Are you planning to sell food products in Dubai? Whether you want your items on supermarket shelves, online grocery apps, or restaurant menus, the first step is food product registration with Dubai Municipality.
This process ensures every food product meets UAE standards for health, labeling, and consumer safety.
In this detailed guide, Raes Associates explains how to register a food product in Dubai, the documents you’ll need, common mistakes to avoid, and how to do it quickly and correctly in 2025.
What Is Food Product Registration in Dubai?
Food product registration is a mandatory approval process managed by Dubai Municipality through its Food Import and Re-export System (FIRS).
Any company that wants to import, manufacture, distribute, or sell packaged food must register its product and labeling details before sale.
This process protects public health, controls product classification, and ensures traceability in the UAE’s busy food supply chain.
Who Needs to Register Their Food Products?
If you’re involved in any of these activities, you’ll need to register your food products with Dubai Municipality:
- Importing packaged or bulk food items into Dubai
- Manufacturing food locally (factories, cloud kitchens, central kitchens)
- Distributing or wholesaling food to retailers
- Running a home-based or small food business
Thinking of starting a small food venture from home? Check our step-by-step guide to starting a home-based food business in Dubai.
Step-by-Step: How to Register a Food Product in Dubai
Here’s a clear breakdown of the Dubai food product registration process:
Get a Valid Trade License
You must first have a legally registered business in Dubai to apply for food product approval.
This license must cover the correct business activities (e.g., food trading, importing, or manufacturing).
Need help choosing the right license? Read our complete guide to getting a business license in Dubai.
Create a FIRS Account
If you plan to import food, you’ll need to register on the Food Import and Re-export System (FIRS) portal.
This online system lets you submit product information, track approvals, and manage imports.
Prepare the Product Label
Labeling is key! Dubai Municipality requires labels in both Arabic and English with:
- Product name and category
- Complete ingredient list
- Nutritional information (if needed)
- Country of origin and manufacturer
- Production & expiry dates
Many businesses get delayed because their label lacks Arabic translation.
Raes Associates can help ensure your labels meet Dubai Municipality standards.
Submit Your Application
Upload these documents to FIRS or the Dubai Municipality portal:
- Clear image of your product label
- Ingredient breakdown
- Trade license copy
- Manufacturer certificate (if needed)
- Actual product photo
Product Review & Approval
Dubai Municipality will review your documents, check your label for compliance, and verify the product contents.
If approved, your food product gets added to the FIRS system, and you’re cleared to import, distribute, and sell it legally in Dubai and the UAE.
Want to understand how registration works for non-food items too? See our full guide to product registration in Dubai.
How Much Does It Cost to Register a Food Product in Dubai?
Typical costs for food product registration range from AED 500 to AED 1,500 per product.
Prices vary based on:
- Type of product (packaged, fresh, specialty)
- Volume and import frequency
- Extra translation, resubmission, or re-approval costs
At Raes Associates, we offer transparent pricing and full support, so you know exactly what to budget.
Common Reasons for Rejection
Mistakes can lead to rejection or costly delays. Common issues include:
- Missing or inaccurate Arabic labels
- Use of restricted ingredients
- Incorrect product classification
- Incomplete documents
Always double-check your ingredient list and ensure your labels match UAE food standards.
Why Choose Raes Associates?
Raes Associates is trusted by food startups, importers, and F&B brands across Dubai.
We handle every step — so you avoid fines, product holds, and stressful rejections.
Raes Associates is trusted by food startups, importers, and F&B brands across Dubai because we handle every step of the process — so you avoid costly fines, product holds, and stressful rejections. We help you choose the right trade license for your food business, prepare accurate product labels in both Arabic and English, manage your FIRS registration and product submission, and secure fast approvals and renewals. We also provide related services like Import Export Code registration, giving you complete support to launch your products in Dubai with confidence.
Start Your Food Product Registration Today
Setting up a food business in Dubai is exciting — but registration mistakes can be costly.
Raes Associates handles your trade license, FIRS paperwork, labeling, and all government coordination — so you focus on selling your product.
Ready to get started? Message us on WhatsApp today for a free consultation.
FAQs on Food Product Registration in Dubai
Q: Do I need a license to sell homemade food in Dubai?
Yes — even home-based food businesses must register their trade license and products with Dubai Municipality.
Q: How long does food product registration take in Dubai?
If your documents are correct, approval usually takes 5–15 working days.
Q: Is Arabic translation mandatory for food labels?
Yes — the law requires Arabic on all food packaging sold in Dubai.
Q: Can I change a registered product’s ingredients later?
Yes, but you’ll need to update your FIRS file and get re-approval for the new version.
