Why Montaji Registration Matters in Dubai and UAE
Dubai is one of the fastest-growing consumer markets in the Middle East, attracting global businesses in cosmetics, personal care, food, health supplements, and household products. To safeguard consumer health and ensure quality, the Dubai Municipality requires Montaji registration before any product can be sold in the emirate. Additionally, If you are a brand based in UAE, you will require montaji registration documents to be able to export your products outside UAE.
If you are planning to launch your brand in Dubai, Montaji registration is not just a legal requirement—it’s your gateway to market entry and consumer trust.
What is Montaji Registration?
Montaji is the official product registration and assessment system operated by the Dubai Municipality. It ensures that consumer products meet UAE and international safety standards before entering the market.
Montaji applies to:
- Cosmetics & Personal Care Products (shampoos, creams, lotions, serums, perfumes, deodorants, etc.)
- Health Supplements (vitamins, dietary products, herbal supplements)
- Food Products (packaged foods, beverages, confectionery, etc.)
- Detergents & Household Products (cleaning products, disinfectants)
- Other Consumer Goods (such as toys and certain electronics, subject to testing)
Required Documents for Montaji Registration
Before submitting your application, prepare the following:
- Trade License – Proof of business legality in the UAE.
- Establishment Card – Confirms your company’s registered presence in the UAE.
- Free Sale Certificate (if imported) – From the country of origin, proving the product is legally sold there.
- Ingredient Report – Manufacturer-stamped and signed breakdown of all product ingredients. The ingredients report should include the % of every ingredient listed in INCI format, the CAS number and function.
- GMP Certificate – Good Manufacturing Practice compliance certificate to confirm international quality standards. Provided by the manufacturer
- Product Artwork – High-quality images of packaging and labels.
💡 Tip: Missing or inaccurate documents are the most common reason for delays in approval.
Montaji Registration Process: Step by Step
- Create an Account
Visit the Montaji portal and register your business. - Access CPRE Service
Once logged in, go to Services → CPRE (Consumer Product Registration Request). - Submit Application
Fill in all product details, upload ingredient lists, artwork, and supporting documents. - Pay Submission Fee
AED 20 per product is charged at the time of submission. - Municipality Review
Dubai Municipality reviews your documents, labeling, and compliance with UAE standards. - Approval & Registration Fee
Once approved, you will be asked to pay AED 220 per product. - Final Approval
After payment, your product will be issued a Montaji Registration Certificate, valid for marketing in Dubai.
Fees for Montaji Registration
- Submission Fee: AED 20 per product
- Registration Fee: AED 220 per product (after approval)
- Testing Fees (if required): AED 100 – 250 per test
Labeling Requirements (Must-Haves)
To avoid rejection, product labels must comply with UAE labeling laws:
- Product Name (Arabic + English)
- Brand/Trademark Name
- Manufacturer’s Details (name + address)
- Country of Origin
- Ingredients (INCI format)
- Net Weight/Volume (metric units)
- Production & Expiry Date (or Best Before Date)
- PAO (Period After Opening) symbol, e.g., 12M
- Storage Conditions
- Usage Instructions
- Health Warnings (if applicable)
- Barcode & Batch Number
Things to avoid on the label:
- Medical Claims
- Illustrations inconsistent with social customs or values
How Long Does Montaji Approval Take?
Approval time depends on product category and document accuracy:
- Standard applications: 10–30 business days
- With testing required: Additional 1–2 weeks
Product Testing in Montaji Registration
Not all products need lab testing, but certain categories may require it.
- Possible Testing Categories: Cosmetics, toys, food items, detergents, supplements, building materials.
- Who Performs Testing: Dubai Municipality-accredited laboratories alternatively you can perform the tests in a third party approved lab.
- Cost Range: AED 100–250 per test.
Benefits of Montaji Registration
✔ Legal compliance for sales in Dubai & UAE
✔ Builds consumer trust and credibility
✔ Protects your brand against counterfeit or non-compliant competitors
✔ Enables listing on major retail and e-commerce platforms in the UAE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I register products without a UAE trade license?
No. A valid UAE trade license is mandatory to apply.
2. Do imported products require extra documents?
Yes, you’ll need a Free Sale Certificate from the country of origin.
3. How long is Montaji registration valid?
The registration is valid until major product changes occur (e.g., formulation or labeling). Renewal may be required.
4. Can freelancers or individuals apply?
No. Only licensed businesses in the UAE can apply.
5. Can freezone companies and companies in other emirates apply?
Yes any company in UAE, freezone or any emirate can apply.
Final Thoughts
Montaji registration is essential for anyone planning to sell cosmetics, health, food, or household products in Dubai. By preparing documents carefully and ensuring compliance with labeling requirements, you can avoid costly delays and launch your products successfully in the UAE market.
👉 Need Help? Our team can guide you through the registration process and provide a quote within 24 hours.
