The import of personal care products such as Cosmetics and Perfumery products are highly regulated in the UAE given the sensitive nature of the products. The government regulates such imports through Cabinet Decision No. 18 of 2014 known as the “Cosmetics Law” and Cabinet Decision No. 5 of 2014 called the “Fragrances Law”. In order to ensure that the cosmetics and perfumes are safe for public use, the importers need to obtain a certificate of conformity from the Emirates Standardisation and Meteorological Authority (ESMA).
All cosmetics, perfumery and personal care products should pass the Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme (ECAS) by ESMA to obtain a Certificate of Conformity. The certificate is mandatory for customs clearance and for selling products in the UAE markets. Shipments of products without the Certificate of Conformity will be outright rejected. Sometimes, it may be returned to the country of origin. Therefore, importers should products registration with ESMA to avoid rejection or delays in clearance.
This article provides valuable insights into how to register cosmetics and perfumery products with ESMA. The importers can consult with the best product registration consultants in the UAE for faster clearance. Read on for more details:
What products should be certified by ESMA under the Emirates Conformity Assessment System (ECAS) program?
The UAE has made it mandatory regulatory control measures for Energy efficiency, electrical and mechanical safety and environmental requirements under a national program known as the Emirates Conformity Assessment System (ECAS).
The ECAS program includes many sectors ranging from Electrical, Electronic, Automotive, Gas Appliances, Machinery, Building and Construction, Food and Cosmetics.
Who Should Register Products in the UAE with ESMA?
As per the regulations, only a company incorporated in the UAE can register their products with the ESMA. Both mainland companies and free zone companies are eligible for applying for a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from ESMA. However, the activity of the company as per the trade license should be related to the import of cosmetics, perfumes or other personal care products.
International companies can appoint a local distributor for the process. The local distributor should be a company already registered in the UAE with a valid license. Free zone companies also appoint local distributors if they wish to sell products outside the free zone.
Important Requirements for ESMA Certification
The applicant for ESMA product registration in the UAE should submit relevant documents requested by the authority along with the application. The following is a list of documents that importers should submit to obtain a Certificate of Conformity:
- Valid trade license
- Test/certificate report from an accredited laboratory (Notified bodies)
- Document from the manufacturer detailing ingredients and their percentages
- Free sale certificate issued by the competent authority in the country of origin
- Representative artwork and label of the product
- Health and Safety report related to the product
How can Jitendra Intellectual Property Help You?
Cosmetics and perfumery products imported into the UAE must be registered with the ESMA before it reaches the market. Performing product registration in the UAE is mandatory for all cosmetic sellers to ensure that consumers receive safe products for consumption. At ESMA, the product undergoes assessment under the ECAS scheme and a Certificate of Conformity will be issued.
Given the extensive requirements and steps related to product registration with ESMA, it is advisable for businesses to consult with product registration consultants in Dubai, such as Jitendra Intellectual Property (JIP). JIP effectively handles all the processes related to UAE product registration, right from the application to the certificate issuance. Further, JIP also helps businesses with performing the mandatory product registration with Dubai Municipality. JIP helps businesses ensure that their products reach UAE consumers safely and without any delay.