Food Product Registration in Dubai, UAE
If you want to sell food, drinks, or supplements in Dubai, you must register them with Dubai Municipality through the FIRS system. Products must meet label rules, ingredient checks, and safety tests. We guide you through every step, helping you get approval quickly. Once approved, you can legally sell in Dubai and expand into the GCC market.
What is Food Product Registration
Food product registration is a mandatory process managed by Dubai Municipality through the FIRS system. It applies to all packaged foods, beverages, and dietary supplements that are imported, manufactured, or sold in Dubai. Each product must be registered with verified labels, a detailed list of ingredients, and supporting safety documents before it can enter the market. This ensures that only safe, high-quality products reach consumers and that businesses comply with UAE regulations from the start.
The registration process also guarantees accurate labeling and full compliance with UAE food safety standards. Labels must be in Arabic, and English can be included only if it matches the Arabic content exactly. Some products, especially supplements or perishable foods, may require additional laboratory testing to confirm safety and quality. These steps protect consumers, build trust in your brand, and help prevent any legal or regulatory issues.
Once registration is approved, companies receive legal permission to sell and distribute their products across the UAE. This opens the door to the premium Dubai market and positions your brand for regional expansion into the GCC. Registered products gain credibility with retailers, importers, and consumers, providing a strong foundation for long-term growth and a trusted reputation in the competitive food industry.
Benefits of Food Product Registration in Dubai
Registering food products with Dubai Municipality secures legal market entry, builds brand credibility, and strengthens consumer trust. Approval supports safe distribution, protects against compliance risks, and positions your products for wider GCC expansion through Dubai’s regional trade networks.
Legal Market Entry
Gain mandatory approval for import, manufacturing, and UAE-wide distribution while avoiding customs delays or penalties.
Brand Credibility & Trust
Strengthen consumer confidence through official approval and boost retail and eCommerce acceptance.
Ingredient Verification
Ensure all ingredients meet UAE safety rules and prevent rejection due to banned or restricted substances.
Label Compliance Assurance
Verify Arabic and bilingual labels meet standards and avoid costly rejections, recalls, or reformulation.
Regional Export Gateway
Use Dubai as a platform for GCC distribution and access premium regional food markets.
Consumer Safety Protection
Meet strict food safety rules, prevent contamination risks, and protect long-term brand reputation.
Requirements for Food Product Registration in UAE
01.Trade License
Valid UAE trade license with food trading, manufacturing, or general trading activity. Mainland or free zone licenses apply. Ensure activity matches product category.
02.FIRS Registration
Register your company on FIRS portal. Complete company profile with authorized signatory to access food product submission.
03.Product Labels
Bilingual Arabic-English labels with brand name, ingredients, origin, manufacturer, batch, barcode, net weight, and expiry date.
04.Free Sale Certificate
Certificate from country of origin confirming product approval for sale. Must be attested for UAE submission.
05.Health Certificate
Official certificate confirming product meets food safety standards. Required for dairy, meat, seafood, and fresh produce.
06.Halal Certification
Halal certificate from UAE-recognized authority for products with meat, poultry, or animal ingredients.
07.Lab Test Reports
Reports from accredited labs showing ingredients, nutrition, and safety verification. May be requested during review.
08.Product Images
High-resolution images of packaging showing all label sides. Max file size 10 MB. Must match submitted artwork.
09.Ingredient List
Complete ingredient list in INCI format by weight. Include additives, preservatives, allergens, and E-numbers with details.
10.GMP Certificate
Good Manufacturing Practices or ISO certificate proving facility follows quality and hygiene standards for food safety.
How We Register Your Food Products
Step 1: Initial Assessment
We review product type, formula, and labeling for full compliance.
Step 2: Documentation Preparation
We compile certificates, prepare bilingual labels, and organize all required documents.
Step 3: FIRS Submission
We create your account, submit the application, and handle fee payment.
Step 4: Label & Ingredient Review
We verify Arabic labels, ingredients, and nutritional information for compliance.
Step 5: Authority Communication
We respond to FIRS queries and provide additional documents as needed.
Step 6: Certificate Delivery
Once approved, we provide your registration certificate and market launch guidance.
Special Requirements for Certain Food Products
- Halal Certifications – Must have Halal certification for compliance and market approval.
- Food Supplements – May need extra testing, claims verification, and specialized registration.
- Dairy Products – Require pasteurization proof, temperature control, and safety checks.
- Organic Products – Need certified organic status and traceable sourcing documentation.
- Allergen Products – All major allergens must be declared; high-allergen foods get extra scrutiny.
- Imported Meats – Require health certificate, Halal approval, and safety inspection from origin.
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