Company Formation the Smart Way !
Cosmetic Product Registration in Dubai: Complete Guide (2025)
Dubai’s status as a global trade gateway and tax-free haven makes it a prime destination for cosmetic brands. Before any cream, lipstick, or fragrance reaches shelves, registration with Dubai Municipality (DM) is mandatory to ensure consumer safety and compliance with international standards.
Why Is Registration Compulsory?
- Consumer protection: Screens out harmful ingredients.
- Regulatory control: Tracks imported, manufactured and re-exported products.
- Market integrity: Upholds Dubai’s reputation for high-quality, safe cosmetics.
Key Benefits of Registering
- Brand & label protection
- Full access to Dubai’s lucrative market
- Right to import, manufacture and re-export
- Tax-free trading environment
- Governmental support for compliant businesses
Step-by-Step Registration Process
- Form a UAE entity. Set up a Dubai LLC or Free-Zone company with “cosmetics trading” (or general trading) on its licence.
- Register the company with DM. Submit corporate documents via the DM portal.
- Apply for label assessment. Provide product sample + label artwork (Arabic + English) for DM review.
- Ensure label compliance. Ingredients, usage, warnings, batch/expiry dates—all must meet DM guidelines.
- Receive registration certificate. Once approved, the product is listed in DM’s database for 5 years.
Registration Requirements
- Safe ingredients: No banned or restricted substances above permitted limits.
- Cosmetic scope: Product must act on external body parts (skin, hair, nails, lips) or oral cavity.
- Documentation pack:
- Trade licence copy
- Product sample
- Label artwork & Product Information File (PIF)
- Additional lab/test reports if DM requests
- Imported goods: Certain docs must be attested by a UAE embassy in the country of origin.
Cosmetic Categories Eligible for Registration
- Skin care – creams, lotions, gels, masks
- Make-up & beauty – powders, lipsticks, foundations
- Hair care – shampoos, conditioners, styling gels
- Fragrances – perfumes, colognes, deodorants
- Personal hygiene – soaps, shower gels, bath oils
- Sun protection & anti-ageing products
How Long Does It Take?
For complete, accurate dossiers the DM review typically takes 2 – 3 weeks. Missing data, extra testing, or label revisions can extend the timeline.
Why Choose Smart Business Creation?
- Expert dossier & label review
- Arabic/English label compliance support
- Lab-testing coordination when required
- End-to-end guidance through all DM steps
- Post-registration monitoring & renewals
Our deep knowledge of Dubai’s regulatory environment means faster approvals and fewer surprises—so your cosmetics reach the market quickly and compliantly.
Company Formation the Smart Way !
