Guide on Cosmetic Product Registration in Dubai

The Emirates is a hub for trade between different markets on an international level. Therefore, the country has made it mandatory to register your product before starting a business.

The cosmetic market is growing at a rapid pace. Being ranked among the world's highest per capita spenders on cosmetic products, the Emirate of Dubai is stated to be turning into one of the best beauty and personal care markets. 

Concerning the import and export of cosmetic products, the government issues a mandatory regulation regarding cosmetic product registration in Dubai. This regulation applies to all the cosmetic products manufactured industrially and placed in the Dubai market, wherein the manufacture, packaging, distribution, and trade of cosmetic products should be first registered with the Dubai Municipality.

All About the Cosmetic Products in Dubai

The primary concern of doing the cosmetic registration for your business setup in Dubai is consumer safety, wherein the process allows the CPSS (Consumer Products Safety Section) to evaluate the safety of cosmetic products when applied to the skin, hair, or any exposed body part. However, with due registration, no cosmetic product will be manufactured, exported, imported, advertised, sold, or distributed in Dubai without registration. 

The registration of cosmetic products is valid only for five years.

Why is it Compulsory to Register a Product in Dubai?

The research was conducted by the DM, where they found toxic chemicals used in numerous cosmetics. It was also found that, for nearly 3000 products, around 30% lead, 20/5 chromium, and 25% arsenic were mixed. 

Therefore, the DM made it compulsory to follow the guidelines for registering a product before taking it to the market. Other reasons were-

• To limit the trade of artificial and harmful products in the local market
• To assure the safety of consumers and maintain the quality of the product.

Benefits of Doing Product Registration in Dubai

• Import and re-export rights
• Label protection
• Hassle-free trade-in and outside UAE
• Brand protection.

Functions of Cosmetic Product Registration in the UAE

• To protect
• To clean
• To perfume
• To correct body odors
• To keep it in good condition
• To change the appearance.

Guidelines for the Registration

• Cosmetic product registration is necessary before selling the product in the local market
• Any company that wants to manufacture, import, distribute, or sell any beauty product must independently register that product. Registration is valid on a company level and needs the presence of a valid trade/industrial license in the UAE with the relevant activity
• The product must comply with the recommended health and safety specifications highlighted in CPSS
• In case the product gets rejected, the Product Assessment Report is given, and such a product is not permitted to be distributed in the local market.

How to Register Your Cosmetic Products and Goods in Dubai?

To register your product, you must have a registered company. The company must have a trade license in the United Arab Emirates, as only a UAE company goes for Dubai Municipality product registration. 

The business activity must be cosmetic or general trading. The further steps are explained as under:

Obtain a Certificate of Free Sales

The applicant must have the Certificate of Free Sales (CFS) from the country of origin issued by the health authority or a recognized body. Apart from this, a Data Analysis report regarding the ingredients, chemical and physical properties of the product from a manufacturing company of the product, and a laboratory test report either from the country of origin or from the Dubai Central Laboratory is mandatory.

Prepare the Documents

Fill out a product registration form available at the Dubai Municipality office. The form must be filled out according to the technical instructions available through the e-form program.

Documents Required for Registration are as follows:

• Certificate of company registration
• Laboratory test report
• Certificate of free sales
• The analysis report of the product.

Collect the Assessment Report

Apply for a label assessment of the product category. A sample of each product must be provided to CPSS. One can only submit a label design slip of the product along with the application details. 

When the CPSS reviews the label, they issue a Cosmetic Label Assessment Report, which contains the product description as well as details along with the remarks for modifying the report, if necessary.

Proceed with Labeling the Product

The next step is labeling the product. The concerned person, including a manufacturer, importer, supplier, distributor, and retailer, must ensure that the products fulfill the mandatory information standard

The original certificate is issued once everything is reviewed.

List of Cosmetics in Dubai for Product Registration

Here is the list of cosmetics for product registration with Dubai Municipality.

• Creams, emulsions, lotions, gels, and oils for the skin (hands, face, feet, etc.)
• Tinted bases (liquids, pastes, powders)
• Face masks (with the exception of peeling products)
• Makeup powders, after-bath powders, hygienic powders, etc.
• Deodorants and anti per aspirants
• Products for nail care as well as the product which are used to make up
• Haircare products, as well as Hair tints and bleaches
• Perfumes, toilet water, and Eau de Cologne
• Toilet soaps, deodorant soaps, etc.
• The product which is used in the bath as well as shower, like salts, foams, oils, gels, etc.
• Depilatories Products for external intimate hygiene
• Setting products Cleansing products (lotions, powders, shampoos) Conditioning products (lotions, creams, oils) Hairdressing products (lotions, lacquers, brilliantine)
• Shaving products (creams, foams, lotions)
• Product for waving, straightening, and fixing
• Products for making up and removing make-up from the face and eyes
• Sunbathing products
• Anti-wrinkle products.
• Products for tanning without sun
• Products for care of the teeth as well as mouth
• Skin whitening products
• Products that are fully made for the lips.

Why Set Up Cosmetic Companies in Dubai?

The government of the UAE has created a scheme for Cosmetics and Personal Care Products, under which the companies in Dubai selling goods must comply with certain requirements related to the quality, packaging, and label requirements of cosmetics. 

Some other benefits of setting up a cosmetic company in Dubai are as follows:

• A Tourist Destination
• Multi-Cultural Hub
• A Wide Range of Products
• Easy Availability of Business License
• Location Options
• Access to International Market
• Low Tax Rate.

Now you know why it is crucial to register your product before commencing business in Dubai. Contact us today- we’d be happy to assist you.