When you bring consumer products into Dubai, you need a CPIP. This stands for Consignment Release Permit. It is required before your goods can be sold or re-exported. It ensures that all products comply with UAE health and safety regulations.
In this blog, we explain how the CPIP process works with Dubai Municipality. You will see what documents are needed and what steps to follow. This guide will help you handle imports and consignments with less stress.
Understanding the Consignment Release Permit
The Consignment Release Permit (CPIP), also called the Consumer Product Import & Re-Export Permit, is required for all consumer products entering or leaving the UAE. It is managed by Dubai Municipality to ensure goods meet health and safety standards before being released.
Key Points to Know
- Purpose: Approves imported goods for sale in the UAE market or for re-export.
- Authority: Issued by the Dubai Customs and Dubai Municipality through the Montaji system.
- Products Covered: Cosmetics, personal care, food, health supplements, detergents, and other regulated consumer goods.
- Requirement: Mandatory for every shipment before customs clearance.
- Outcome: Without CPIP, consignments cannot be released to the local market or shipped out.
Benefits of Consumer Product Import and Re-Export Permit
Obtaining a CPIP is more than just a requirement. It protects your business and fosters trust in the market. Here’s how:
- Smooth Import & Export: With CPIP, your goods move through customs faster, avoiding delays at ports.
- Market Approval: It confirms your products meet Dubai Municipality health and safety standards, so they can legally be sold.
- Re-Export Access: The same permit allows you to send goods abroad without extra hurdles.
- Consumer Confidence: Customers trust products that pass official checks of quality standards, which boosts your brand reputation.
- Risk Reduction: Prevents fines, seizures, or shipment rejections caused by missing permits.
Steps to Obtain CPIP From Dubai Municipality, UAE
Applying for a CPIP may seem complex, but if you follow the process step by step, it becomes much easier. Here’s how you can get it done:
1. Register Your Company and Products
Sign up in the Montaji system of Dubai Municipality. Complete your company profile and make sure your importer code is active. List each product you plan to import or re-export in Montaji before applying.
2. Gather the Required Documents
Prepare the basic paperwork in advance. Your paperwork can make or break your application, so make sure everything is valid and complete.
3. Submit Your CPIP Request Online
Log into Montaji and choose the service “Import / Re-Export Permit.” Fill in shipment details like container type, transport mode, country of origin, and arrival date. Upload all supporting documents and pay the permit fee.
4. Wait for Review or Inspection
Dubai Municipality will check your application and documents. In some cases, they may request product inspection or sampling at the port. Goods may be released with conditions until checks are complete.
5. Receive the Permit
Once approved, the Consignment Release Permit is issued. This allows customs to clear your goods for sale in Dubai or for re-export.
6. Close the Permit on Time
You must close each CPIP after clearance. For local sales, close within 3 months; for reexports, within 6 months. Closing means submitting proof to Dubai Municipality that the goods are cleared. Missing deadlines can lead to fines or blocks.
Documents Required for CPIP
You need to prepare the following documents for submission:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or airway bill
- Customs bill of entry (import declaration)
- Certificate of origin
- Product registration certificate from Montaji (if required)
- Product test reports or lab certificates (depending on category)
- Labels meeting UAE standards (ingredients, expiry, etc.)
- Any additional permits for special items (e.g., food, cosmetics, supplements, detergents)
Ensure Compliance With Requirements for CPIP
You must ensure compliance with regulations set by Dubai Municipality to apply for the CPIP:
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a CPIP (Consignment Release Permit) in Dubai, companies must meet the following:
- Be a registered legal entity in the UAE.
- Hold a valid import/export or trading license for consumer goods.
- Have an active importer code with Dubai Municipality.
- Be registered on the Montaji platform (Dubai Municipality’s product portal).
- Ensure the products are listed and approved in Montaji before applying.
- Goods must fall under the consumer product category (cosmetics, detergents, food contact materials, etc.).
- For reexports, businesses must commit to exporting goods within the allowed time frame.
Regulatory Compliance Requirements
Along with eligibility, businesses must follow Dubai Municipality’s compliance rules:
- Products must meet health, safety, and labeling standards.
- Labels should include details like ingredients, expiry date, batch number, and be in the correct languages.
- At least 50% of product shelf life should remain at the time of import.
- Goods must follow the required storage and transport conditions (e.g., packaging, temperature).
- Physical inspection or product sampling may be carried out by Dubai Municipality.
- If not inspected at the port, goods may be released under detention to the warehouse until clearance.
- For reexport consignments, an export certificate or exit manifest is required.
- The CPIP must be closed on time (within 3 months for local sale, 6 months for reexport).
- All related fees and deposits must be paid as per Dubai Municipality rules.
Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for CPIP
The following are the major mistakes that you have to avoid When Applying for CPIP & Import-ReExport Permit:
1. Skipping Product Registration
Not registering products in the Montaji-system before applying for the consignment release permit often leads to rejection. All items in the consignment must be listed first.
2. Using the Wrong License
A valid general trading license covering goods import and reexport is required. Using a license without the right activity will cause delays.
3. Submitting Incomplete Documents
Missing or incorrect required documents, such as a commercial invoice, packing list, or certificate of origin, can hold back clearance.
4. Ignoring Label Rules
Labels that do not meet health & safety standards, or lack Arabic translation, risk rejection by the Municipality of Dubai.
5. Overlooking Product Origin
Failure to provide the correct origin of the goods creates issues with Dubai Customs when applying for the import permit.
6. Forgetting About Inspections
Some product consignments may require physical inspection at UAE ports. Be prepared to comply with health standards.
7. Missing CPIP Closing Deadlines
Every CPIP in Dubai must be closed on time. Local market sales must be closed within three months, while reexport consignments must be closed within six months.
8. Misusing Non-Commercial Import
Importing for non-commercial use or reexport without following the required timelines can cause penalties.
9. Applying Too Late
Delays in applying for the CPIP affect cargo release and imported goods may remain stuck at customs.
10. Ignoring Product Categories
Each product category, such as food products, cosmetics, or household items, has specific compliance rules set by the Dubai Municipality.
Assuming Automatic Approval
Not all imported consignments pass. If products do not comply with UAE regulations, they may be rejected even after application.
Vague Declarations
General terms like “consumer product” are not enough. The items in the consignment must be described clearly for customs and the registration process.
Skipping Business Setup Basics
Businesses involved in imports must complete a proper business setup and be registered in the Montaji system before trying to apply for the CPIP.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why does the municipality need to release a consignment before entry into the UAE market?
The municipality’s release process ensures that goods meet all health & safety checks before reaching shelves or being exported again. Products must pass inspections for the municipality to release them for sale or export.
2. Are there related services linked with the CPIP process?
Yes, companies often require related services such as product registration, inspection support, and consultancy to manage compliance smoothly.
3. What type of company must be registered to apply for CPIP?
The importer or trading firm has to be registered in the UAE with a valid license covering consumer product activities.
4. How does applying for the import service work in Dubai?
When applying for the import service, companies submit cargo details, attach required papers, and pay fees through the Montaji portal.
5. What happens if goods are intended for re-export or non-commercial use must be declared?
Any consignment marked for re-export or non-commercial use must follow strict timelines and be cleared from UAE ports within the allowed period.
6. Why must the local market be registered before selling products?
The local market must be registered to ensure traceability and compliance, especially for sensitive categories including food and cosmetics.
7. What kind of document is issued after CPIP approval?
Once approved, a document issued electronically serves as the official permit allowing goods into the UAE or for export abroad.
8. How many months from the date can an Import & Reexport permit stay valid?
The permit remains active for specific timelines, usually a few months from the date of release, depending on whether goods are sold locally or re-exported.
9. Are food items included in the Consignment Release Permit requirement?
Yes, all consumer products, including food, fall under the same permit process to guarantee they meet the standards set for the Dubai market.
10. What documents must be submitted for approval?
For every CPIP request, invoices, packing lists, certificates, and other records must be submitted to complete the process successfully.