What Is Needed to Register Food Products in Dubai

Dubai is the city with the most attractive markets for international food businesses just because of its booming economy and population. However, the only way to enter the UAE's highly regulated food sector with your food product is if you are fully compliant with all the regulations. One of the key steps is Food Product Registration in Dubai — a voluntary process that allows you to check if your product adheres to the safety and quality standards regulated by Dubai Municipality.

In this guide to Food Item Registration in Dubai, we give step-by-step information about the documents that need to be provided, the standards to be met, and how to speed up the process for faster access to the market.

Why Is Food Product Registration in Dubai Mandatory?

Food Product Registration in Dubai is a measure that is put in place to protect consumers' health, guarantee food safety, and stop the sale of fake or dangerous products. It is carried out by the Food Safety Department under Dubai Municipality. All businesses that want to bring in, produce, sell or distribute food stuff in the UAE need to register their products as part of this procedure.

Key Regulatory Authorities Involved

Service Function

Description

Authority

Role

Dubai Municipality (DM)

Manages food product registration, labeling, and compliance reviews

Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology (ESMA)

Governs UAE’s food standards including Halal certifications

Core Requirements for Food Item Registration in Dubai

First of all, you need to check whether your company has a valid Trade License from the Department of Economic Development in Dubai, and the license activity should be connected to food trading or importing or manufacturing.

✅ Documents Required for Registration

The following documents registration checklist must be completed prior to submission:

  • Valid UAE trade license

  • Certificate of Free Sale (from country of origin)

  • Product label (in Arabic and English)

  • Complete ingredient list with percentages

  • Nutritional information and health claims (if applicable)

  • Manufacturer’s details and origin certificate

  • Lab test report from an accredited laboratory

  • High-resolution images of product packaging

  • Trademark/brand registration certificate (if required)

Product Labeling Guidelines

To comply with Dubai Municipality’s labeling standards, every food product must contain:

  • Product name and brand

  • List of ingredients in descending order

  • Nutritional information table

  • Net weight or volume

  • Manufacturer’s name and address

  • Country of origin

  • Date of manufacture and expiry

  • Storage conditions

  • Allergen declarations

  • Arabic and English translation

  • Halal logo if applicable

Mislabeled goods may result in a decision to refuse your application.

Step-by-Step Process for Food item Registration in Dubai

Below is the complete flow of the food item registration in Dubai:

1. Company Registration on FIRS

Register your company on the Food Import and Re-export System (FIRS), operated by Dubai Municipality.

2. Submission of Application

Log into FIRS and apply for Food Product Registration in Dubai by uploading all registered documents and product details.

3. Label and Composition Review

Municipality officials evaluate your label for accuracy and check ingredient safety against UAE standards.

4. Laboratory Testing

Take product samples for laboratory analysis to check the chemical composition, allergens, and contaminants.

5. Final Evaluation

If documents and lab results meet the criteria, Dubai Municipality will approve and list your product in the system.

6. Issuance of Product Registration Certificate

You are given a Food Product Registration Certificate after the product is approved, which is a document that allows the product to be imported and sold in the UAE without any issues.

Timelines & Validity

Stage

Estimated Duration

Documentation Preparation

3–5 business days

Label Review & Lab Testing

7–10 business days

Municipality Approval

5–7 business days

Total Time

2–4 weeks

The certificate is valid as long as no changes are made to the product’s composition or packaging.

Tips to Avoid Rejection or Delays

  • Make sure that the names of ingredients are scientific and nutrition-wise accurate

  • Use only approved food additives as per UAE standards

  • Maintain consistency between label and submission documents

  • Translate non-English documents through certified translators

Why Choose HND Freight & Logistics for Food Imports?

Compliance with UAE’s regulatory requirements can be very complicated. A good example is when HND Freight & Logistics comes in to save the day by providing import support of the whole spectrum such as registration of documents, customs clearance, storage, and delivery of the last mile.

Our End-to-End Solutions Include:

  • Expert support with documents registration

  • Coordination with Dubai Municipality for faster approvals

  • Access to FIRS and label compliance checks

  • Import clearance and port handling

  • Refrigerated warehousing for temperature-sensitive goods

  • Last-mile distribution across the UAE

Benefits of Partnering with HND Freight & Logistics

Choosing HND Freight & Logistics gives your business a critical edge:

  •  Seamless coordination with regulatory bodies

  •  Faster registration of documents and approval

  •  Reduced risk of shipment holds or rejections

  •  Complete compliance assurance

  • Timely and safe delivery with GPS-tracked fleets

  • Competitive pricing and dedicated account managers

Conclusion

Food Product Registration in Dubai is a legal requirement without any alternative for all companies who have a plan to place food in the UAE market. Not only documentation but also labeling must be in compliance with very strict and precise municipal regulations. The procedure, though might be difficult, becomes a very good source of income if one is granted access to one of the most dynamic Middle East food markets.

With HND Freight & Logistics, you are not only moving cargo, but also entering the market with full confidence, minimized waiting time, and unmatched operational support.










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