Registering Food Contact Materials (FCMs) in Dubai is essential for any product intended to come into contact with food, such as packaging, containers, and utensils. This process ensures compliance with safety regulations, traceability, and proper labeling, which is enforced locally by Dubai Municipality.

While FCMs must meet the federal technical requirements under ECAS, registration in Dubai involves a straightforward process through the Montaji system and requires adherence to local documentation and testing standards.

Steps to Obtain Certification for Food Contact Material in Dubai, UAE

Registering a food contact material through the UAE’s ECAS system is a formal, document-driven process. You must go through MoIAT’s digital platform, and approvals won’t move without lab tests and compliant labeling.
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Ensure Business Licensing & FIRS Registration

Your business must have a Food Establishment License from Dubai Municipality to register FCMs via the Food Import and Registration System (FIRS).

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Email Request for Registration

Email montaji-fcm@dm.gov.ae to request FCM registration, attaching required documents (test reports, specifications, and health certificates).

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Product Testing & Technical Documentation

Submit your product for testing at an accredited lab. Prepare a technical dossier meeting GSO standards for your FCM.

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ESMA ECAS Certification

For federal compliance, apply for ESMA certification via their online platform before marketing your FCM in the UAE.

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Fees & Payment

Dubai Municipality will send the registration fees by email. Pay the fees as instructed.

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Approval Response

You will receive an email with the registration status: approved, rejected, or pending amendments.

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Labeling Requirements

Approved FCMs must include the fork-and-glass symbol or “For food contact” statement, with bilingual labels (Arabic and English) including safety details.

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Certificate Issuance

If approved, you’ll receive the registration certificate by email.

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Import Consignment Approval

Submit your consignment for approval through the Customs Product Inspection Program (CPIP) and Customs Risk Profile (CRP) system before importing into Dubai.

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Maintain Compliance & Renewals

Ensure ongoing compliance with Dubai’s standards. ESMA certification and FCM registration require renewal, and Dubai Municipality may conduct audits or checks.

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If you want to skip all these steps, RIZ & MONA Consultancy can take care of everything for you. From business licensing and lab testing to ESMA certification and ongoing compliance, we handle the entire FCM registration process end-to-end. Focus on your business while we navigate the regulatory requirements and get you to market faster.

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Required Documents for FCM Registration in Dubai, UAE

  • Valid UAE Trade License

The trade license must include relevant activities (e.g. manufacturing, packaging, or general trading).

  • Accredited Lab Test Report

    The report must cover safety parameters like overall migration, specific migration of heavy metals, and compositional analysis. Testing must follow UAE.S GSO 2231 and other applicable standards. Only ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs are accepted.

  • Label Artwork

    Arabic or bilingual label showing product name, material, country of origin, food contact symbol, and any warnings or usage instructions. Artwork must be clear and legible.

  • Declaration of Conformity

    Signed electronic declaration confirming the product meets all UAE technical regulations and GSO standards.

  • Free Sale Certificate (for imported goods)

    Issued by a competent authority in the country of origin, confirming the product registration is complete and legally sold there.

  • Product Technical Sheet

    Describes material composition, intended use, and any relevant safety or handling information.

  • Manufacturer Authorization (if submitted by importer)

    Power of attorney or agency agreement authorizing the UAE-based applicant to register and market the product.

FCM Registration Costs & Compliance Fees

Cost Item Estimated Fee (AED) Notes
ECAS Application Fee ~620 Payable on submission via MoIAT portal.
Technical Review & Assessment Fee ~2,500 per working day Charged per reviewer; complex files may need multiple days.
Certificate Issuance Fee (ECAS) ~670 Issued after successful evaluation.
Testing and Lab Report Fees 1,000 – 5,000+ Varies by product type, material, and number of tests.
Translation / Label Approval (if needed) 200 – 500+ For Arabic labeling or document translation if not already compliant.
Renewal Fees (annually) ~1,000 – 2,000 Same as original process; testing may be repeated if standards change.
Application Fee 200 Payable for the submission of your registration request.
Knowledge and Innovation Fee 20 Charged for innovation-related documentation or processes.

Legal Framework for Registering Food Contact Materials in Dubai

FCMs are regulated under federal law, but enforcement and documentation requirements are tailored to each emirate. In Dubai, the focus is on ensuring that products meet the relevant safety standards and that all necessary documentation is in order.

Dubai-Specific Requirements

Requirement Authority/System Description
Montaji Registration Dubai Municipality – Montaji All FCMs must be registered with product details, test reports, and label samples.
ECAS Certification MoIAT (formerly ESMA) FCMs must comply with UAE technical standards via a federal ECAS certificate.
Import & Compliance Dubai Customs / ZAD System ECAS certificate is required for import; filled food packaging must meet ZAD label rules.

Testing & Labeling Requirements in Dubai

Testing and labeling are critical for compliance with both Dubai Municipality and federal requirements.

Testing Requirements

Test Type Purpose
Overall Migration Measures total substance transfer from material to food simulants.
Specific Migration Detects harmful substances like heavy metals and plasticizers.
Organoleptic Tests Checks for odor, taste, or color transfer to food.
Material-Specific Tests Additional tests based on material type (e.g., ceramics, plastics, cookware).
Lab Accreditation All tests must be conducted by ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories.

Labeling Requirements

Requirement Details
Language Labels must be in Arabic; bilingual (Arabic/English) accepted; stickers allowed.
Mandatory Content Product name, intended use, origin, importer/manufacturer details, warnings.
Food-Contact Symbol Fork-and-glass icon must be present to show food safety compliance.
Usage Instructions Include if applicable (e.g., “oven-safe,” “not microwave safe”).

Common Mistakes in FCM Registration

  • Submitting incomplete documents or invalid test reports.
  • Using non-accredited labs for testing.
  • Missing Arabic translation or required label symbols.
  • Ignoring ESMA deadlines or certificate renewal dates.
  • Choosing the wrong product category in ECAS.
  • Registering FCM in Montaji instead of ECAS.
  • Overlooking food label approval when FCM holds a food product.
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How Riz & Mona Consultancy Can Help?

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We are here to provide comprehensive support for your Food Contact Material Product Registration, from preparing your documents to completing the process. Connect with us now to begin your journey with a FREE consultation!

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FAQS

Is ECAS certification mandatory for all FCM imports into the UAE?

Yes, all FCMs must be ECAS-certified before being imported, distributed, or sold in the UAE.

Can I use one ECAS certificate for multiple FCM products?

No, each distinct FCM product requires a separate ECAS application and certificate.

Does MoIAT inspect overseas manufacturing facilities?

Not usually—factory audits are rare unless product tests fail or serious non-compliance occurs.

How long is an ECAS certificate valid for FCM?

The ECAS FCM certificate is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

Can I apply for ECAS as an overseas manufacturer?

No, only a UAE-based importer or local representative with a valid trade license can apply.

How long does it take to set up a company in Meydan Free Zone?

Company setup in Meydan Free Zone is typically completed within 2-5 business days, depending on the completeness of the application and chosen business structure.

Are there restrictions on hiring foreign employees in MFZ?

No, MFZ allows companies to hire employees of any nationality, providing flexibility for businesses to build diverse teams.

Can companies in MFZ engage in activities outside the approved license activities?

Companies must operate within the approved business activities listed on their license; additional activities require license modifications.