How to certify products in the UAE
A full range of product certification services from SORP experts to gain access to the fast-growing UAE and international markets.
It is often not enough just to organize logistics and find a sales market to be able to sell goods in the UAE. Some types of products require mandatory certification - otherwise access to the local market will be blocked. These procedures require knowledge of local legislation. SORP has been involved in the certification of goods for more than 15 years, having accumulated rich experience and reliable contacts in government agencies. By entrusting all the formalities to SORP Group experts, you will save resources and time to enable entry to the UAE market and markets in other Gulf countries.
Types of certification in the UAE
Halal Certification
Issued by Islamic associations accredited in the UAE. Certifies meat and products with ingredients of animal origin. Applies not only to a consignment of products but also to the manufacturing plant.
Certificate of Confirmation (CoC)
Awarded to the manufacturer or importer. Serves to confirm the compliance of products with the applicable national standards. Goods imported into the UAE must be certified by ESMA accredited centers.
Markings and labeling Certification
Some products are subject to special labeling requirements: ESMA controls labeling for all tobacco products, toys and household appliances. Some regulators in specific fields register labels for food, fertilizers, cosmetics.
Phytosanitary Certification
A health certificate is issued at the place of origin of the goods for imports into the UAE. Local producers receive a document of conformity from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment for seeds, animal feed, fertilizers, live animals, and plants
RoHS Certification
Restriction of Hazardous Substances includes mandatory certification of electrical equipment and is regulated by ESMA. This is an international certification which requires additional IEC and G-Mark tests, as well as specified markings.
Gulf Mark (G-Mark) Certification
A unique local certificate of conformity issued by ESMA for baby products and low-voltage equipment, and is mandatory for selling in the local market or in the territory of the GCC. It is regulated by the GSO (Gulf Standardization Organization).
In addition to mandatory certification, specialized departments register controlled goods as well as the importing companies, accredit the labeling and issue import permits. The Ministry of Health regulates the import of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. Dubai Municipality is responsible for the import of cosmetics and perfumes. Food Control (DM) registers food and beverages. Dubai Civil Defense accredits hazardous products.
The main product groups subject to mandatory certification in the UAE
Construction materials
Products used in construction, decoration, general repair work require testing in Dubai Municipality for Civil Defense Accreditation
Chemicals and polymers
Fertilizers require testing & registration by the Ministry of Climate Change & Environment. ESMA: chemicals, oil products, paints, varnishes
Food and beverages
Food and drinks require registration with the Municipality and ESMA. Special procedures for meat products and water.
Medicines and cosmetics
Cosmetics and perfumery require registration with the Municipality and ESMA. Mandatory accreditation by the Ministry of Health is required for pharmaceuticals.
Precious metals and jewelry
Alloys, ingots, and jewelry require registration and testing by DMCC Golden Office. All security systems in trading premises should be checked by the Police.
Equipment and electronics
Electrical products should be tested by ESMA to ensure they meet the requirements for heavy and radioactive metals in accordance with RoHS.
Tobacco and tobacco products
Registration, testing of goods and labeling by Dubai Municipality and ESMA are mandatory for any smoking mixtures, including shisha and cigarettes.
Products for children
Toys, baby care products and cosmetics, baby dishes, accessories, hygiene products should pass registration with Dubai Municipality and ESMA.
Organic products
Products that are marketed as “eco” or “natural” must pass tests and inspections to receive the quality label ‘Organic’ from ESMA and DM Food Control.
SORP Group expert solutions for certification of your products in the UAE
Market and legislation analysis
We will analyze all aspects of bringing products to the UAE market, study the regulations for the import and certification of the goods, and register a trademark.
Company incorporation
We will select a license type and incorporate a company in the UAE, which is needed to obtain the import permit for the goods as well as undergo proper certification.
Product certification
We will help validate any permits and certificates, go through all of the laboratory tests at ESMA, and register the goods with the relevant government departments.
Trademark registration
We will determine the appropriate category of products, translate the logo into Arabic, check trademark uniqueness and oversee it through the registration procedure.
Customs support
We will help get the import code for your company, go through all the approvals in the relevant regulatory authorities and quickly carry out the customs clearance procedures.
Logistics solutions
We will find the optimal warehouse solutions for your products that meet the storage requirements and select the best shipping company for transportation.
Stages of product certification in the UAE
Document analysis
We will conduct necessary and proper examination of the existing documents for compliance with local standards, and provide recommendations on all necessary changes.
Defining requirements
We will identify all the peculiarities of the certification processes for a specific type of product and work on ways to implement the requirements of specialized accredited laboratories.
Legalization of documents
We will define the documents to be notarized, translate existing reports and certificates, and we will take them through every step of the legalization procedure.
Getting import permits
We will handle all the requirements and steps involved in importer registration and obtaining the necessary permits including collating the original standard trade documentation for consignments.
Issuing certificates
We will receive a test report and prepare the necessary package of documents for submitting an application for getting certification and registration to the all relevant departments.
Passing the procedure
We will send product samples to the laboratory for testing and prepare the documentation needed when the commission visits to your warehouse or place of production.
SORP is your reliable long-term business partner in the UAE
Get a free consultation with a SORP expert
SORP experts will advise you on certification and customs clearance procedures, obtaining import permits and trademark registration.
Ensure the rapid growth and success of your business in the UAE now!