There is a vast market for food products in Dubai. Dubai in UAE is a deserted area with very little production of crops and other foodstuffs. In contrary, the population of Dubai is increasing rapidly due to influx of large number of foreigners. This makes Dubai an ideal place for import and manufacture of food products. The government of Dubai is committed to provide all necessities of life of high standard to its citizens and expats.
To ensure this, there is also a complete procedure for registration of food products in Dubai like other types of products. This procedure is quite strict and its main aim is to allow only best food products in Dubai, free from all types of harmful effects. Through food product registration, companies are allowed to import, manufacture, distribute (in local market) and re-export products in other countries. Thus, it provides complete trade facilities to traders and merchants.
Benefits
Following are important benefits that are available to traders after registration of food products.
This will allow placing a food product in highly profitable market of Dubai, UAE and other Gulf countries
Traders will be allowed to manufacture and re-export their food products in country of their choice using the tax free benefits of Dubai
Dubai’s registration process has now been integrated with ZAD (a federal portal for food trade). This enhances food safety and increases value of food registration in Dubai for international trade
Requirements
Main requirement is the food product registration with DM (Dubai Municipality). DM registers all food products on its Food Import & Re-export System (FIRS)
Ingredients in all products along with brand name, product name, manufacture/expiry date, net weight must be mentioned. Using incorrect labels or publishing false descriptions will result in fine from AED 10,000 to AED 100,000
You will be required to submit all relevant documents in DM including company’s trade license, email, telephone/fax number, location in Dubai and name and mobile number of company’s representative
In case of imported goods, it is necessary to submit additional information and documents like packing list, original health certificate from country of origin and Halal certificate from an approved Islamic organization
For food product label approval in DM, the company is required to mention shelf life, country of origin, storage condition etc. on the label
You can’t apply for prohibited items including alcohol, poppy seed and others mentioned by authorities
Food officer will take the sample of product that will be lab tested in food department in Jebel Ali for standard checking
Further quality of a food product will be checked by ESMA (Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology)
You can’t register non-food items like health supplements. There is a different procedure for registration of such products
Name and account of any food product must be unique
Product registration in Dubai
FIRS Dubai
What is firs in Dubai?
Food Import Re-Export System (FIRS) is considered the most important and the biggest electronic service provided by Dubai Municipality, and is among the best programs of its nature around the world.
Need a UAE based trading license. To register a food product with Dubai Municipality, first requirement is a UAE based company with food trading or general trading activity.
Register the company with DM Portal
Create application for food product registration
Submit the application.
Food Import UAE
Food Import Regulations
These regulations are applicable on all food consignments at all ports of entry in Dubai, and on all licensed establishments in UAE which their licensed activity is related to foodstuff.
Before importing any food product, the importing establishment must ensure that:
A. It is registered with Dubai Municipality E-Government.
B. Activate the Food Import & Re-export service by registering with the Food Import & Re-export System (FIRS) program which belongs to Food Trade control Section
C. Approving the label for any packaged food item which has not been approved before.
D. All food items intended for importation should be registered in the registration and classification system (part of FIRS) based on the barcode number.
E. production & expiration dates shall be mentioned on all food packages (some exceptions apply
Why to choose Raes Associates
Raes Associates is the best and most famous consultancy firm in Dubai regarding product registration including food product registration in Dubai
We will complete whole process by submitting completely-filled application form along with attested documents and ensuring their approval by following all rules and regulations
We have years of experience and good reputation in government departments. This is helpful in completing the whole procedure conveniently
We will assist you in handling all types of legal problems during and after food product registration.
