In the UAE, the registration of food products with Dubai Municipality is a mandatory process to ensure compliance with local regulations.
To begin, your company must hold a valid trade license and be registered in the UAE. The first step is to create an account on the Dubai Municipality (IRS) portal. After your documents have been reviewed and your registration confirmed, you will need to create a user account.
To register food products, you must provide the following information:
A clear image of the product from all sides of the packaging (artwork), displaying all relevant product information.
Required Documents:
- Barcode
- Product article number
- Product name
- Photo or artwork
- Country of origin
- Net weight
- Brand name
- Storage conditions
- Manufacturer’s name and address
- Date of manufacture and expiration date
- Type of packagingAdditional details as required by Dubai Municipality
Depending on the product, additional documents or certificates may be requested, such as an Organic Certificate or Halal Certificate.
After registering the product, you must submit a “Consignment Release Permit.” An inspector will then conduct an inspection at customs, where they will review all documents (invoice, certificates, packing list) and the goods themselves. Initially, you may bring a “Sample Box” of your products for inspection.
If your packaging lacks an Arabic description, you will need to create a label in Arabic that complies with Dubai Municipality’s requirements and undergo a label assessment process. Once approved, the labels must be affixed to the products, and you will need to arrange another inspection.
If you are planning to open a shop or kiosk in Dubai, the next step is to register with Food Watch, where you will submit your interior design and UAE trade license. If your product was not initially labeled in Arabic, you must also obtain permission from Food Watch to relabel the product.
The Level Consulting is here to assist you throughout the entire process, from registering your company in the UAE to ensuring your products meet all Dubai Municipality requirements. We will handle all the necessary paperwork, including creating a comprehensive business plan, securing licenses, and obtaining work visas. Our expert team will develop a detailed business plan that will satisfy investors and serve as a vital tool for successfully planning your business operations in the UAE.
Order a consultation or Request a call back
