Cosmetic products must be registered with the Dubai Municipality through the Montaji system before import, distribution, or sale in the UAE. The process ensures public safety and compliance with UAE health regulations.
What Authority Regulates Cosmetic Product Registration in Dubai?
Dubai Municipality (DM) is the governing body for cosmetic product regulation in Dubai.
- Montaji portal handles registration.
- Health and Safety Department reviews product safety and compliance.
- Unified GCC standards are applied under GSO (Gulf Standardization Organization) rules.
What Is the Montaji System?
Montaji is Dubai Municipality’s centralized platform for registering consumer products.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Platform Owner | Dubai Municipality |
| Purpose | Register and track consumer goods |
| Scope | Cosmetics, perfumes, personal care items |
| Compliance Focus | Safety, ingredients, labeling, documentation |
Who Can Register Cosmetic Products in Dubai?
Only a UAE-based company with a valid trade license can register cosmetic products.
- Individual registration is not allowed.
- Free zone companies must have a local distributor with a mainland license.
What Are the Steps to Register a Cosmetic Product in Dubai?
- Obtain a Trade License
- Activity must include cosmetics trading or manufacturing.
- Create a Montaji Account
- Register via the Dubai Municipality portal.
- Submit Product Application
- Include product details, images, and documents.
- Pay Registration Fees
- Usually AED 250–AED 300 per product.
- Product Review and Approval
- Municipality checks safety, label compliance, and banned substances.
What Documents Are Required for Cosmetic Product Registration?
| Document Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Trade License | Valid Dubai-issued commercial license |
| Product Image | High-resolution image of the product packaging |
| Ingredient List | INCI format with percentage breakdown |
| Certificate of Free Sale | Issued by the manufacturer’s country of origin |
| GMP Certificate | Good Manufacturing Practices certificate from authorized authority |
| Product Label | In Arabic or bilingual (Arabic + English) with full compliance |
| Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | Details of ingredients, storage, toxicity, handling |
What Are the Cosmetic Labeling Requirements in Dubai?
The label must include the following:
- Product name and brand
- Country of origin
- Batch number
- Manufacturing and expiry date (in DD/MM/YYYY)
- Storage conditions
- List of ingredients (INCI)
- Manufacturer/importer details
- Arabic translation for all required details
Tip: Non-compliant labels cause application rejection.
What Types of Cosmetic Products Require Registration?
Every imported or locally manufactured cosmetic must be registered, including:
- Skincare (creams, serums, lotions)
- Haircare (shampoos, oils, dyes)
- Perfumes and deodorants
- Makeup products
- Nail care products
- Oral hygiene items
What Ingredients Are Not Allowed in Cosmetics in Dubai?
Dubai Municipality bans certain substances, including:
- Mercury and its compounds
- Hydroquinone (in high concentrations)
- Lead acetate
- Steroids in non-pharmaceutical cosmetics
- Industrial alcohol (unless denatured)
Refer to the GSO 1943/2016 standard for the full banned ingredients list.
How Long Does Cosmetic Product Registration Take in Dubai?
Product registration via Montaji takes 3 to 7 working days, depending on:
- Document accuracy
- Label compliance
- System backlog
Incomplete or incorrect documentation leads to rejection or delay.
How Much Does It Cost to Register a Cosmetic Product in Dubai?
| Cost Item | Amount (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Montaji Product Registration Fee | AED 250–AED 300 per product |
| Label Review (if applicable) | AED 10–AED 50 |
| Consultant or PRO Service Fees | AED 500–AED 2,000 (if outsourced) |
Can You Sell or Import Cosmetics Without Registration in Dubai?
No. It is illegal to sell, import, or distribute unregistered cosmetics.
Violators face:
- Product seizure
- Fines up to AED 100,000
- License suspension
Import clearance also requires CPRE (Consumer Product Registration Certificate).
Is Re-Registration Required for Product Variants?
Yes. If a product differs in:
- Color
- Fragrance
- Formula
- Packaging
Then it must be registered as a separate product.
What Happens After Product Registration?
Once approved:
- A Montaji certificate is issued.
- Product receives a barcode linked to the DM database.
- The product is now eligible for import and local sale.
Registered products must be renewed every 5 years or upon major formulation changes.
What Is the Role of ESMA in Cosmetic Compliance?
ESMA (Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology) sets technical regulations.
While Dubai Municipality enforces local compliance, ESMA provides:
- Standardization framework
- Quality assurance benchmarks
- Support for national alignment with GSO standards
How Can You Check if a Cosmetic Product Is Already Registered?
Use the Montaji App or visit the DM portal:
- Enter product barcode or name
- View registration status
- Access CPRE information
This helps avoid duplicate registration and ensures compliance.
What Are Common Reasons for Cosmetic Registration Rejection?
- Missing or expired documents
- Non-compliant labeling (no Arabic, wrong format)
- Banned ingredients detected
- No local UAE distributor
- Misclassification (e.g., pharmaceutical instead of cosmetic)
Always pre-check against Dubai Municipality guidelines.