Imported food has a big place on UAE shelves, from supermarket staples to specialty snacks, and demand keeps growing as the population and the hospitality sector expand. But food is one of the most closely controlled product categories in the country.

A shipment without the right registration, label or certificate can be held at the port for weeks. Understanding the rules before you ship can help prevent an expensive delay. Contact Raes Associates if you'd like our team to handle your food product registration and import compliance from start to finish.

This guide walks through the process in order, covering licensing and registration, labelling, documents, shipping and customs, and the mistakes that most often delay shipments.

Table of Contents

What Are the Requirements for Importing Food into the UAE?

UAE food import control is built around registration and labelling. Before a shipment arrives, you need to have the relevant business licences, product approvals, compliant packaging and shipment documents in place.

1. Importer Requirements

You need a trade licence that includes an appropriate food trading activity, issued on the mainland or in a free zone, as applicable. A customs importer code is also required to clear goods.

Our company formation team can help with setup. Read our guide on General Trading Licenses in Dubai and UAE for more information.

2. Food Product Registration

Imported food products must be registered through the applicable UAE food registration system. Dubai importers use Dubai Municipality's Food Import and Re-export System (FIRS) for relevant food registration and import procedures.

Product and label details must match the submitted application.

3. Product and Packaging Requirements

Packaging must be suitable for food contact, and labels must comply with the applicable UAE requirements. Ingredients, dates, allergens and other mandatory details should be checked before shipment.

4. Import and Customs Documents

Consignments typically require a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, certificate of origin and health certificate from the exporting country.

Meat, poultry and certain other products may require additional halal, health or phytosanitary documentation.

Before shipping: Confirm the current registration, certificate, labelling and customs requirements for your specific food category and country of origin. Requirements may differ by product.

How to Register Food Products in Dubai

Dubai Municipality oversees relevant food product registration and import procedures through FIRS. The importer registers as an authorised food supplier and submits the details and supporting documents requested for each product.

1Register Your Company in FIRS

Ensure your trade licence includes an appropriate food activity and complete the applicable company or supplier registration requirements in the system.

2Add Each Food Product

Provide the product description, ingredients, nutritional information, shelf life, storage conditions and clear images of the product and its label, as requested.

3Submit the Label for Assessment

Check that the label follows the applicable UAE requirements. The product name, ingredients, allergens, dates and importer information should be consistent across the application and packaging.

4Upload Supporting Documents

Submit the documents requested for the product. These may include a Certificate of Free Sale, health certificate or halal certificate, depending on the product and its origin.

5Receive Approval

Once the required assessment is complete and approval is granted, the product can proceed through the applicable import process. Some products may be selected for laboratory testing based on risk.

For more detailed guidance, explore our related resources:

UAE Food Labelling Requirements

Food labels are checked closely and are a common reason registration applications are delayed or rejected. Labelling for prepackaged food follows the applicable UAE and GCC requirements, including the relevant standard for prepackaged food.

Typical mandatory information includes:

Product Information

Product name that clearly describes the food
Ingredients listed in descending order by weight
Allergen information
Nutritional information in the required format
Net quantity in metric units

Origin and Traceability

Country of origin
Manufacturer or packer details
UAE importer name and address
Production and expiry or best-before dates
Batch number and storage conditions
Halal marking where applicable and supported by a valid certificate

Arabic Labelling

Arabic is required for consumer packaged food, and mandatory information must appear in Arabic even if the label also includes other languages. In many cases, an approved Arabic sticker can be used to translate an existing label, subject to the applicable requirements.

Shelf-Life Requirements

Shelf life is another important consideration. UAE authorities may require a minimum proportion of the total shelf life to remain when goods arrive. The applicable requirement can vary by product category, so confirm the current rule before shipping.

If your artwork needs adjustment, our product label design service can help prepare compliant bilingual labels. Our international barcodes (EAN-13) service can also assist with barcode requirements.

How to Import Packaged Food into the UAE from India

Importing packaged food from India to the UAE is an established trade route. The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) may provide preferential duty treatment for eligible goods, subject to the applicable rules of origin and documentation.

The process involves coordination between the Indian exporter and the UAE importer.

Steps for Indian Food Manufacturers and Exporters

1Obtain the Required Indian Credentials

Depending on the business and product, requirements typically include an appropriate FSSAI licence, an Import Export Code from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), and registration with an export promotion body such as APEDA where applicable.

2Prepare UAE-Compliant Labels

Check Arabic labelling, ingredients, allergens, dates, country of origin and importer details before finalising the packaging.

3Arrange a Certificate of Origin

A valid certificate of origin may help eligible goods qualify for preferential duty treatment under CEPA, subject to the agreement's rules and requirements.

4Obtain Product-Specific Certificates

Depending on the food category, arrange the required health, phytosanitary or halal certificates before shipment.

Find a UAE Importer or Distributor

A UAE-licensed importer is needed to register products and clear shipments. Choose a partner with an appropriate active food licence and the necessary registration access. Some Indian brands work with an existing distributor, while others establish their own UAE company.

Check Product Compliance Before Dispatch

Confirm that ingredients and additives are permitted under applicable UAE and GCC requirements. Check the label, shelf life and packaging before shipping.

Prepare Shipping and Customs Documents

Common documents include:

Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of lading or airway bill
Certificate of origin
Health certificate
Halal certificate or other category-specific certificates, where required

Do not ship first and register later. Complete the required product registration and label approval before dispatch, and confirm the import requirements for each consignment with the relevant authority.

For the UAE-side process, read our guide on How to Get a Food License in Dubai.

How Much Does It Cost to Import Packaged Food into the UAE?

There is no single cost for importing packaged food into the UAE. The total depends on the product, shipment volume, origin, freight method and regulatory requirements. Build your budget around the following cost categories.

Product Registration

Registration charges may apply per product. The total depends on the size of your product range and the applicable requirements.

Read our guide on How Much Does It Cost to Register a Food Product in Dubai?

Documentation and Certification

Budget for document attestation, halal certification, laboratory reports, label design and translation where required.

Shipping and Freight

Costs depend on distance, shipment size, transport mode and whether the goods require temperature-controlled handling.

Customs and Import Costs

Customs duty depends on tariff classification and origin. VAT generally applies to imports at the standard rate unless a specific relief or exception applies.

Storage and Handling

Account for warehousing, handling, inspections and any temperature-controlled storage requirements.

Business Setup

If you establish your own importing business, include trade licence, customs registration, visa and ongoing compliance expenses.

For a wider view of business setup expenses, read UAE Business Setup Costs: 15 Costs Nobody Warns You About. You can also plan your ongoing obligations with our accounting and bookkeeping team.

What Food Items Are Restricted or Not Allowed in the UAE?

Restrictions depend on the product, its ingredients, country of origin and current regulatory conditions. Requirements can change, so confirm the position before planning a shipment.

Pork and Alcohol-Containing Products

These categories are tightly controlled and may be subject to specific requirements, approvals and handling rules.

Animal Products

Meat, poultry, dairy and seafood may require health certificates. Meat and poultry may also require halal certification. Certain origins can face restrictions due to disease outbreaks.

Plant Products

Some plant products require phytosanitary certificates and additional checks before import.

Ingredients and Additives

Ingredients or additives that do not comply with UAE and GCC requirements may lead to rejection or other regulatory action.

Expired or Non-Compliant Goods

Products with insufficient remaining shelf life, inaccurate dates or non-compliant labels can be refused.

Food compliance can be checked at registration, at the port and in the market. A product must continue to comply with its approved registration and applicable requirements after it enters the UAE.

Can You Sell Homemade Food in the UAE?

Yes, but home-based food businesses follow a different route from commercial imported food. You need the appropriate licence and must comply with the applicable food safety requirements and conditions.

For more information, explore our guides:

The main difference is the nature of the activity. A home food business operates under its relevant licence and conditions, while importing packaged food generally involves a food trading activity, product registration, label compliance and shipment clearance.

UAE Food Import Regulations: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incorrect Labelling

Missing Arabic information, undeclared allergens, incorrect dates or missing importer details can delay approval or clearance.

Missing Documents

An absent health certificate or a halal certificate that does not meet applicable recognition requirements can hold up a shipment.

Incorrect Product Classification

Registering a product under the wrong category or describing it inconsistently may result in additional assessment or corrections.

Importing Before Approval

Shipping before completing required registration and label approval can lead to delays, storage expenses or refusal.

Non-Compliant Packaging

Packaging that is unsuitable for food contact or differs from the approved product details may cause problems during inspection.

Ignoring Shelf Life

Goods arriving with insufficient remaining shelf life may not meet the applicable requirements for import.

Setting up with the right activities from the start can help avoid wider compliance issues. Read our guide on Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Business in the UAE.

If you're also planning a retail outlet, explore our guides on How to Open a Grocery Store in Dubai and the grocery licence process.

How Raes Associates Can Help With Food Product Registration and Import Compliance

Raes Associates supports importers and food brands throughout the registration and import preparation process.

Food product registration: Identifying the appropriate registration system and product category.
Documentation: Preparing and checking certificates, product details and supporting files.
Product compliance: Reviewing ingredients, shelf life and packaging against applicable requirements.
Label review: Checking label details and helping correct issues before submission.
Registration assistance: Helping file applications in FIRS and respond to authority queries.
Import and business setup guidance: Assisting with licensed company setup, customs registration and compliance planning.

We can also help protect your brand through trademark registration. If you manufacture products, our GMP certification service can assist with relevant documentation requirements.

Planning to Import Food into the UAE?

Get support with food product registration, compliant labelling, import documentation and business setup. Raes Associates can help you understand the requirements before your shipment leaves the country of origin.

Contact our team for a free initial review of your products and a clear import plan.

Contact Raes Associates

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the requirements for importing food into the UAE?

You generally need a licensed company with an appropriate food activity, a customs importer code, registration of each applicable food product and label, and shipment documents such as a commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and health certificate. Additional certificates may be required for specific products.

2. How do I register my food products in Dubai?

Register your company through the applicable Dubai Municipality FIRS process, add the product details and label image, upload the requested supporting documents and complete the required assessment. Confirm product approval and import requirements before dispatch.

3. What are the requirements for food labelling in the UAE?

Labels must follow the applicable UAE and GCC requirements. Mandatory information generally includes the product name, ingredients, allergens, net quantity, country of origin, dates, storage conditions and manufacturer or importer details. Arabic information is required for consumer packaged food.

4. What food items are not allowed in the UAE?

Restrictions depend on the product and current regulations. Pork and alcohol-containing products are tightly controlled, some animal products may be restricted by origin, and products with non-permitted ingredients or non-compliant labels may be refused. Check the current rules for your category before shipping.

5. Can I import packaged food from India to the UAE?

Yes. The Indian exporter must meet applicable export requirements, and the UAE importer must complete the relevant product registration, labelling and import procedures. CEPA may provide preferential duty treatment for eligible goods when the applicable rules and documentation are met.

6. How much does it cost to import food into the UAE?

Costs vary by product, shipment volume and route. Budget for business licensing, product registration, certificates, labelling, freight, customs duty, VAT and storage. Obtain current quotes based on your product and shipment details.

Make Your UAE Food Import Process Easier

Speak with Raes Associates about product registration, labelling requirements and import compliance before arranging your shipment.

Get Import Compliance Assistance

Importing Packaged Food into the UAE: Requirements, Regulations, Costs & Process