Importing Cosmetics and Perfumes in the UAE from Abroad: Procedures, Documents Required and More

The United Arab Emirates has grown to be an international trade and logistics centre. In the country, the market for personal care and beauty products is on the rise, with immense demand from the local UAE market. According to TechSci Research, there is a predicted growth rate in the cosmetics sector. In between 2018-23, this amounts to about 4%. 

The UAE Government governs the beauty products industry, to guarantee consumer security and to achieve constant product quality. Both Personal care and perfumes, be it made domestically or brought from abroad, it’s essential to obtain clearance from the relevant officials prior to making a sale in the UAE market.

Importing and Making a Sell of Cosmetics and Perfumes in UAE: What You Should Be Aware Of

Legal Scope of Beauty Products Business

In the United Arab Emirates, the Cosmetics and Perfumes market is regulated by the Cosmetic and Fragrance Law. In order to guarantee the security of customers, beauty products and perfumes in the United Arab Emirates need to be authorised by the UAE Government.

UAE Safety Requirements for Cosmetic Sales

The beauty products industry in the United Arab Emirates should act in accordance with the common safety needs of the Gulf Standard Organisation. The Gulf Standard Organisation compliance guarantees that the products don’t contain any banned stuff, forbidden products in the UAE. 

Moreover, the item should be safe for human use, without any impact on health when used as usual. Under normal circumstances, the products should not change in properties during the period of time for which it remains usable when it’s inside the store. 

Packaging and Wrapping of Products 

A product’s packaging and wrapping must meet the Gulf Standard Organisation standards. Items must be stored in neat and suitable containers with no pointed edges and are correctly shut. Moreover, the quantity specified must be tested and should pass quality control. 

Making a Sale of Cosmetic Brands in the United Arab Emirates must comply with the labelling standards.

The most critical aspect is Labelling, it should stick to some guidelines namely:

• Understandable typeface and can be removed without much effort.
• Name of the item and manufacturer.
• Name and contact information of the manufacturer.
• Originating nation.
• The item’s nominal content.
• Use by date, or period once the seal of the product is broken.
• User terms, cautionary messages, and preventive details.
• Identifying numbers.
• Purpose of the item.
• Constituents of the item.

Another vital factor in the United Arab Emirates is the English and Arabic print for the below categories:

• The purpose of the item, instructions for use.
• Details regarding warnings and precautions.
• How to store and use the product safely

The label should contain precise and truthful information and has been scientifically or lab-confirmed.

Emirates Standardization and Metrological Authority certification for beauty products in the UAE

ESMA regulates the personal care sector. Such products and cosmetics should obtain clearance from the Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme to be sent to the UAE.

The Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme consent should be informed to the customs department to ship the required items to the nation and supply them to the customers. 

Registration of Items With Municipality

Registration of both beauty products and perfumes made domestically or brought from abroad, with the concerned municipality should be done prior to making a sale of them in the market. The sample will be examined and approved by the authorities, which will make it suitable for sale to the public. UAE-based companies are the only ones entitled to register their products with Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology and the particular municipalities.

Selling Cosmetics & Perfumes in the UAE: What Foreign Brands Need to Know

If an international company wishes to make a sale of its products in the UAE, they should be partnered with a local distributor who is authorized. They will handle the imports, register products with the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology and municipality and deliver the goods to the ultimate users. Or else, companies from abroad can set up a Free zone or mainland company and fortify their regional presence in the UAE.

To learn more about what ESMA clearance is, speak with one of the experts at DDU Express, one of the top Supply Chain Companies in Dubai right away.

Registration of Cosmetics in Dubai 

There are specific procedures that exist to monitor the quality of the product, keep the international standard and support the beauty products industry which is on the rise in the Emirates. 

There are a number of guidance and procedure to be adhered to, listed by the government, by the beauty products businesses to make a sale of their products in the Emirates. 

Rules and Regulations Governing Registering a Product

A product should be registered with the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology and the municipality before it can be sold in the local market.

Depending on where the municipality is based in the UAE, the products should be registered separately. The item must meet health and safety standards. In cases where the product is being disapproved, a Product Assessment Report is published mentioning that it’s impossible to distribute it in the Emirates.

Product Registration and its Validity

After the product registration certificate is issued, the registration is valid for five years from the issue date. Once it has come to the end of the period of validity, a review of the product will be conducted by the municipality and once all guidelines have been met, registration will be extended.

To issue the product registration certificate, you should submit the below documents to the Dubai municipality:

• Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme Approval
• Product sample
• Product registration form
• Company trade license
• Clearances
• Good Manufacturing Practices certification

Cosmetics Registration Procedure in Dubai

To get approval for making a sale of cosmetics in UAE, you need the below things: 

• Supporting documents
• Clearances
• Sanction

The Process of Cosmetic Product Registration in Dubai

Your enterprise must hold a valid trade license with the associated activity of the cosmetics business. Furthermore, the enterprise needs to be registered with Dubai Municipality as well. Hand over the product registration service application to begin the procedure and remit the fee. Hand over the copy of a valid label assessment of the item which should be enrolled in the municipality. To learn more on cosmetic products import in the UAE, speak to one of our experts at DDU, one of Dubai Top Logistics Companies.

About DDU Express

DDU Express is one of Dubai Top Logistics Companies providing a plethora of services to satisfy business requirements. Timely delivery of logistical services is our top priority. Our clients trust our expertise to be in charge of their everyday logistic requirements. As one of Dubai Top Logistics Companies, we offer you services you seek under one roof, ranging from import/export, outsourcing, Amazon FBA, IOR/EOR, e-commerce fulfillment, and beyond. DDU Express delivers unmatched service built on reliability and backed at every level by professional and seasoned personnel. We have entrenched ourselves as one of Dubai Top Logistics Companies thanks to our wide range of services, expansion into new markets, and systematic operations.