,Food Supplement Registration in the UAE
The UAE’s health authorities prioritize consumer safety by enforcing strict controls on all food and food supplements intended for sale or import into the country. Both the Dubai Municipality (DM) Food Safety Department and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) uphold rigorous Regulatory frameworks to ensure product safety, accurate labeling, and compliance.
To legally import or market a food supplement in the UAE, companies must register their products through the Dubai Municipality Montaji portal, governed by DM. Products making medicinal claims or containing restricted/critical ingredients require classification and registration with MOHAP.
Why Food Supplement Registration is Essential in the UAE
Registering your food supplements ensures:
Regulatory Compliance: Guarantees your product meets UAE food safety and quality standards for legal market access.
Smooth Customs Clearance: Facilitates faster, hassle-free import and market entry.
Avoidance of Penalties: Prevents costly fines, product seizures, and import refusals.
Consumer Trust and Brand Protection: Reinforces brand credibility and maintains confidence in your product.
The UAE’s Regulatory landscape also incorporates important standards from the Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO), including:
- Nutritional labeling requirements (GSO 2233)
- Guidelines to prevent misleading claims (GSO CAC GL 1)
- Halal certification standards (GSO 2055)
- Regulations for novel foods and special dietary uses
How to Register Dietary Supplements in the UAE
1
Product Classification
Obtain official product classification from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), which determines the correct registration pathway based on the type of claims and ingredients. This step is essential for the UAE food supplement Regulatory services and compliance with the UAE supplement import regulations.
2
Regulatory Consultation and Strategy
Develop a customized Regulatory strategy aligned with UAE food supplement compliance requirements and specific product characteristics, ensuring adherence to supplement registration UAE standards.
3
Document and Dossier Preparation
Compile all necessary documents, including:
- Valid UAE trade license
- Free Sale Certificate from the country of origin
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certificate
- Scientific claim substantiation reports
- High-resolution labeling in Arabic and/or English
- Final Product Specifications
Note: Document checklist depends on the Regulatory pathway being taken for the registration of the products with the respective health authorities.
4
Label and Claims Review
Ensure the product packaging complies with UAE food supplement labeling regulations, including mandatory information such as brand name, manufacturing and expiry dates, batch numbers, net weight, and halal certification marks.
5
Regulatory Submission
Depending on the product classification, submit the registration dossier through Dubai Municipality’s Food Import Re-Export System (FIRS) portal for Food Products, DM’s montaji portal for Health Supplements or MOHAP’s submission platform for other categories under the same umbrella. and facilitate communication with health authorities.
6
Follow-up and Approvals
Manage Regulatory queries, provide clarifications as required, and expedite the approval process to obtain the official registration certificate.
7
Post-Registration Support
Maintain compliance by supporting label updates, registration renewals, and adherence to evolving UAE dietary supplement regulations.
What Documents Are Needed for UAE Food Supplement Registration?
Document Type | Description / Notes |
| Establishment License | Issued by the UAE authority for health supplements |
| Free Sale Certificate | From the country of origin |
| GMP Certificate | Good Manufacturing Practice certification |
| Product Labels | Bilingual Arabic/English, compliant with UAE regulations |
| Scientific Claim Reports | Evidence to support health claims |
| Product Formulation Details | Complete ingredient list |
| Halal Certificate (if applicable) | Required for animal-derived ingredients |
How Can Freyr Help You Navigate UAE Food Supplement Registration?
Freyr offers comprehensive support, including:
- Product Classification and Regulatory Pathway Identification according to MOHAP and Dubai Municipality requirements.
- Formulation and Ingredient Assessments to ensure adherence to local safety standards.
- Label and Claims Review with bilingual Arabic-English expertise.
- Technical Dossier Compilation tailored to UAE submission formats.
- Full Regulatory Submissions and Government Liaison, including follow-ups and resubmissions.
- Local Language Labeling and Translation Support to meet UAE Regulatory standards.
- Legal Representation and License Holding Assistance when required.
- Continuous Regulatory Intelligence on updates and changes to UAE food supplement regulations.
Why Choose Freyr?
- Trusted global Regulatory experts with a deep understanding of the UAE and GCC market nuances.
- Experienced team specializing in food supplements, nutraceuticals, and functional foods.
- Established, strong partnerships with UAE health authorities for more efficient approvals.
- End-to-end service from classification to post-market compliance ensures products remain market-ready.
- Cost-effective, adaptive solutions designed specifically for the health supplement category.
- Convenient local presence in Dubai with expert regional Regulatory advisory.
Contact Freyr for expert support on registering your food supplement in the UAE, ensuring compliance with MOHAP and Dubai Municipality regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common queries about UAE food supplement registration and compliance.
01. What is the typical timeline for registration?
Food supplement registration under the Dubai Municipality generally completes within 20–30 working days. MOHAP registrations depend on product complexity.
02. Which authority should I register my product with?
Dubai Municipality handles general food supplements; MOHAP is required for products that make medicinal or therapeutic claims.
03. Is bilingual labeling mandatory?
Yes, all labels must include Arabic and English text per UAE regulations for food products. However, Food Supplements / Health Supplements may include Arabic along with English.
04. What are the penalties for non-registration?
Penalties include product confiscation, fines, and import refusal at UAE ports.
05. Do I need a halal certificate?
Yes, if your supplement contains gelatin or animal-derived components.
06. Can imported food supplements be sold without registration in the UAE?
No. All food supplements intended for sale or import into the UAE must be registered with Dubai Municipality or MOHAP, depending on their classification. Selling unregistered supplements is illegal and may result in penalties or confiscation.
07. Is halal certification mandatory for food supplements in the UAE?
Yes, if your food supplement contains animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin, you must obtain halal certification to comply with UAE regulations and consumer expectations.
08. How often do I need to renew my food supplement registration in the UAE?
Food supplement registration typically requires renewal every one (01) to three (03) years, depending on the licensing authority’s specific requirements. It is essential to keep track of renewal dates to ensure continued compliance.
09. Are there specific labeling requirements for allergens in food supplements in the UAE?
Yes, all potential allergens must be clearly listed on the product label to comply with UAE food safety standards and protect consumers.
10. What should I do if my supplement formula changes after registration?
Any formulation, ingredient, or labeling changes after registration must be notified to the relevant authority (Dubai Municipality or MOHAP) and may require re-evaluation or updated registration approval before marketing the revised product.