The UAE government requires you to register your pet food products with Dubai Municipality if you are importing, manufacturing, or distributing them in the emirate. Food item registration in Dubai or any other emirate is a standard process to ensure the safe standards and quality for the products.
This guide walks you through the process you can register your products and the conditions you need to meet for pet animal food registration.
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Understanding Registration for Pet Food in Dubai
Registration for pet food in Dubai is managed by the Dubai Municipality. This process makes sure that all pet food products sold in the market are safe for animals. Companies must complete registration before importing, selling, or distributing any type of pet food.
You need to follow a step by step process to register pet food. During that registration process you need to meet a set of pre defined conditions for the animal feed product and product labels. Importers must meet those mandatory conditions or their products can’t access the markets in Dubai.
Benefits of Food Product Registration in Dubai
The following are the benefits for registering pet food products properly:
For Companies
- Legal Market Access: Products can be imported and sold without the risk of rejection.
- Faster Customs Clearance: Registered products pass through ports without unnecessary delays.
- Stronger Brand Image: Registration proves that the company follows Dubai and UAE safety rules.
- Business Growth: Approval makes it easier to expand sales within Dubai and across the UAE.
For Pet Owners
- Safer Choices: Only food that meets health and quality standards is available in stores.
- Transparent Labels: Packaging must show ingredients and nutritional details.
- Greater Confidence: Owners know they are buying officially approved food for their pets.
Overall Benefits
- Animal Health Protection: Unsafe or harmful products are blocked from the market.
- Consumer Trust: Creates confidence in both local and international brands.
- Market Reliability: Supports Dubai’s reputation as a well-regulated and trusted hub.
Requirements for Pet Food Registration in Dubai
To sell or import pet food in Dubai, companies must follow strict rules set by the Dubai Municipality. These rules protect animals, build trust with pet owners, and keep unsafe products out of the market. Below is a simple guide to the main requirements.
1. Label Conditions
Pet food labels must follow specific rules. Without these details, products can be rejected.
- Product or brand name
- Full list of ingredients and nutritional values
- Manufacturer’s name and address
- Country of origin
- Production and expiry dates with batch number
- Net weight or package size
- Storage instructions (for example, keep in a cool and dry place)
- Target animal type (dog, cat, bird, etc.)
- Feeding instructions and usage method
- Warnings or precautions, if any
- Clear note if it is “Pet Food Only” or “Veterinary Use Only”
- Language requirement: labels must be in Arabic or in both Arabic and English
2. Safety and Regulatory Rules
Apart from documents and labels, companies must follow extra safety steps:
- Shipments at ports are checked by authorities before entry.
- Products must come from countries where they are legally sold.
- Extra certificates are needed for animal proteins like beef or poultry.
- If the product contains GMOs, this must be clearly written on the label.
3. Non-Compliance Risks
If requirements are not met:
- Products may be rejected, destroyed, or re-exported at customs.
- Companies may face fines and penalties.
- Repeated violations can result in losing the business license.
Steps for Animal Food Product Registration Process
Getting pet food approved in Dubai may seem complicated, but the process becomes easy if you follow the steps in order. Here’s a clear guide:
Step 1: Check Your Trade License
Make sure your company has a valid UAE trade license that allows importing/selling pet food. Without this, you cannot apply.
Step 2: Collect the Required Documents
Prepare all the paperwork before applying. Ensure that your documents are complete and valid, as this can make or break your application.
Step 3: Review Label Requirements
Dubai has mandatory labeling requirements that are essential to follow. Ensure that you follow all the requirements for a smooth processing. To check, the requirements have been listed above.
Step 4: Create an Online Account
Use Dubai Municipality’s official registration system (such as Montaji or FIRS). This is where all applications and approvals are managed.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Fill in the product details online and upload all documents. Make sure label artwork is clear and complete.
Step 6: Pay the Fees
Application and assessment fees must be paid through the portal before review begins.
Step 7: Wait for Review
Dubai Municipality reviews your application. They check the documents, label, and safety standards. If corrections are needed, you will be notified.
Step 8: Get Approval
Once approved, you will receive the official registration certificate. This allows you to import/sell/distribute the product in Dubai.
Step 9: Import Through Customs
When bringing a product from another country, present the approved certificate and documents. Shipments are checked at ports. Non-compliant products can be rejected or destroyed.
Step 10: Renew and Stay Compliant
Registrations are valid for a limited time. Renew before expiry and update documents if the product changes.
Documents Required for Pet Food Registration
The following set of documents are required to process your pet food licensing application:
- Trade License: A valid UAE trade license that allows importing/selling pet food.
- Free Sale Certificate: Issued by the country of origin to confirm the product is already sold there.
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certificate: Shows that the factory follows safe production and hygiene standards.
- Certificate of Analysis (CoA): Lab report confirming the product’s nutritional values and that it is free from harmful substances.
- Product Label Artwork: The exact design of the product label, including all required details.
- Ingredient List: Full list of raw materials and their quantities.
- Manufacturer Details: Name, address, and contact information of the producer.
- Health Certificates: For products with animal proteins (such as beef or poultry) to prove disease-free status.
- Declaration Letters: Statements confirming that the product has no banned or restricted ingredients (e.g., pork, toxins, or undeclared GMOs).
- Country of Origin Certificate: Proof of where the product is made.
Note: Every flavor, formula, and size must be registered separately. Missing or incomplete documents can delay the approval process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is animal food item registration important in Dubai?
It makes sure pet animal food products are safe, checked, and allowed in the Dubai market.
2. What are the requirements for pet food labels?
Labels must show the type of food, ingredients, and if the product is free from pork derivatives.
3. Can I bring in pet food into Dubai without approval?
No. All pet food items must go through Dubai-Municipality regulations before Dubai-Customs clearance.
4. What kinds of pet food need to be registered?
All types of food such as dry, canned, semi-moist pet food, and treats are included in the registration process for pet food.
5. Do food products in the UAE have to meet extra conditions?
Yes. Food products in the emirate must follow rules set by the Dubai-Municipality to ensure food safety.
6. Who issues the product registration certificate?
The product registration team of Dubai-Municipality issues it once food products meet the standards.
7. Can pet food from other countries be sold directly in the UAE market?
Only if the registration in UAE is completed and the product satisfies the requirements for pet.
8. What is required for pet and animal feed to qualify?
The veterinary product contains safe ingredients, a protein source that is allowed, and proper documentation.
9. Are pet food products treated the same as human food?
No. While the human food industry has its own system, animal food items have separate rules set by the Dubai-Municipality.
10. Where can pet owners buy registered food products?
Pet food in the UAE is widely available in pet stores and food businesses once the entire registration process is complete.