Middle East · United Arab Emirates
What does it take to sell cosmetics in United Arab Emirates? Entry route, responsibility, labeling
Two-layer pre-market system: MoIAT ECAS Certificate of Conformity (valid 1 year) against …; Responsible person: Only a UAE-incorporated entity (local manufacturer, importe…; Labeling: Arabic labeling mandatory (bilingual Arabic/Engli….
Latest change 2024-05-04 — MoIAT updated its Technical Guidelines for Cosmetics and Personal Care Products and adopted GSO 1943:2024 / GSO 2528:2024 (effective 2024-05-01); no new federal cosmetics decision found for 2025-2026. Source
Factory-side digest; the official text prevails; not legal advice.
- Authority
- Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT, successor of ESMA) for ECAS conformity; Dubai Municipality (Montaji) and other emirate municipalities for product registration
- Main regulation
- Cabinet Decision No. 18 of 2014; UAE.S GSO 1943:2024; GSO 2528:2024; Cabinet Decision No. 5 of 2014 (fragrances) · Cabinet Decision No. 18 of 2014 on the UAE Regulation for the Control of Cosmetics and Personal Care Products, applying UAE.S GSO 1943
- In force
- 2014-04-29
- Market entry
- Two-layer pre-market system: MoIAT ECAS Certificate of Conformity (valid 1 year) against GSO 1943 for import/customs, plus product registration in Dubai Municipality's Montaji system (valid 5 years) before retail sale.
- Responsible person
- Only a UAE-incorporated entity (local manufacturer, importer or distributor) may hold ECAS certificates and Montaji registrations, so foreign brands need a local agent.
- Safety file
- Dossier with Free Sale Certificate, full ingredient report, GMP evidence and accredited lab test reports (microbiology, heavy metals), with a PIF per GSO 2636 held by the local registrant.
- Labeling
- Arabic labeling mandatory (bilingual Arabic/English accepted) per Cabinet Decision 18/2014 and GSO 1943 with INCI, batch, expiry/PAO, warnings and allergen declaration; pork-free and no imagery contrary to Islamic values; halal certification voluntary but required if halal is claimed.
- Animal testing
- No formal ban on animal testing of cosmetics in the UAE.
- Ingredient lists
- UAE.S GSO 1943 annexes (prohibited, restricted, colorants, preservatives, UV filters) aligned to EU 1223/2009.
- Notes
- Consultancy reports say the Emirates Drug Establishment (Federal Decree-Law 28/2023) took over medicated-product registration from MOHAP at end-2025 while ordinary cosmetics stayed with Montaji; not verified on an official page. Montaji covers Dubai only; other emirates use their own municipal systems.
- Official text
- https://moiat.gov.ae/en/services/issue-conformity-certificates-for-regulated-products
FAQ
Does United Arab Emirates require notification or registration before sale?
Two-layer pre-market system: MoIAT ECAS Certificate of Conformity (valid 1 year) against GSO 1943 for import/customs, plus product registration in Dubai Municipality's Montaji system (valid 5 years) before retail sale.
Is a local responsible person mandatory in United Arab Emirates?
Only a UAE-incorporated entity (local manufacturer, importer or distributor) may hold ECAS certificates and Montaji registrations, so foreign brands need a local agent.
What are the labeling requirements in United Arab Emirates?
Arabic labeling mandatory (bilingual Arabic/English accepted) per Cabinet Decision 18/2014 and GSO 1943 with INCI, batch, expiry/PAO, warnings and allergen declaration; pork-free and no imagery contrary to Islamic values; halal certification voluntary but required if halal is claimed.
What changed recently in United Arab Emirates cosmetic regulation?
2024-05-04 MoIAT updated its Technical Guidelines for Cosmetics and Personal Care Products and adopted GSO 1943:2024 / GSO 2528:2024 (effective 2024-05-01); no new federal cosmetics decision found for 2025-2026.
Manufacturing for United Arab Emirates · by category
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