To sell professional skincare and aesthetic products in the UAE, the products must be registered with the right authority through a UAE-licensed company. Cosmetic and personal care products sold in Dubai are approved by Dubai Municipality through its Montaji platform. Products classed as medical devices or medical products need federal marketing authorisation from the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), which has taken over these services from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). The first step is always to confirm how each product is classified.
Key takeaways
- Classification comes first: cosmetic, medical device or medical product. It decides the authority, the documents and the timeline.
- Foreign manufacturers cannot register alone; a UAE-licensed importer or distributor acts as the local representative.
- Cosmetic files typically include a Certificate of Free Sale, INCI ingredient list, Product Information File with a safety assessment, lab reports and Arabic and English labels.
- Timelines range from a few weeks for complete cosmetic files to longer when lab testing or clarification is needed.
- Rules change; always confirm current requirements with the authority before submitting.
Step 1: Classify Each Product
The same brand can have products in different categories. A cleanser or a sunscreen is usually a cosmetic, while products used in clinical procedures may be regulated as medical devices or medical products. Claims also matter: a product that claims to treat a condition is treated very differently from one that claims to moisturise. Getting classification right avoids rejected applications and delays.
| Product type | Typical authority | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics and personal care (sold in Dubai) | Dubai Municipality (Montaji platform) | Arabic and English labelling required |
| Medical devices | Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) | Federal marketing authorisation, import permits and vigilance |
| Medicines and medical products | Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) | Advertising also needs approval |
| Other emirates | Local municipality or federal rules | Check requirements for each emirate of sale |
Step 2: Appoint a UAE Importer or Distributor
A foreign manufacturer needs a UAE company with a valid trade licence that covers the relevant activities. This company registers the products, holds the approvals and is responsible for the products on the market. The manufacturer usually provides an authorisation letter confirming the distributor as its authorised representative. Free zone companies still need approval for products they distribute into the mainland. If you are interested in representing AURA, see Become a Distributor and AURA in the GCC.
Step 3: Prepare the Documents
For cosmetic products registered with Dubai Municipality, files commonly include:
- Certificate of Free Sale from the country of manufacture, notarised and legalised or apostilled
- Full ingredient list in INCI format, often with percentages
- Product Information File (PIF) with a safety assessment signed by a qualified assessor
- Certificate of Analysis and recent laboratory test reports
- GMP certificate for the manufacturing site
- Product label and artwork in Arabic and English
- Manufacturer authorisation letter for the UAE company
Medical device applications to the EDE require technical documentation, quality management certificates and evidence of approval in reference markets. Choosing a manufacturer that already maintains this documentation saves months. See How To Choose an Aesthetic Product Manufacturer.
Step 4: Labelling Requirements
- Arabic is mandatory on consumer products, with English alongside.
- Labels typically show the product name, ingredients, net quantity in metric units, country of origin, manufacturer details, batch number and shelf life or expiry date.
- Claims on the label must match the product’s classification and supporting evidence.
Step 5: Submit, Track and Renew
- Create a company account on the relevant portal using the UAE trade licence.
- Submit each product with its documents and pay the fees per product.
- Respond quickly to any request for clarification or additional tests.
- Receive the approval certificate and keep it for customs and audits.
- Track renewal dates; certificates are valid for a fixed period.
How Long Does Registration Take?
Complete cosmetic files can be approved in a few weeks, while files that need additional laboratory testing commonly take one to two months or more. Medical device and medical product authorisations usually take longer. Incomplete documents are the most common cause of delay.
Beyond the UAE: Other GCC Markets
Each GCC country has its own regulator and process. Saudi Arabia, for example, regulates cosmetics and medical devices through the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). A distributor planning regional expansion should plan registrations country by country, using the same core documentation where possible.
How AURA Laboratories Supports Distributors
AURA Laboratories manufactures in Canada and works with distributors in the UAE and the GCC. Our team can share product documentation, labelling information and training resources to support registration and launch. Contact us to discuss distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who registers cosmetics in Dubai?
Cosmetic and personal care products sold in Dubai are registered with Dubai Municipality through its Montaji online platform, by a UAE-licensed company.
Who regulates medical devices in the UAE?
The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) is now the federal authority for medical device classification, marketing authorisation, import permits and vigilance, after taking over these services from MOHAP.
Can a foreign company register products directly?
No. A UAE company with a valid trade licence must act as the importer or authorised representative.
Is Arabic labelling mandatory?
Yes, consumer products sold in the UAE need Arabic labelling, normally with English as well.
How long is a product registration valid?
Validity depends on the authority and the product category, typically between one and a few years, after which it must be renewed.
References
- RegDesk. UAE Medical Device Regulatory Update: Transfer of Services from MOHAP to EDE, 2026.
- Meydan Free Zone. How to Get Your Products Registered with Dubai Municipality, updated 2026.
This guide is general information, not legal or regulatory advice. Requirements change, so confirm the current rules with the relevant authority or a licensed regulatory consultant before submitting.
