Dubai’s food regulations are a framework of laws and standards governing how food is imported, manufactured, labeled, stored, distributed, and sold. The Dubai Municipality is the primary authority responsible for ensuring compliance, supported by the Food Import and Re-export System (FIRS Dubai).
Market Opportunity:
Dubai is a major gateway to the GCC and African markets, catering to a diverse population of over 200 nationalities with varying dietary preferences and cultural food needs. Its tax-free economy, advanced logistics infrastructure, and strategic location make it an ideal base for global and regional food brands aiming to expand their presence across the Middle East.
Regulatory Excellence:
The Dubai Municipality enforces stringent food safety and quality standards to protect consumers and maintain market integrity. Through proper food product registration, only compliant, safe, and high-quality products are approved for sale — ensuring consumer confidence and aligning with international food safety regulations.
Business Benefits:
Registered food products earn immediate credibility with importers, distributors, and retailers. Leading supermarkets, restaurants, and e-commerce platforms in Dubai require valid registration certificates for food listings and marketing. This not only facilitates smoother trade operations but also enhances brand trust, consumer loyalty, and long-term market growth.
Our Team of professional advisors will contact you for a tailored package that suits your requirements
Dubai’s food regulations are a framework of laws and standards governing how food is imported, manufactured, labeled, stored, distributed, and sold. The Dubai Municipality is the primary authority responsible for ensuring compliance, supported by the Food Import and Re-export System (FIRS Dubai).
Registration ensures that products are free of banned or harmful substances, and meet all health and safety standards—as determined by rigorous testing and documentation.
All products must be registered with Dubai Municipality before import, export, sale, or trade. Non-compliance can lead to confiscation or penalties.
Only registered products can legally enter the Dubai and UAE retail and e-commerce markets, offering official brand and label protection and enabling smooth import/export across the region.
Registration with Dubai Municipality enhances customer trust and credibility for your cosmetic brand, ensuring your products meet international standards.
Expert evaluation and classification to determine optimal registration pathway and requirements.
Manufacturing facility assessment and quality system verification for regulatory compliance.
Complete trade facilitation services for seamless market entry and regional expansion.
Strategic consulting for optimal market positioning and distribution channel development.
Food products registered and market-ready in as little as 6-8 weeks
Registering your food products with Dubai Municipality through FIRS is not optional. It is a legal requirement that ensures your products:
Without proper registration, products can be rejected, destroyed, or returned at the port — leading to financial loss and reputational damage.
Food registration applies to all businesses involved in food trade and preparation, including:
If you’re a home-based food entrepreneur, you’ll also need a Home Food License in Dubai before registering your products.
To complete the registration process smoothly, you will need:
A compliant label is critical. At PRD, we design, translate, and review food labels to ensure they meet all Dubai Municipality standards.
Comprehensive product evaluation including classification, regulatory pathway determination, and customized registration strategy development. We assess manufacturing facilities and quality systems for compliance requirements.
Complete file compilation including technical documentation, halal certificates, nutritional analysis, and Arabic label translations. All documents prepared to Dubai Municipality and ESMA standards.
Professional submission through the Food Import & Re-export System with complete documentation package, fee processing, and submission confirmation tracking.
Dubai Municipality and ESMA evaluation period with active monitoring, query response coordination, and additional documentation submission if required by authorities.
Coordination with approved laboratories for comprehensive testing including microbiological analysis, chemical contamination screening, and nutritional content verification.
Certificate issuance, quality assurance review, and delivery to client with comprehensive post-registration support and ongoing compliance guidance.
The cost varies depending on:
On average, businesses can expect AED 500 – 1,500 per product (excluding government fees and lab testing costs). PRD offers package discounts for multiple SKUs and provides transparent pricing upfront.
98% first-time success rate through precise documentation and compliance checks.
From ingredient review and safety documentation to Montaji portal submission and Arabic labeling.
Dedicated specialists provide real-time updates and answer all your queries.
Trusted by international beauty brands and emerging startups expanding into the GCC.
Clear timelines, no hidden costs, and a smooth process from start to finish.
Clear timelines, no hidden costs, and a smooth process from start to finish.
Dubai’s strategic location makes it a gateway to Middle Eastern, African, and Asian markets. With a diverse population of over 3 million residents and millions of tourists annually, the demand for quality food products continues to grow exponentially. Navigate the FIRS system and ESMA requirements with expert guidance.
Yes. All food products must be registered with Dubai Municipality through the Food Import & Re-export System (FIRS). Without registration, products cannot be legally imported, distributed, or sold in Dubai.
On average, the registration process takes 2–4 weeks, depending on documentation readiness, product category, and whether laboratory testing is required.
Key documents include a valid UAE trade license, Arabic & English labels, ingredient list, nutritional details, country of origin, manufacturer’s certificate (for imports), and a product photo. Additional documents like Halal certification may be required for specific food categories.
Yes. Food labels in Dubai must be bilingual (Arabic & English) and include ingredients, allergens, nutritional values, storage instructions, shelf life, and halal logo (if applicable).
The cost typically ranges from AED 500 – 1,500 per product depending on the number of SKUs, translation needs, and testing requirements. Additional Dubai Municipality fees (AED 400–800 per product) and lab testing charges may apply.
Halal certification is mandatory for meat, poultry, gelatin, and certain processed foods. Other food categories may not require halal certification but must still confirm ingredient compliance.
Yes. Even home-based businesses and cloud kitchens must register their food products through FIRS Dubai, provided they hold the correct license (e.g., Home Food License or food trading license).
Products can be rejected at port, destroyed, or returned to origin, causing financial loss and reputational damage. Registration ensures smooth customs clearance and legal market entry.
We’re here to help. If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, feel free to reach out to our team. We’ll make sure you get the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.
Contact us today and transform your product registration journey from challenge to competitive advantage. Your products deserve to reach Dubai's discerning consumers.
