You can't legally sell a cosmetic or skincare product in Dubai just because it's safe and well made. It has to be registered first, and a missing document or a mislabelled box can hold up your launch by weeks.
Dubai Municipality runs a dedicated online system for this, and once you understand how it works, the process is manageable. Contact Raes Associates if you'd like our team to prepare and submit your registration for you.
What Is Dubai Municipality Product Registration?
Product registration is the approval Dubai Municipality gives a consumer product after reviewing its composition, labelling and safety. Once approved, the product is assigned a registration number and can be imported, advertised, sold and distributed in Dubai, subject to applicable requirements.
For cosmetics and personal care products, Dubai Municipality's guidelines state that products must be registered before they are manufactured, imported, advertised, sold or distributed in Dubai.
This applies to manufacturers, importers, distributors and brand owners placing products on the Dubai market. Registration helps protect consumers from unsafe ingredients and misleading labels. Retailers and regulators may also ask for proof of registration.
For an overview of the requirements across different product categories, read our guide on Product Registration in Dubai and UAE.
Which Cosmetic and Skincare Products Need Registration?
A range of cosmetics and personal care products may require registration before they can be placed on the Dubai market.
Cosmetics
Makeup, nail products, hair colour and similar cosmetic items.
Skincare Products
Creams, serums, cleansers, moisturisers, sunscreens and face masks.
Personal Care Products
Shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, soaps and body wash.
Fragrances
Perfumes and body sprays. If you're building a fragrance brand, explore our guide on How to Start a Perfume Business in Dubai.
Related categories, including health supplements and certain cleaning and disinfectant products, may also require registration or approval through the relevant authority.
How to Register Cosmetic and Skincare Products with Dubai Municipality
The registration process involves identifying the correct product category, preparing the supporting documents, checking label compliance and submitting the application through the relevant online system.
1Identify the Product Category
Confirm whether your product falls under cosmetics, personal care, fragrances or another regulated category. A skincare product making medical or therapeutic claims may fall under a different regulatory route.
2Prepare the Required Documents
Gather the applicable trade licence, Certificate of Free Sale, ingredient list, certificates of analysis, GMP certificate, product images and label artwork. Exact requirements depend on the product and its category.
3Check Product and Label Requirements
Review the ingredients against applicable UAE requirements. Ensure the packaging displays the mandatory product information in the required languages and that the details match the supporting documents.
4Submit the Application
Create or access your company account on the Montaji portal, add the product details, upload the requested documents and artwork, and pay the applicable fees.
5Complete the Review
Dubai Municipality reviews the application and may request corrections, additional information or testing, depending on the product and its documentation.
6Receive Registration or Approval
Once the application is approved, the product receives its registration details. The validity period should be confirmed from the issued certificate and the current rules applicable to the product.
A licensed company with the appropriate business activity is generally needed to undertake the process. Our company formation team can help you explore free zone or mainland setup options. You can also read our guide on General Trading Licenses in Dubai and UAE.
Montaji Product Registration
Montaji is Dubai Municipality's online service for registering consumer products. It is used for relevant categories such as cosmetics, personal care products, fragrances, health supplements and certain cleaning products.
Through the portal, businesses can submit product information, upload the requested documents, pay applicable fees and track the status of applications.
The basic process is to register your company on the portal, add each product, upload the documents requested for that category and follow the application through review.
Access the official portal at montaji.dm.gov.ae. You can also explore our detailed guides:
Documents Required for Cosmetic Product Registration
Exact documentation requirements depend on the product and should be confirmed through Montaji before submitting an application. Commonly requested items include the following.
Product Details
- Product name and category
- Intended use and formulation
- Ingredient list with concentrations, where required
Manufacturer Information
- Manufacturer name and address
- Country of origin
- Brand authorisation letter, where applicable
Label and Packaging
- Clear images of the final packaging
- Label artwork
- Product information matching the application
Supporting Certificates
- Certificate of Free Sale
- GMP certificate
- Certificates of analysis or safety data, as applicable
Depending on the product, additional documentation may include safety assessments, toxicology reports, halal certification where relevant, or evidence supporting clinical or organic claims.
If your documentation or packaging needs attention, Raes Associates can assist with GMP certification, product label design and international barcodes (EAN-13).
How to Register Cosmetic Products Online
Cosmetic product registration is handled online through Montaji. The general workflow is as follows:
- Create or access your business account on the portal.
- Add each product and select the correct category.
- Enter product information that matches the supporting documents.
- Upload the requested files and product artwork.
- Pay the applicable fees through the portal.
- Respond to any questions or requests from Dubai Municipality.
Before you start, keep your trade licence details, manufacturer information, ingredient data and final label artwork ready. Inconsistent details, unclear packaging images and missing certificates can delay an application.
If you're importing products, check whether you also need customs registration and related approvals before the goods arrive.
How Much Does Product Registration in Dubai Cost?
Dubai Municipality charges product registration fees according to the applicable product category and process. The exact amount should be confirmed in Montaji when you submit your application.
Beyond the government fee, your total budget may need to cover:
- Attestation of the Certificate of Free Sale and other documents
- Label design, translation and artwork changes
- GMP documentation or laboratory testing, where required
- Consultant or PRO service fees if you outsource the process
- Separate fees for individual products or variants, where applicable
The total cost depends on the category, formulation complexity, number of products and supporting documentation required. For broader budgeting, read our guide on UAE Business Setup Costs: 15 Costs Nobody Warns You About.
How to Check Dubai Municipality Product Registration Status
Log in to your Montaji account and open the relevant product application to review its current status, any queries from reviewers and its registration number once approved.
You will generally need your company login details, product information and application reference. Check the account regularly during the review process and respond promptly to requests for clarification or additional documents.
Unanswered queries can delay the application, so assign someone to monitor the portal until the process is complete.
Product Registration for Food and Health Supplements
Food Products
Food products follow a separate registration route through Dubai Municipality's Food Import and Re-export System (FIRS), rather than the cosmetics registration process in Montaji.
Explore our guides for more information:
- How to Register a Food Product in Dubai
- Food Product Registration with Dubai Municipality
- Cost to Register a Food Product in Dubai
- Dubai Food Regulations
- Food Product Registration Services
Health Supplements
Plain vitamin and mineral supplements without medicinal claims may follow the Dubai Municipality registration route through Montaji. Supplements containing restricted ingredients or making medicinal claims may fall under a different regulatory pathway.
Check the applicable authority and requirements for your specific formulation before applying. Claims on labels, websites and advertisements should accurately reflect the product's permitted use and regulatory classification.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Product Registration
Incorrect Product Information
Names, ingredients, manufacturer details and other information must be consistent across the application and supporting documents.
Incomplete Documentation
Missing certificates or supporting information can delay the review and lead to requests for additional documents.
Non-Compliant Labels
Unclear artwork, missing mandatory information or incorrect label details can prevent approval until corrections are made.
Incorrect Product Category
Choosing the wrong category may result in additional steps or the need to submit the application through a different regulatory route.
Also check whether your product requires additional approvals, such as standards conformity certificates. Confirm the requirements before importing or launching the product.
How Raes Associates Can Help With Product Registration in Dubai
Product registration often comes down to getting the classification, documents and label details right before submission. Raes Associates can help you navigate the process from preparation through application review.
- Identify the likely product category and relevant authority.
- Prepare and check the supporting documentation.
- Review product details and label artwork for consistency.
- Submit the application through the relevant portal.
- Help respond to reviewer queries and requests for corrections.
- Assist with related services, including trademark registration and product documentation.
Explore our cosmetic products registration and product registration services for further assistance.
Register Your Cosmetic Products in Dubai
Planning to launch a skincare, cosmetics or personal care brand in the UAE? Raes Associates can review your product requirements, help prepare the documentation and guide you through the registration process.
Contact our team for a free initial review and a clear plan based on your products and business needs.
Contact Raes AssociatesFrequently Asked Questions
1. How do I register a cosmetic product in Dubai?
Set up a company with the appropriate licence and access the Montaji portal. Add the product, upload the required documents and label artwork, pay the applicable fees and respond to Dubai Municipality's review.
2. What is Montaji product registration?
Montaji is Dubai Municipality's online system for registering relevant consumer products, including cosmetics, personal care products, fragrances and certain health supplements.
3. How much does product registration cost in Dubai?
Fees depend on the product category and application. Confirm the government fee through Montaji and budget separately for documentation, attestation, labelling, testing and professional assistance where required.
4. How long does product registration take?
The process may take a few weeks, depending on document completeness, product requirements and whether testing or clarification is needed. Check the current expected timeline for your category.
5. How can I check my Dubai Municipality product registration?
Log in to your Montaji account and open the relevant product application to check its status, review queries and registration number once approved.
6. Can cosmetic products be registered online?
Yes. The application process is handled through Montaji, including document uploads, payment and application status tracking.
7. Do health supplements use the same system as cosmetics?
Some health supplements, such as plain vitamin and mineral products without medicinal claims, may be registered through Montaji. Products with medicinal claims or restricted ingredients may follow a different regulatory route. Confirm the correct pathway for your product.
Need Help With Product Registration?
Speak with Raes Associates about your product category, documents and registration requirements before launching in Dubai.
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