If you’re planning to sell food products in Dubai — whether you’re launching a restaurant, running a cloud kitchen, importing packaged foods, or selling homemade treats — understanding Dubai food regulations is your first step to success.
Strict guidelines by Dubai Municipality food safety authorities ensure that everything people eat is safe, properly labeled, and fully traceable. Failing to comply can lead to fines, rejected shipments, or even business closure — but with the right knowledge and support, you can navigate this with confidence.
What Are Dubai Food Regulations?
Dubai food regulations are a set of laws and procedures that cover how food is imported, manufactured, labeled, stored, and sold in the Emirate. The Dubai Municipality is the main authority overseeing compliance, together with the Food Import and Re-export System (FIRS Dubai).
To legally bring food products into Dubai or produce them locally, you’ll need to follow a clear process that includes:
- Getting the right trade license
- Registering your product through FIRS Dubai
- Ensuring labels meet UAE food import rules
- Following Dubai Municipality food safety standards
Why Product Registration Is Mandatory
Completing food product registration Dubai is not optional — it’s a legal step to ensure your products:
- Are free from banned ingredients
- Carry clear, compliant labels in Arabic and English
- Meet packaging standards
- Can clear customs without delays
If you skip this, your products can be rejected at port, destroyed, or returned to origin — which means lost money and trust.
What Businesses Must Register Food Products?
Restaurants, cafes, and bakeries
Supermarkets, groceries, and convenience stores
Home-based food businesses
Cloud kitchens and delivery-only brands
Import/export companies
If you’re starting small, check our detailed Home Made Food License in Dubai guide — it explains the basics for home-based cooks and bakers.
What Documents Do You Need?
For smooth food product registration Dubai, you’ll need:
- A valid trade license
- Label design (Arabic + English)
- Product photo
- Ingredients list
- Country of origin details
- Manufacturer certificate (for imports)
- Import Export Code (if importing)
A clear, correct label is critical. Need help with label design? Raes can handle the translation and compliance for you.
Steps to Register a Food Product in Dubai
- Get Your Food Business License
Whether you run a restaurant, foodstuff trading company, or small catering brand, you need the right license first. See our Food Stuff Trading License Dubai guide for details. - Register on FIRS Dubai
Create an account in the Food Import and Re-export System. This is where you submit your product details for approval. - Upload Label & Details
Add the label design, ingredients, nutritional info, shelf life, and all required documents. - Pay the Fees & Wait for Approval
Once submitted, Dubai Municipality will review your file. If everything is correct, you’ll get your product approved for import and sale.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using only English labels — Arabic is mandatory
Missing nutritional info or expiry dates
Including banned or restricted ingredients
Submitting unclear product photos
Registering without a valid license
These mistakes can cause your product to be rejected or delayed. Save time — let Raes review your documents first.
Costs for Food Product Registration
The cost depends on:
- Number of products
- Translation needs
- Whether you’re importing or producing locally
Typically, expect AED 500–1,500 per product. For a precise quote, we recommend a quick consultation.
Linked Regulations: Cafes & Restaurants
Planning a restaurant or café too? See our Guide to Cafeteria License Dubai and Restaurant License Dubai posts — they break down requirements and costs step by step.
Raes Asso Raes Associates is trusted by food startups, importers, and F&B brands across Dubai. We handle every step for you — so you avoid fines, product holds, and stressful rejections. From choosing the right trade license for your food business to preparing accurate labels in Arabic and English, we manage your FIRS registration and product submission, ensure fast approvals and renewals, and support you with related services like Import Export Code registration.
Already selling food from home? See how to expand your reach with our Sell Homemade Food Online UAE guide.
Ready to Register Your Food Product in Dubai?
Don’t waste time or risk costly mistakes. Let our experts handle your food product registration Dubai from start to finish. Chat with Raes Associates now for a free consultation!
