perfumes in UAE?
Following are the steps involved in obtaining the clearances before importing and selling cosmetics and perfumes in UAE from overseas markets.
1. Legal Approvals for Cosmetics Business in UAE
UAE has a Cosmetic and Fragrance Law that governs the sector. Also, there are certain pre-approvals required for sanctioning the import-export of personal care goods in the UAE.
Additionally, the Gulf Standard Organization (GSO) has a few general safety requirements that the cosmetic sector must comply with. It will ensure the items are free of all prohibited substances and restricted items. Â
Also, the importer must ensure the product is safe to use for humans and must not have any effect on the health when used normally. Lastly, the properties of the products must not be changed under any circumstances when the product is at the store.
2. Product Packaging and Wrapping
Also, cosmetic importers must follow certain labeling standards to follow to meet the compliance requirements of GSO and other Government bodies. Additionally, product packaging is an important aspect to focus on for importers.
The product must be free of any sharp edges and must be properly sealed/closed. The quantity mentioned has to be tested, calibrated, and pass quality checks.
Following are the Labelling Standards the importer must follow in UAE.
- Clear font and easy-to-remove packaging
- Name of the product and brand
- Name and Address of manufacturer/supplier/distributor
- Country of Origin
- Nominal Content of the product
- Expiry date – Best before date, or period after opening
- Conditions of use, warning statements, and precautionary information
- Batch number/lot code
- Ingredients used and composition of the mixture in case of face & body cream
- Product functionality – how to use in case there are different steps involved ( For example, face mask beauty products)
Another key aspect in UAE is the English and Arabic Print for the following sections –
- Product function/how to use,
- Warning instructions and precautionary information
- Storage instruction for safe use
- Information on the label must be scientifically or laboratory-verified and must be accurate and not misleading.
3. Certificate of Conformity from ESMA for Cosmetic Products in UAE
The Emirates Standardization and Metrological Authority (ESMA) is the governing authority for the Personal Care segment in UAE. The importer must obtain the ECAS Certificate of Conformity before they initiate the imports from overseas suppliers/manufacturers.
The Customs Department must be notified about the ECAS Approval to import the specific products to UAE and sell it to the end consumers.
4. Product Registration from the UAE Municipality
Registering the Product with the Municipality is a mandatory requirement for all products that are reaching UAE Consumers. Sample testing and approval are required before selling the products in the local UAE market.
Only companies based in UAE are eligible for registering the products with ESMA and the respective Municipalities.
How Can Foreign Brand Start Selling cosmetics & Perfumes in the UAE?
Only authorized local distributors in UAE are eligible to sell products from international companies. Also, the local distributors will facilitate the imports, register the products with ESMA & Municipality, and distribute the products to the end customer.
Alternatively, Foreign brands can establish a mainland company or a Free Zone Company and strengthen their local presence in the UAE.
Aurion will assist you in the end-to-end cosmetic company setup in UAE. Starting from documentation, trade license issuance, ESMA Clearance, product registration in Municipality, customs code registration, and more, our expert team will be with you.
To know more about ESMA Clearance, Talk to Our Team right away!
Cosmetic Product Registration in Dubai – Things to know
In particular, there are few procedures in place in UAE to regulate the personal care and cosmetic market in the region. The Government has listed a set of guidance and procedure to be followed by cosmetic companies for selling the products in the UAE.
Following are a few things to know for the Cosmetic Importers in order to register their product with the Dubai Municipality.
1. Product Registration Rules and Regulations
Complete the product registration process with ESMA and the specific municipality in UAE before distributing the products in the local UAE market.
Also, the products are to be registered individually with the specific municipality in UAE where the company is registered. AURION will help in getting the Product Registration approvals on time.
Lastly, the products must also pass through the recommended health & safety specifications (Consumer Product Safety Section) of the municipality. In case of rejection, the municipality will issue a Product Assessment Report stating that cannot sell the product in the UAE.
2. The validity of Product Registration in Dubai
The product registration Certificate is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. After the expiry, it will be subject to review by the municipality and extent the registration.
Submit the Company Trade License, Product Registration form, product sample, clearances, GMP certification, and ECAS approval to the Dubai Municipality for issuing the product registration certificate.
3. Procedures for Cosmetic Product Registration in Dubai
To obtain the clearance for the cosmetic product registration in Dubai, the author all the supporting documents. Then, Our expert business consultants will assist you with the entire process of company formation for your cosmetic company in the UAE.
Steps Involved in the Cosmetic Product Registration in Dubai
The cosmetic company must be registered with the Dubai Municipality and have a valid Trade License with related business activities related to Cosmetic, Perfumes, and Personal Care Products Trading.
To start with the Cosmetic Product Registration in Dubai, the company must submit the Product Registration Application and pay the fees. Aurion will assist in the process of form filling, facilitating fee payments, and coordination with the authorities.
Secondly, the importer must submit a copy of the valid label assessment of the product for registration with the Municipality.
Registering the Cosmetic Product with Dubai Municipality
Dubai Municipality requires certain Document Approval for the registration of cosmetic products. The following documents must submit for approval to the authorities:
- Certificate of Free Sales (Attested by the Government Authority in the Country of Origin)
- Ingredient Report/Laboratory Test Report (Signed and/or Stamped by the manufacturer or brand owner)
- Analysis report signed and/or stamped by the manufacturer or brand owner)
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certificate (required for all locally manufactured products)
Also, the products have to pass through the compliance test of the Dubai Municipality. Those corresponding documents of the ‘Tested Okay’ products will be uploaded to the system and the product will be registered.
Then the Municipality will issue the Product Registration Certificate. Now, the product is ready for selling in the local UAE market.
To know more about Import and Sell Perfumes & Cosmetics in UAE, talk to our expert Business Consultants right away!
Contact Us: Aurion Business Consultants
