Cosmetic Product Registration In Dubai (UAE): Complete 2025 Guide For Global Manufacturers

Dubai continues to be one of the most tightly regulated cosmetic markets in the world. To legally import, distribute, or sell cosmetic products in the UAE, Cosmetic Product Registration with Dubai Municipality’s Montaji System is mandatory. This ensures consumer safety, regulatory compliance, ingredient validation, and full GCC market access.

This guide by Maven Regulatory Solutions provides a fully updated, technically detailed, SEO-optimized overview of the 2025 UAE cosmetic regulatory landscape, including the registration process, documentation, PIF structure, GMP expectations, ingredient restrictions, labeling rules, and common compliance challenges.

Understanding UAE Cosmetic Product Regulatory Framework

The UAE regulates cosmetics through multiple frameworks:

• UAE GSO 1943: Safety Requirements of Cosmetics
• UAE.S GSO 2528: Labeling Requirements
• Montaji Cosmetic Assessment Protocol
• UAE Approved Chemical Inventory (AACI)
• UAE Cabinet Decision No. 18 (Product Safety Law)

The objective is to ensure all cosmetic products:

• Contain no banned or restricted substances
• Are safe for human contact
• Are manufactured under GMP conditions
• Include scientifically validated safety assessments
• Are labeled and packaged as per UAE requirements

Cosmetic Product Registration Process in Dubai (2025 Updated)

Create Montaji Account (Dubai Municipality Portal)

Manufacturers or importers begin by creating a Montaji account, the official platform for cosmetic and consumer product assessment. This system centralizes documentation submission, product review, testing requests, and certificate issuance.

Submit Technical Documentation Through Montaji

The following documents must be uploaded for compliance verification:

Technical Submission Requirements

• Product Information File (PIF)
• Certificate of Free Sale (CFS)
• GMP Certificate from the manufacturer
• Complete ingredient list with INCI names
• Product label artwork (Arabic + English)
• Safety assessment report (Toxicological Profile)
• Authorization Letter from brand owner (if applicable)

Ensure Labeling Compliance

Compliant labeling must include:

• Bilingual labeling (Arabic + English)
• INCI ingredient list
• Manufacturer/distributor details
• Batch number / Lot number
• Country of origin
• Expiry date or PAO (Period After Opening)
• Storage conditions and warnings (if applicable)

Product Testing (As Required by Dubai Municipality)

Depending on product category and risk profile, additional testing may be mandated:

• Microbiological testing
• Stability and compatibility testing
• Allergen screening
• Heavy metals analysis (Lead, Mercury, Arsenic, etc.)
• Preservative efficacy test

Approval & Certificate Issuance

Once approved, Dubai Municipality issues:

• Cosmetic Product Registration Certificate
• Validity: 5 Years
• Product can now be imported, sold, advertised, or distributed in the UAE

Registration Timeline (2025 Update)

Average registration duration:

• Standard applications: 2–4 weeks
• Products requiring testing: 3–7 weeks
• High-risk or category-specific formulations: May take longer

Key Requirements for Cosmetic Registration in UAE (Technical View)

Product Safety & Ingredient Compliance

• Must meet UAE GSO banned ingredient list
• Must adhere to EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II & III (followed by UAE)
• Must pass toxicology and safety evaluation

GMP Requirements

UAE accepts:

• ISO 22716 (Cosmetic GMP)
• National GMP certifications from country of origin
• Third-party GMP evidence for certain manufacturing sites

Product Information File (PIF) Requirements

A complete PIF must include:

PIF Structure Table (Technical Overview)

UAE Cosmetic Labeling Compliance Table

Common Issues in Cosmetic Registration (2025 Insights)

Document Rejection

• Incomplete PIF
• Incorrect CFS format
• Missing GMP evidence

Labeling Noncompliance

• Missing Arabic language
• Incomplete INCI list
• Invalid claims (e.g., medical claims)

Ingredient Restrictions

Products are rejected if containing:

• Banned preservatives
• Heavy metals
• Non-compliant colorants
• Hormonal or pharmacological substances

Customs Holds

Occurs when:

• Registration is incomplete
• HS code mismatch
• Labeling is incorrect

Why Choose Maven Regulatory Solutions for UAE Cosmetic Registration?

As a global regulatory consulting firm, Maven Regulatory Solutions provides:

• End-to-end Montaji registration support
• Ingredient review & safety assessment
• PIF creation aligned with UAE, EU & GCC requirements
• Labeling review & redesign
• GMP documentation assistance
• Pre-submission technical audit
• Customs clearance support
• Continuous post-market compliance

Our domain expertise ensures faster approvals, zero rejections, and complete regulatory alignment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does cosmetic registration take in the UAE?

Typically, 2–4 weeks, depending on documentation accuracy and testing needs.

2. Is UAE cosmetic registration mandatory?

Yes. No cosmetic product can be imported, advertised, or sold without Dubai Municipality registration.

3. Is animal-tested cosmetic allowed?

Yes, UAE does not currently ban animal-tested cosmetic products — but safety data must be documented.

4. What happens if my product contains a restricted ingredient?

It may require concentration justification, or in some cases, it will be rejected.

5. Do I need a local representative?

Yes. A UAE-based trading company or distributor is required to submit registrations.