Product registration in Dubai is a mandatory legal requirement for most goods sold in the emirate, managed by the Dubai Municipality through its Montaji online system. As of 2026, the complete process takes approximately 2-4 weeks, with total official fees ranging from AED 110 to AED 240. This guide, based on our team’s direct experience filing hundreds of applications, will show you the exact 2026 process, common pitfalls, and how to ensure approval.
Quick 2026 Summary
| Governing Authority | Dubai Municipality (Montaji System) |
| Who Must Register | Local manufacturers, importers, and distributors |
| Typical Total Cost | AED 110 – AED 240 (Application + Certificate) |
| Key Requirement | Valid UAE Trade License + Product-Specific Test Reports |
| Primary Challenge | Label compliance and recent Certificate of Analysis |
What is Dubai Municipality Product Registration & The “Montaji” System?
It’s a mandatory approval system to ensure products sold in Dubai meet safety, health, and labelling standards. The “Montaji” system is the dedicated online portal (montaji.dm.gov.ae) where all applications are submitted and managed. Registration is not a choice—it’s a legal prerequisite for market access, and it builds immediate consumer and retailer trust.
Who Needs to Register Products in Dubai? (2026 Eligibility)
You can apply if your business holds a valid UAE trade license covering the product activity. This includes:
- Mainland & Free Zone Companies: Both can apply, but the license must explicitly allow the activity (e.g., “trading of cosmetics”).
- Manufacturers, Importers, & Distributors: The entity placing the product on the Dubai market is responsible.
Pro Tip from Our Experience: We often see applications rejected because the license’s “activity description” is too vague. Ensure it explicitly matches your product type before applying.
2026 Product List: What Requires Mandatory Registration?
The list is extensive, but core categories include:
- Food & Beverages
- Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Detergents & Disinfectants
- Food Supplements & Herbal Products
- Consumer Electronics (note: some also require ESMA certification)
- Toys and Children’s Products
- Textiles
Restricted & Banned Goods: Certain items like e-cigarettes, narcotics, gambling tools, and Israeli goods are prohibited. Other “restricted” items (e.g., media, telecom equipment) require additional approvals from other UAE authorities before Montaji submission.
How to Register a Product in Dubai Municipality
Based on our team’s hands-on process, here is the exact workflow for 2026:
To register products with Dubai Municipality, you must hold a valid UAE trading license, register on the Montaji portal for cosmetics and health products or the ZAD/FIRS system for food, submit product details and Arabic labels, pay the required fees, and pass inspection.
Key Steps for Product Registration:
- Obtain a valid trade license from a UAE mainland or Free Zone authority. This is a mandatory requirement.
- Register on the relevant online portals.
- Use Montaji for registering food, cosmetics, personal care, and health products.
- Use ZAD/FIRS for registering food items.
- Submit the required documentation.
- Ensure the product label includes the brand name, product name, ingredients listed in descending order, country of origin, manufacturer details, and barcode.
- Provide mandatory information in Arabic.
- Include supporting documents such as a certificate of analysis, Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for chemicals, and product images.
- Submit product samples to the Food Safety Department or the relevant authority for label assessment.
- Pay the applicable fees through the system. Once your submission passes review, you will receive the registration certificate.
Common product categories include the following:
- Food products are registered through ZAD/FIRS and require detailed ingredient analysis.
- Cosmetics and personal care products, including toiletries and beauty items, are registered through Montaji.
- Detergents and disinfectants are also registered through Montaji.
Product registration typically takes one to three weeks, depending on product complexity and the completeness of the documentation.
Document Requirements for Product Registration in Dubai
This checklist, based on our successful applications, is essential. Missing any item is the primary reason for rejection.
- Completed Montaji Application Form
- Valid UAE Trade License Copy
- Product Details: Full ingredients/composition list in English/Arabic.
- High-Resolution Product & Label Images
- Free Sale Certificate from country of origin (authenticated).
- Certificate of Analysis (COA): Must be issued within the last 12 months for most categories.
- Product Test Reports from a GCC-accredited lab proving safety/compliance.
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certificate (for regulated categories like cosmetics or supplements).
For authoritative, legally binding guidance, we recommend consulting the official Dubai Municipality (Montaji) portal or working with a licensed UAE consultant, such as our team at Shuraa, who specializes in the latest regulatory updates.
Dubai Municipality Product Registration Fees: 2026 Breakdown
The fee structure is simple and varies by product category.
- Application Fee: AED 10, non-refundable, due at submission.
- Certificate Issuance Fee: AED 100 to AED 220, payable upon approval. Basic consumer goods are usually at the lower end, while specialized or high-risk products incur higher fees.
- Total Estimated Cost: Plan for AED 110-240 per product variant.
Common Reasons for Application Rejection: Expert Insights for 2026
Based on our experience addressing client rejections, the following issues frequently occur:
- Label Errors: These include missing Arabic text, incorrect font size, or incomplete ingredient lists.
- Outdated Test Reports: Submitting a Certificate of Analysis or laboratory report that is more than one year old.
- License Mismatch: The trade license activity does not correspond to the product type.
- Incomplete Documentation: Providing scanned copies instead of clear PDF files, or omitting required attestations.
Product Registration FAQs
1. How do I register a product in Dubai?
Product registration is completed through the Dubai Municipality’s online Montaji system. The main steps are: (1) Obtain a UAE trade license for your product activity, (2) Prepare the required documents (test reports, COA, labels), (3) Create an account on montaji.dm.gov.ae, (4) Submit your application and pay the fees, and (5) Pass the Municipality’s technical and label review. Many businesses engage a local consultant to help prevent rejections.
2. How much does it cost to register a product in the Dubai Municipality in 2026?
The official cost usually ranges from AED 110 to AED 240 per product variant. This includes a non-refundable AED 10 application fee and a certificate issuance fee of AED 100 to AED 220, depending on the product category.
3. Is product registration mandatory in Dubai? Do you need to register?
Yes, registration is legally required for nearly all consumer goods. Selling unregistered products in Dubai may result in fines, shipment confiscation, and removal from retail shelves. Registration ensures consumer safety.
4. How can I check if a product is already registered with Dubai Municipality?
You can check a product’s registration status on the official Montaji Public Search portal by entering the product name, brand, or registration number. This step is important for importers to verify supplier claims.
5. What’s the difference between product registration and getting Dubai Municipality approval?
They refer to the same process. “Getting Dubai Municipality approval” means successfully registering your product on the Montaji system. The Product Registration Certificate serves as official approval for the Dubai market.
6. How long is a product registration valid?
A Dubai Municipality product registration certificate is valid for 1 to 2 years. You should begin the renewal process through the Montaji system before the expiry date to maintain compliance and avoid sales interruptions.
7. Can I register a product without having a local company or trade license?
No, you cannot register a product without a valid UAE trade license. The license, issued from the mainland or a free zone, must cover trading, manufacturing, or distributing your specific product. This is required to start the Montaji application.
Shuraa: Your Partner for Efficient Product Registration
Navigating the Montaji system requires accuracy and current knowledge. Even minor errors may cause significant delays, making local expertise essential.
With over 25 years of experience in the UAE market, our compliance team has processed thousands of product registrations. Shuraa Business Setup offers more than guidance; we provide assurance by managing the entire process, including document preparation, label review, Montaji submission, and coordination with authorities to ensure efficient approval.
Eliminate uncertainty and accelerate your market entry.
Contact our product registration specialists today:
- Call: +971 4 4081900
- WhatsApp: +971 50 7775554
- Email: info@shuraa.com
Allow us to manage compliance, so you can focus on growing your business in Dubai.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information as of early 2026. Regulations and fees may change. For current requirements, consult the official Dubai Municipality Montaji portal or a licensed professional. Shuraa is not liable for actions taken based on this content.
