Dubai is considered an ideal location to start any business, from transportation and retail to cosmetics. The demand for cosmetic products is quite high as the residents of Dubai are well-groomed and invest a significant amount in hair care, infant care, oral care, skincare, and beauty products.
However, selling cosmetic products is not an easy task in Dubai. The city has stringent requirements and criteria for selling these products. It is mandatory to register cosmetic products under the Dubai Municipality Cosmetic Registration (DMCR).
What is Cosmetic Product Registration?
Product registration in Dubai is crucial before importing, exporting, and selling cosmetic products. In the registration process, the Consumer Safety Product Section (CSPS) ensures the efficacy of products when used on different body parts or for the one specific part for which the product is designed, whether it be skin, hair, or nails. However, non-cosmetic products can be sold and exported without registration in Dubai.
Process Of Cosmetic Product Registration in Dubai
The first requirement for registering cosmetic products is to have a UAE-based company. The registration process can only be completed if the product is manufactured by a UAE-based company.
Formation of Company
You are allowed to open a company either as Dubai LLC or a Free Zone Company. In Dubai LLC, you have to hire a local service agent who shares 51% of your company. However, a free zone company provides you with complete ownership and eliminates the need for a local partner.
You can seek advice from experienced businessmen or ask your consultant which option would be more suitable for your cosmetic products.
Company Registration
After company formation, the next step is registering the company with Dubai Municipality (DM). This is a time-consuming and challenging process as it requires all the necessary documents and information. Ensure that you don’t skip any step and that you have required documents for smooth processing. Otherwise, the DM can reject your application.
Label Assessment
For product assessment, a product sample along with its label (artwork) is provided to Dubai Municipality. Municipality ensures that the product is safe to use and doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients. For approval, it is necessary to meet the standards and criteria set by the authorities.
If the artwork doesn’t meet the standard, the product will be rejected and you have to make the changes. After this, you can resubmit product for reevaluation.
Product Label
Ensure that the product label mentions the specific details of the product. This includes ingredients, possible risks, usage instructions, side effects, and an expiry date. Double-check the regulatory requirements to avoid delays in approval.
Post-market Surveillance
If you modify the product, experience side effects, or change the product label after registration, post-market surveillance is required.
Key Labeling Requirements
The product must have a label, and the following information must be mentioned.
- Brand and product name
- Production and expiry date
- Details of the manufacturer
- Net weight of the product
- Barcode to scan the product
- List of ingredients
- Instructions to use
- Side effects and associated risks
- Batch number
Guidelines for Registering Cosmetic Products in Dubai
Before the registration of cosmetic products, it is important to follow the guidelines provided by the Dubai Municipality Cosmetic Registration Department. By following these guidelines, you can successfully register your products.
- Cosmetic products include those designed for external use only, such as for hair, skin, nails, and teeth. They alter the appearance of these parts and enhance the beauty.
- The ingredients used in the product should not be harmful to the human body. If any harmful ingredient is present, the Dubai Municipality will reject it.
- Without registration and a trading license, cosmetic products cannot be imported, exported, or sold in Dubai.
- A number of authorities have been set up in Dubai for registering different products. Each authority has different rules and requirements.
- If you want to import cosmetic products, you must attest to the required documents from the UAE embassy.
- Product registration certificate is issued only if the product meets the health and safety specifications and UAE cosmetic regulations of CPSS (Consumer Product Safety Section).
Documents Required for Cosmetic Product Registration in Dubai
Product registration is not possible without the following documents
- A clear picture of each product
- Registration certificate of company
- Company license
- Laboratory test report and analysis report of each product
- Free sale certificate
- Trading License
- Good Manufacturing Practice Certificate
- Approval from the relevant authorities
Benefits of Registration
Registration with the authorities may seem a tiresome task but it has certain benefits as well
- It allows you to import and export your cosmetic products
- Free shipping outside the UAE
- Branding in the competitive market
Conclusion
At the end of this article, we hope it provides you with comprehensive information about cosmetic product registration in Dubai so you can navigate the registration process and sell your cosmetic products. Ensure that your product meets the safety standards outlined by Dubai Municipality.
Although UAE cosmetic regulations and registration are laborious, they have multiple benefits. They allow you to import and export products and maintain the reputation of your brand.
For entrepreneurs, starting a business in Dubai is critical as it requires a complete understanding of the process and an idea of the trends and requirements of the business market. Al Riyady can assist you in the entire process. Feel free to reach out to set up your business or to get a UAE Golden Visa.
