As interest in K-Beauty grows across the Middle East, we are seeing a steady increase in inquiries from domestic cosmetics companies looking to enter the UAE market, using Dubai as their hub.
However, the first challenge companies face when preparing for export is navigating UAE cosmetics regulations and product registration procedures.
This article outlines the concepts of UAE cosmetics certification and product registration, the Dubai Municipality (Montaji) registration process and required documentation, and answers to frequently asked questions from the perspective of companies preparing for export.
The UAE is a federation composed of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.
Therefore, it is essential to distinguish between federal-level regulations and the local regulations of each individual emirate.
ECAS is a federal conformity certification scheme that verifies the safety and quality of regulated products, including electrical and electronic equipment, chemicals and cosmetics, construction materials, automotive parts, and toys, distributed in the UAE market.
For cosmetics brands with a large number of products, the renewal costs and administrative paperwork can become a significant financial and operational burden.
DM is the Dubai government's consumer product registration system, which requires pre-registration and safety approval for designated products, including cosmetics and personal care items, distributed within Dubai.
If you are preparing to enter e-commerce platforms like Amazon, it is recommended to prioritize DM registration, while also considering expansion into other emirates or countries and potential regulatory changes.
Most general cosmetics, including skincare, makeup, haircare, and body care products, can be processed through DM (Montaji) product registration.
However, since some products require separate review based on their ingredients and functions, it is advisable to verify the product classification before registration.
UAE regulations for cosmetics and beauty products are segmented based on product ingredients and functions.
Therefore, rather than choosing a certification based solely on the product name, it is important to conduct a preliminary review in the following order: check ingredients, functions, and efficacy; determine product classification; and identify applicable regulations and the governing authority.
Choosing the wrong regulatory track can lead to registration rejection or result in increased timelines and costs.
DM registration is conducted by submitting product information to the Montaji system for review.
The general workflow is as follows:
First, verify the entity applying for registration and the scope of the business's activities.
Confirm whether the product is classified as a cosmetic based on its ingredients and efficacy claims, and ensure that the label information meets all requirements.
Prepare the required documents for each product and submit them via Montaji.
During the review process, you may receive requests for additional data or revisions. Since incomplete documentation often leads to delays, thorough preliminary checks are essential.
After approval, manage the registration information and check renewal requirements before the expiration date.
The average time for Shukran Korea to obtain UAE regulatory approval is approximately two months, though this may vary depending on the product type and the status of document preparation.
Required documents may vary depending on the product type and specific conditions; generally, the following materials are subject to review.
Checking the required documentation for each product in advance can help prevent delays caused by requests for additional information.
If you provide product details during your consultation, we will help you identify the necessary documents.
Once DM registration is complete, if the product is imported into the UAE through a Dubai port, it can be sold throughout the UAE provided that all necessary registration and regulatory requirements are met.
However, additional requirements may apply depending on the sales region and distribution method, so prior verification is necessary.
Halal certification for cosmetics in the UAE is optional, not a legal requirement.
What you must verify is the DM (Montaji) product registration.
Depending on the ingredients, intended use, and marketing claims, a product may be classified under different regulations, so product classification review should come first.
The registration is valid for five years, but you must separately monitor renewal conditions and any changes in regulations.
It is also recommended to check for any changes if the product composition is altered.
The registration is valid for five years.
Renewal conditions must be checked against DM criteria.
Shukran Korea's UAE permit approval takes an average of about 2 months, though this may vary depending on the product type and the status of document preparation.
Once products imported through Dubai ports meet the necessary registration and regulatory requirements, they can be sold throughout the UAE.
Additional requirements may apply depending on the sales region and distribution method.
Halal certification is optional for cosmetics in the UAE. What is required is DM (Montaji) product registration.
If you are planning to enter the e-commerce market, it is recommended to prioritize DM registration. Conducting a product classification review first can help reduce trial and error.
Shukran Korea supports companies preparing to enter the UAE market with the following practical procedures.
If certification and registration costs are a concern, check whether you can utilize the Export Voucher for Overseas Standard Certification (General).
Shukran Korea is an official service provider in this field and supports UAE regulatory and certification tasks using export vouchers.
Exporting cosmetics to the UAE begins with understanding the applicable regulations and procedures, rather than rushing into the certification process.
Providing the product categories and the estimated number of SKUs you wish to register during your consultation will allow us to provide a faster and more accurate quote.
This article is based on publicly available information as of October 2026; regulations and requirements may vary depending on individual products and businesses, and are subject to change at any time.
Please verify the latest standards with the relevant authorities or a professional before proceeding with registration.
