Montaji System
- All FCMs must be registered through Dubai Municipality's Montaji portal
- Registration requires submission of product details, test reports, and labeling samples
Food Contact Material (FCM) Registration in Dubai, UAE
Registering Food Contact Materials in Dubai is essential for any product intended to come into contact with food, such as packaging, containers, and utensils, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, traceability, and proper labeling enforced by Dubai Municipality.
Excellent
Registered via Dubai Municipality's Montaji portal
Requires an ECAS certificate of conformity (MoIAT)
Valid ECAS certificate needed before import
Enforced locally by Dubai Municipality
Filled food packaging must meet ZAD label rules
Excellent
About FCM Registration
About Food Contact Material Registration in Dubai
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.
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.
Legal Framework
Dubai-Specific Requirements for FCM Registration
FCMs are regulated under federal law, with enforcement and documentation tailored to Dubai. The focus is on meeting safety standards and having all necessary documentation in order.
ECAS Certification
- FCMs must comply with the federal certificate of conformity issued by MoIAT
- This certificate is crucial for UAE market access and national technical requirements
Importation & Compliance
- A valid ECAS conformity certificate is required before FCMs can be imported into Dubai
- When packaging is part of a filled food item, the food label must meet Dubai's ZAD system rules
Testing
Testing Requirements in Dubai
FCMs in Dubai must pass safety and migration tests from accredited laboratories to ensure materials do not transfer harmful substances to food. Reports from ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs are required for all FCM products.
Overall Migration
Measures the total substance transfer from the material to food simulants.
Migration
Specific Migration
Tests for regulated substances such as heavy metals and plasticizers.
Safety
Organoleptic Tests
Checks for unwanted odors or taste transfer.
Sensory
Material-Specific Tests
Additional tests based on product type (e.g., ceramics, cookware).
By material
Labeling
Labeling Requirements in Dubai
Labeling for FCMs sold in Dubai must comply with both local and federal standards. Dubai Municipality does not require label approval for empty FCMs, but enforcement officers inspect labels during customs or market surveillance.
Language
Labels must be in Arabic, with bilingual Arabic/English acceptable. Arabic stickers can be applied if needed.
Mandatory Content
Labels must include the product name, intended use, country of origin, manufacturer/importer details, and relevant warnings (e.g., 'Not microwave safe').
Food-Contact Symbol
The fork-and-glass icon is mandatory on all FCMs to indicate they are safe for food use.
Usage Instructions
If applicable, instructions for conditional use (e.g., 'oven-safe') must be printed on the label.
Requirements
Required Documents for FCM Registration in Dubai, UAE
To register any food contact material under ESMA's ECAS scheme, the applicant, manufacturer or importer, must submit a full compliance file.
Valid UAE Trade License
The license must include relevant activities (e.g. manufacturing, packaging, or general trading).
Accredited Lab Test 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.
Process
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 via MoIAT's digital platform approvals won't move without lab tests and compliant labeling so prepare early.
Step 1
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).
Step 2
Email Request for Registration
Email montaji-fcm@dm.gov.ae to request FCM registration, attaching required documents (test reports, specifications, and health certificates).
Step 3
Product Testing & Technical Documentation
Submit your product for testing at an accredited lab. Prepare a technical dossier meeting GSO standards for your FCM.
Step 4
ESMA ECAS Certification
For federal compliance, apply for ESMA certification via their online platform before marketing your FCM in the UAE.
Step 5
Fees & Payment
Dubai Municipality will send the registration fees by email. Pay the fees as instructed.
Step 6
Approval Response
You will receive an email with the registration status: approved, rejected, or pending amendments.
Step 7
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.
Step 8
Certificate Issuance
If approved, you'll receive the registration certificate by email.
Step 9
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.
Step 10
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.
Costs
FCM Registration Costs & Compliance Fees
Below is a breakdown of the typical fees involved in the ESMA registration process. Actual costs vary by product type, material, and the number of tests required.
Application & Certification
~AED 620 + ~AED 670
ECAS application fee (~AED 620) on submission via the MoIAT portal, plus the certificate issuance fee (~AED 670) after successful evaluation.
Technical Review
~AED 2,500 / working day
Charged per reviewer; complex files may need multiple days of technical review and assessment.
Testing & Renewals
AED 1,000-5,000+
Lab report fees vary by product and tests. Annual renewal runs ~AED 1,000-2,000; testing may be repeated if standards change.
Typical fees involved
ECAS Application Fee (~AED 620)
Payable on submission via the MoIAT portal.
Technical Review & Assessment Fee (~AED 2,500 per working day)
Charged per reviewer; complex files may need multiple days.
Certificate Issuance Fee, ECAS (~AED 670)
Issued after successful evaluation.
Testing and Lab Report Fees (AED 1,000-5,000+)
Varies by product type, material, and number of tests.
Translation / Label Approval (AED 200-500+)
For Arabic labeling or document translation if not already compliant.
Renewal Fees, annually (~AED 1,000-2,000)
Same as original process; testing may be repeated if standards change.
Application Fee (AED 200)
Payable for the submission of your registration request.
Knowledge and Innovation Fee (AED 20)
Charged for innovation-related documentation or processes.
Note
Fees are indicative and set by the authorities. Contact Riz & Mona for a precise, product-specific estimate.
Avoid These
Common Mistakes in FCM Registration
Avoid these recurring errors that often stall or derail applications.
Documentation & Testing
- Submitting incomplete documents or invalid test reports
- Using non-accredited labs for testing
- Missing Arabic translation or required label symbols
Process & System
- 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
Get Started
Register Your Food Contact Material with Confidence
From lab testing and ECAS certification to Montaji registration and compliant labeling, Riz & Mona handles your FCM registration end to end.
ECAS & Montaji registration•Accredited lab test coordination•Arabic & bilingual labeling•Import consignment approval