Dubai's vast market offers a plethora of business opportunities for both domestic and international investors eager to earn handsomely in any of their chosen industries. There are numerous entrepreneurs who successfully create businesses selling tea, spices, clothing, or fast-consuming commodities like cosmetics, and the retail sector is no exception. Whether foreigners wish to sell cosmetics in malls, markets, or other similar locations, the incorporation process is fairly straightforward. On the other hand, it is suggested that you obtain experienced guidance from Dhanguard and become familiar with the criteria in this area.
When it comes to marketing products for various reasons, the UAE is one of the major markets in the Middle East. Dubai enterprises selling household goods and personal care products are among the most numerous in the country.
Cosmetics, for example, can be purchased in Dubai's major shopping malls or in the city's well-known traditional marketplaces. The seller must adhere to the restrictions stipulated by Dubai's Public Health and Safety Department, regardless of where they are sold.
How do I go about registering a cosmetics business in Dubai?
Foreigners who want to start a cosmetics business in Dubai should be aware of the following requirements:
- The Department of Economic Development must licence the business.
- The Public Health and Safety Department issues health licences.
- A company can only offer permitted products, such as cosmetics for personal cleaning.
- Business must be registered as a cosmetic distributor (re-seller or importer).
Obtaining the proper permissions for creating such a business is required before beginning operations in the cosmetics industry, so you should get legal advice from our team of experts.
Registration of Cosmetics Business in Dubai
A firm selling cosmetics in Dubai must go through the same registration process as other businesses, which includes compiling incorporation paperwork, filing them with the Department of Economic Development, and asking for a commercial licence.
The company must then follow a specific procedure to be able to sell cosmetics in Dubai stores.
Cosmetics vendors in Dubai are subject to regulations
Companies selling cosmetics in Dubai must register with the Dubai Municipality in compliance with Public Health and Safety Department Regulation HS/001.
The cosmetics they sell must meet the following health and safety requirements:
- They must be classified as cosmetics for cleaning, perfume, or changing a person's look.
- It must be labelled in compliance with ESMA's requirements (the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology).
- On the skin, nails, hair, lips, and teeth, they must be safe to use.
- As a distributor, seller, re-seller, importer, or manufacturer, the company can register.
More information on the licences required to create a cosmetics firm can be obtained from our company registration experts in Dubai.
In Dubai, there is a Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Scheme
The UAE government has also established the Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Scheme, which requires Dubai enterprises Selling goods to meet particular quality, packaging, and labelling regulations.
Read More: 6 Stages of Startup Development
Things to Consider Before Importing and Selling Cosmetics and Perfumes in the United Arab Emirates
1. The Legal Framework for the Cosmetics Industry in the United Arab Emirates
The Cosmetic and Perfumes Segment in the UAE is governed by the Cosmetic Law and the Fragrance Law.
To protect client safety, the sale of cosmetics and perfumes in the UAE is subject to several government permits.
2. Safety Requirements for Cosmetics Sellers in the UAE
The cosmetics industry in the United Arab Emirates must adhere to the Gulf Standard Organization's general safety guidelines (GSO).
GSO Compliance assures that the products are devoid of any banned or restricted substances in the UAE.
Also, the product must be safe for humans to consume and have no negative health impacts when used properly. Under typical conditions, the qualities of the products must not change over their shelf life in the store.
3. Product Wrapping and Packaging
The packaging and wrapping of products must meet UAE GSO requirements.
The products must be packed in suitable and clean containers with no sharp edges and that are securely sealed and closed. In addition, the quantity specified must be tested and pass quality assurance.
Cosmetic Brands Selling in the UAE Should Follow Labelling Standards
The most significant aspect of the process is labelling, which must adhere to specified requirements, such as:
- The font is easy to read and erase.
- The product's name and brand.
- Manufacturer's/supplier's/name distributors and address.
- Originating country.
- The product's nominal content.
- Expiry date - The date on which the product should be used before it expires, or the time after it has been opened.
- Conditions of use, cautious statements, and warning statements
- Lot code/batch number
- Function of the product
- Ingredients.
Another important characteristic in the UAE is the print in both English and Arabic for the following sections –
- The purpose of the product and how to use it.
- Instructions for use and preventive information.
- For safe use, follow the storage instructions.
The label's information must be scientifically or laboratory-verified, accurate, and not misleading.
4. ESMA Certificate of Conformity for Cosmetic Products in the United Arab Emirates
The Emirates Standardization and Metrological Authority is in charge of the Personal Care segment (ESMA).
To be delivered to the UAE, beauty products and personal care items must first obtain approval from the ECAS Certificate of Conformity.
To import the relevant products into the country and distribute them to consumers, the ECAS Approval must be informed to the Customs Department.
5. Product Registration with the Municipality of the United Arab Emirates
Imported commodities, as well as locally created perfumes and cosmetics, must be registered with the appropriate municipality in the UAE before being sold on the market.
There will be sample testing and permission from the authorities before it can be sold to the general public.
Only companies based in the United Arab Emirates are allowed to register products with ESMA and the relevant municipalities.
How Can a Foreign Brand Begin Selling Cosmetics and Perfumes in the United Arab Emirates?
International enterprises who want to sell their products in the UAE must work through a licenced local distributor. Local distributors in the UAE will assist with imports, product registration with ESMA and municipal authorities, and distribution to end customers.
Foreign brands might also create a mainland or a Freezone firm in the UAE to increase their local presence.
Steps in the Registration of Cosmetic Products in Dubai
- The company should have a current Trade License for the Cosmetics Trading operation. In addition, the company must be registered with the Dubai Municipality.
- To begin the procedure, fill out the Product Registration Service Application and pay the price.
- Our team will assist you with form completion, fee payment, and the preparation of relevant papers.
- Submit a copy of the product's valid label evaluation for registration in the municipality.
Documents presented to the authorities for approval
Approval of documents is required before the product may be registered with the Dubai Municipality.
- Free Sales Certificate (Attested by the Government Authority in the Country of Origin)
- (Signed and/or Stamped by the producer or brand owner) Ingredient Report/Laboratory Test Report
- The manufacturer or brand owner must sign and/or stamp the analysis report.
- Certificate of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) (required for all locally manufactured products).
Functions of Cosmetic Product Registration in the UAE
- To protect
- To clean
- To perfume
- To correct body odours
- To keep in good condition
- To change the appearance
Conclusion
The products must pass a compliance test conducted by the Dubai Municipality. The ‘Tested Okay' products' associated documentation will be uploaded to the system, and the product will be registered. The Product Registration Certificate is then issued by the municipality. The product is now ready for sale in the UAE market. Talk to our skilled Business Consultants at Dhanguard right immediately if you want to learn more about starting a cosmetics business in Dubai!