Dubai Municipality

Public Health & Safety Department

Consumer Products Safety Section

Guidelines for Cosmetic Products

in Dubai

Last updated April 2009 Page 1 of 16

 Dubai Municipality
Public Health & Safety Department
Consumer Products Safety Section

TABLE OF CONTENT

1. Introduction
2. Objective
3. Registration
3.1. What Is Registration?
3.2. The Registration Regulation
3.3. Legal Illustrative Aspect of Registration
3.3.1. Definition of Cosmetic
3.3.2. Functions for Cosmetics Products
3.3.3. The Field of Application of Cosmetics
3.3.4. Illustrative List of Cosmetics
3.3.5. Borderline Products
4. Who Should Apply for Registration?
4.1. Local Manufactures
4.2. Foreign Manufactures
4.3. Criteria of Applicant
4.4. Responsibility of Applicant
5. How to Start Registration Process?
5.1. Registration Steps
5.2. Necessary Documents to Accompany Application Forms
5.2.1. Certificate of Free Sales (CFS)
5.2.2. Health Certificate (HC)
5.2.3. Laboratory Test Report
5.2.4. Analysis Report
6. A Guide for Labeling Cosmetic Products
6.1. Labeling of the Product
6.2. Objective
6.3. Coverage of the Mandatory Standard
6.4. Requirements of Labeling Mandatory Standard
7. Amendments or Change in Registration Particulars
8. Validity of Product Registration
9. Product Recall
10. Penalty
11. Cosmetic Services
11.1. Request for Approval of Cosmetic Label
11.1.1. Service Description
11.1.2. Fees
11.1.3. Validity
11.1.4. Procedures
11.2. Request for Releasing the Cosmetic Shipments Arriving in Dubai Ports
under the Supervision of Dubai Municipality
11.2.1. Service Description
11.2.2. Fees
11.2.3. Procedures

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 Dubai Municipality
Public Health & Safety Department
Consumer Products Safety Section

11.3. Procedures for Cosmetic Consignment Release With Undertaking &

Warning
11.3.1. Service Description
11.3.2. Fees
11.3.3. Procedures
11.4. Request for Releasing the Shipments Arriving in Dubai Ports under
Supervision of other Municipalities
11.4.1. Service Description
11.4.2. Fees
11.4.3. Procedures
11.5. Request for Releasing Non-Commercial Shipments Arriving in Dubai Ports
under the Supervision of Dubai Municipality
11.5.1. Service Description
11.5.2. Fees
11.5.3. Procedures

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 Dubai Municipality
Public Health & Safety Department
Consumer Products Safety Section

SAFETY PROCEDURES OF COSMETICS AT DUBAI

MUNICIPALITY CLINIC TOWARDS HEALTHY
TOMORROW

1. Introduction
The Cosmetic Team (CT) at Dubai Municipality, Consumer Products Safety Section
(CPSS) prepared this guideline based on the Dubai Municipality Local Order No. 11,
2003. The program regarding cosmetics ensures that better protect for consumer health is
maintained. In fact, several steps are needed to be taken by the importers, suppliers,
distributors, retailers, consumers and/or any concerned party so that safety of the
cosmetic products is revealed and the approval of the labeling of the products is retained.
In general, the cosmetic product put on the market within Dubai Community must not
cause damage to human health when applied under normal or reasonably foreseeable
conditions of use, taking into account, in particular, of the product's presentation, its
labeling, any instructions for its use and disposal as well as any other indication or
information provided by the manufacturer or authorized agent or by any other person
responsible for placing the product on the Dubai Community market.

2. Objective
The foremost objective of cosmetic product safety procedures is to maintain public health
& safety through implementing efficient regulatory control system as well as to promote
public awareness of the importance of the safety procedures of cosmetics implemented.
This guideline describes the requirements for registration process.

3. Registration
3.1. What Is Registration?
Since consumer safety is the primary principle of cosmetics registration, its process allows
the CPSS to gather adequate information to assess the safety of cosmetic products. It is
necessary to emphasize that no cosmetic product shall be manufactured, imported,
exported, advertised, sold or distributed in Dubai unless it has been registered in
accordance with DM regulation.

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 Dubai Municipality
Public Health & Safety Department
Consumer Products Safety Section

3.2. The Registration Regulation

The Dubai Government regulates the manufacture, sale and importation of cosmetic
products by requiring that all cosmetic products to be registered prior to placing in Dubai
market; as well by requiring the individuals running the activities related to cosmetics to be
licensed in Dubai.

3.3. Legal Illustrative Aspect of Registration

3.3.1. Definition of Cosmetic:

A cosmetic product shall mean any substance or preparation intended to be placed in
contact with the various external parts of the human body (epidermis, hair system, nails,
lips and external genital organs) or with the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral
cavity with a view exclusively or mainly to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing their
appearance and/or correcting body odors and/or protecting them or keeping them in good
condition.

3.3.2. Functions for Cosmetics Products:

• To clean
• To perfume
• To change the appearance
• To protect
• To keep in good condition
• To correct body odors

3.3.3. The Field of Application of Cosmetics:

• The epidermis
• The hair system
• The nails
• The lips
• The external genital organs
• The teeth
• The mucous membranes of the oral cavity.

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 Dubai Municipality
Public Health & Safety Department
Consumer Products Safety Section

3.3.4. Illustrative List of Cosmetics:

The following list is not exhaustive but is provided by way of example:
• Creams, emulsions, lotions, gels and oils for the skin (hands, face, feet, etc.)
• Face masks (with the exception of peeling products)
• Tinted bases (liquids, pastes, powders)
• Make-up powders, after-bath powders, hygienic powders, etc.
• Toilet soaps, deodorant soaps, etc.
• Perfumes, toilet waters and eau de Cologne
• Bath and shower preparations (salts, foams, oils, gels, etc.)
• Depilatories
• Deodorants and anti-perspirants
• Hair care products:
Hair tints and bleaches
Product for waving, straightening and fixing
Setting products
Cleansing products (lotions, powders, shampoos)
Conditioning products (lotions, creams, oils)
Hairdressing products (lotions, lacquers, brilliantines)
• Shaving products (creams, foams, lotions)
• Products for making up and removing make-up from the face and eyes
• Products intended for application to the lips
• Products for care of the teeth and mouth
• Products for nail care and make-up
• Products for external intimate hygiene
• Sunbathing products
• Products for tanning without sun
• Skin-whitening products
• Anti-wrinkle products.

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 Dubai Municipality
Public Health & Safety Department
Consumer Products Safety Section

3.3.5. Borderline Products:

The status of many products on the borderline between medicines and cosmetics shall be
referred to the consumer Products Committee at DM. Medicinal products may not be
placed on the UAE market without a marketing authorization or product license from the
Ministry of Health (MOH).

4. Who Should Apply for Registration

Individuals who import or locally manufacture cosmetic products, or have products
imported or manufactured on their behalf are responsible for applying to the CT to have
their products registered. The following should make an application for registration of a
cosmetic product:

4.1. Local Manufactures

Local manufacturers in Dubai are advised to contact the CPSS for proper registration of
cosmetic products. Agents of local manufacturers are to take the necessary steps to ensure
that cosmetic products intended for the Local market are registered before the
manufactured products are placed into Dubai market.

4.2. Foreign Manufactures

The importer who is responsible for all matters pertaining to the registration of the
product is advised to contact the CPSS at DM for registration. Agents of foreign
manufacturers are to take the necessary steps to ensure that cosmetic products intended
for the local market are registered before consignments of such products are imported to
Dubai. In the event of any violation in this regard, the consignment of the unregistered
product would be cleared once only with warning.

4.3. Criteria of Applicant

Applicant for product registration must be a company incorporated in Dubai, or having a
warehouse in Dubai and having a trade license in Dubai indicating activities related to
cosmetics.

4.4. Responsibility of Applicant

The applicant shall be responsible for the product, its safety, performance, and all
information supplied in support of his application for registration of the product.

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 Dubai Municipality
Public Health & Safety Department
Consumer Products Safety Section

5. How to Start Registration Process?

The applicants should apply for labeling assessment for their products category wise.
Therefore, applicant should provide CPSS with sample of each product category or the
label designing slip of the product along with applicant details. When CPSS reviews the
requirements of the labeling, it issues Cosmetic Labeling Assessment Report that
contains product description and details along with remarks for modifying the label if
necessary.

5.1. Registration Steps

The applicants should provide the CPSS with their products database. This forms the
basis on which the CPSS assesses a product label. The registration process is as follows:

The applicant sends products database to the following email address:

[email protected]. It should include as well the applicant details (Company Name,
P.O. Box, Tel, Fax, Email, Representative Name, Mobile No) & product details.
CPSS sends the “Application Form for Cosmetic Labeling Assessment” as a soft copy
to the same e-mail address the database was received from.
The applicant selects one product of each category in the database and fill the
“Application Form for Cosmetic Labeling Assessment” according to the following
instructions:

¾ Within the application form, the following aspects should be filled with
details and numbers: Serial Number, Product name, Brand, Country of Origin,
Batch Number & Bar Code. e.g. Bar Code: 1234567, Country of Origin:
UAE, …etc

¾ Within the application form the aspects: Manufacturer Detail, Production

Date, Expiry Date, Period After Opening, Storage Condition, Ingredients,
Health Warnings, Instruction of Use, Size/Weight, Medical Claims &
Inconsistent Illustrations should be filled with (YES) if the information is
available on the product or with (X) if the information is not available.

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 Dubai Municipality
Public Health & Safety Department
Consumer Products Safety Section

¾ Within the application form the aspects: Shelf-life & Remarks aspects will be
filled by CT.

After filling the form, the applicant sends the soft copy of the “Application Form for
Cosmetic Labeling Assessment” to the following email address: [email protected].
The applicant submits the required documents (Health Certificate, Free Sale
Certificate, Analysis Report, Laboratory Test report) to CPSS along with one of each
product that was applied for labeling assessment.
The applicant makes sure that the products carry a sticker which is numbered with the
same number as applied in the application form.
CPSS reviews the documents and application form and adds the remarks if necessary.
CPSS contacts the applicant via email for collecting the “Cosmetic Labeling
Assessment” report.
At the time of collecting the letter, an amount of Dhs 10 for each product that has
been applied for should be paid.

5.2. Necessary Documents to Accompany Application Forms

5.2.1. Certificate of Free Sales (CFS):

The certificate must be from the country of origin and issued by the health authorities or
recognized bodies. The CFS should be current at the time of submission and request is to
be made for the original to be seen. If the product name to be marketed in Dubai is
different from the CFS, confirmation letter from product owner is required. A Certificate
of Free Sales is a document to indicate that the product is freely sold in that country. This
certificate has to be legalized by UAE Embassy.

5.2.2. Health Certificate (HC):

The certificate must be from the country of origin and issued by the health authorities or
recognized bodies. The HC should be current at the time of submission and request may
be made for the original to be seen. A Certificate of Health is a document to indicate that
the product is safe for human being use. This certificate has to be legalized by UAE
Embassy.

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 Dubai Municipality
Public Health & Safety Department
Consumer Products Safety Section

6.3. Coverage of the Mandatory Standard

The mandatory information standard applies to cosmetics manufactured in or imported
into Dubai from November 2006 onwards.

6.4. Requirements of Labeling Mandatory Standard

The mandatory information standard requires the product ingredients be listed on the
container or the product itself, if not packed in a container. It is expected that the
information would be available at the time products are at the point of entry. Where the
container or the product is of a size, shape or nature that prevents ingredient labeling by
any of the above methods, the mandatory information standard requires that the
information be shown in a way that allows consumers to be informed. This may be
achieved, for example, by using swing tags, leaflets, brochures, etc.

The followings are the required components that must be declared in clear English or
Arabic language:
Product name
Brand name of the product
Manufacturer detail
Country of origin
Ingredients
Size or Weight of the product
Production & Expiry dates or/ Period After Opening (PAO)
Storage conditions; unless it is clear from the product name or presentation
Instructions of use; unless it is clear from the product name or presentation
Health warning notes; unless it is clear from the product name or presentation
Code Industrial number of product (Bar-Code) & Batch number
Medical claims not allowed
Pictures, illustration which are inconsistent with the prevailing social customs and
values shall not be used.
Based on these conditions, the health inspector/officer from CPSS will withdraw any
cosmetic product that does not comply with the specifications mentioned above and issue
fines to the violated individuals.

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 Dubai Municipality
Public Health & Safety Department
Consumer Products Safety Section

Note: Either HC or FSC is needed to complete the application procedures for certain
countries.

5.2.3. Laboratory Test Report:

A test report that indicates the content of certain heavy metals including Mercury, Zinc,
Arsenic, Lead, Chromium, Cadmium, and preservatives and microbiology test from
accredited laboratory either in the Country of Origin or from Dubai Central Laboratory is
obligatory. All accredited laboratories worldwide are available under website URL:
www.ilac.org.

5.2.4. Analysis Report:

The document must be obtained from the Manufacturing Company of the product. This
document provides all the necessary data regarding ingredients, chemical and physical
properties of the products.

6. A Guide for Labeling Cosmetic Products

This guide provides an overview of the mandatory requirements for cosmetic labeling. It
aims to increase concerned individual understanding of the coverage and application of
the mandatory standard. The guide is of a general nature and there may be important
qualifications or exceptions to the mandatory standard that it does not cover. Therefore
concerned individuals should always seek professional advice to ensure their products
comply with the mandatory requirements and are responsible for ensuring that their
cosmetic products meet the mandatory information standard.

6.1. Labeling of the Product

Compliance with the information standard is mandatory. All concerned individuals
including manufacturers, importers, suppliers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers are
obliged to ensure their products comply with the mandatory information standard.

6.2. Objective
This is to identify ingredients to which public may be allergic or which may cause an
adverse reaction as well as to compare diverse cosmetic products.

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 Dubai Municipality
Public Health & Safety Department
Consumer Products Safety Section

7. Amendments or Change in Registration Particulars

After a cosmetic product label has been approved, any subsequent amendment in
particulars of the application relating to the cosmetic product must be notified or
approved by CPSS.

8. Validity of Product Registration

The registration of a cosmetic product shall be valid for 5 years as extension for renewal
to be reviewed.

9. Product Recall
The goal of product recall is to promptly and efficiently retrieve Batch/ Bar Code of the
product that does not comply with registration requirements, or that may have an
undesirable effect on humans. The decision for recall shall be made when there is or may
be risk to the cosmetic consumer. Recalls can be initiated through at the request of the
Dubai Municipality, or other relevant authorities to recall the product.

10. Penalty
Individuals who contravene any of the provisions of the guidelines and regulations will
be charged as violated by Local Order No. 11 / 2003.

11. Cosmetic Services

11.1. Request for Assessment of Cosmetic Product Label

11.1.1. Service Description:

Application for Cosmetic Labeling Assessment (available only as soft copy)

11.1.2. Fees:
The value of the fees is Dhs 10.00 per product category plus Dhs 10.00 as knowledge
fees for payment orders Dhs 50.00 and above based on Local Order No. (11/2003).

11.1.3. Validity:
This service is valid for two years under current conditions.

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 Dubai Municipality
Public Health & Safety Department
Consumer Products Safety Section

11.1.4. Procedures:

S.NO. Procedures Required Documents Location

1 Submitting a soft copy of the Trade License CPSS
application form along with HC and/or FSC
samples of the products to CPSS Laboratory Test Report
Analysis Report
2 Receiving the payment order by the CPSS
---------------------------
applicant
3 Paying to the Cashier counter Payment order issued by the Cashier counter
CPSS stating the value of the
payment order
4 Handing a copy of the receipt over to A copy of the receipt CPSS
the CPSS who attaches it to the
application form documents
5 Getting cosmetic labeling assessment CPSS
---------------------------
letter

11.2. Request for Releasing the Cosmetic Shipments Arriving in Dubai Ports under
the Supervision of Dubai Municipality

11.2.1. Service Description:

This service is provided to Licensed Cosmetic Companies in Dubai which have
warehouses in the Emirate of Dubai and are already registered their cosmetic products
and are concerned in releasing the shipments arriving Dubai under the supervision of
DM.

11.2.2. Fees:
The value of the fees is Dhs 50.00 per consignment plus Dhs 10.00 knowledge fees based
on Local Order No. (11/2003).

11.2.3. Procedures:
Required
S.NO. Procedures Location
Documents
1 The importer representative is required to Packing List CPSS
present samples from the consignments to Airway Bill
CPSS employee for inspection Trade License
Accurate physical inspection of cosmetic Packing list CPSS
2 products to insure that it meets cosmetic
labeling requirements
Receiving the payment order by the importer CPSS
3 ---------------------------
representative

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 Dubai Municipality
Public Health & Safety Department
Consumer Products Safety Section

Paying the inspection fees to the Cashier Payment order issued by Cashier counter
4
counter the CT stating the value
Handing a copy of the receipt over to the A copy of the receipt CPSS
5 CPSS employee who attaches it to the soft
copy of the required shipment documents
6 Getting the Release Stamp for the CPSS
---------------------------
consignment

11.3. Procedures for Cosmetic Consignment Release with Undertaking & Warning

11.3.1. Service Description:

This procedure is taken in case the CPSS has released consignments against a non-
disposal undertaking by the company that has not registered cosmetic products until they
review CPSS for registration.

11.3.2. Fees:
The value of the deposit is determined by the CPSS and does not exceed Dhs 10,000
(Annex 1) based on Local Order No. 11/2003 in which can be reimbursed after the
registration process is done.

11.3.3. Procedures:
Required
S.NO. Procedures Location
Documents
The importer representative is required Packing List CPSS
to present the consignments documents Airway Bill
1
to CPSS employee Trade License

Receiving the deposit payment order by the CPSS

2 ---------------------------
importer representative
Paying a deposit & fees to the Cashier Payment order issued by Cashier counter at DM
3 counter the CPSS stating the value main office
of the deposit & fees
Handing a copy of the deposit receipt over A copy of the deposit CPSS
4
to the CT employee receipt
Getting the Release Stamp for the Filling the release with CPSS
consignment to be released either: warning form or re-export
6
to the importer warehouse, or form
to the other port of entry for re-export
CPSS
For releasing to warehouse: to review
the C & CHS for registration of the
7 ------------------
products
For re-export: to be re-exported within
maximum 30 days

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 Dubai Municipality
Public Health & Safety Department
Consumer Products Safety Section

Request for recovering the deposit after Ensuring that all CPSS
releasing the consignment and taking the outstanding cases of
necessary procedures in this connection undertaking as well as the
8
obligations for which an
undertaking has been
written have been fulfilled
Checking with the Finance Department DM Main office/ Finance
9 Refund letter from CPSS
Department

11.4. Request for Releasing the Shipments Arriving in Dubai Ports under
Supervision of other Municipalities

11.4.1. Service Description:

This service is provided for companies who do not have Trade License or warehouse in
Dubai. The request is for releasing shipments at Dubai ports to be examined under the
supervision of the municipalities of the other emirates in the UAE. It should be noticeable
that a maximum grace period of 30 days shall be given to know the reply of the
concerned municipality.

11.4.2. Fees:
A deposit is determined by CPSS which can be reimbursed after submitting the reply of
the concerned municipality requesting necessary action.

11.4.3. Procedures:
S.No. Procedures Required Documents Location
1 Submission of shipment documents to No-objection letter from the CPSS
CPSS & filling the undertaking form concerned municipality
Packing List
Airway Bill
Trade License
2 Receiving the fees & deposit payment CPSS
---------------------------
orders by the importer representative
3 Paying the fees to the Cashier counter Payment orders issued by the Cashier counter
CPSS stating the value
4 Handing a copy of the receipt over to the A copy of the receipt CPSS
CPSS employee who attaches it to the soft
copy of the required shipment documents
5 Getting the Release Stamp for the CPSS
consignment to be transferred to the ---------------------------
concerned Municipality
6 Submitting letter from concerned Receiving letter from concerned
CPSS
municipality of receiving the consignment municipality
7 Request for recovering the deposit after Ensuring that all outstanding CPSS

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 Dubai Municipality
Public Health & Safety Department
Consumer Products Safety Section

releasing the consignment and taking the cases of undertaking as well as

necessary procedures in this connection the obligations for which an
undertaking has been written have
been fulfilled
8 Checking with the Finance Department DM Main office/
Refund letter from CPSS Finance
Department

11.5. Request for Releasing Non-Commercial Shipments Arriving in Dubai Ports

under the Supervision of Dubai Municipality

11.5.1. Service Description:

This service is provided for public who receive personal or establishment consignments.
The request is for releasing these shipments at Dubai ports to be examined under the
supervision of the DM. It should be noticeable that a maximum weight of 30 KG is
considered non-commercial; however, this has to be decided cases by case.

11.5.2. Fees:
No fees required.

11.5.3. Procedures:
S.No. Procedures Required Documents Location
1 CPSS Packing List CPSS
Airway Bill
2 Undertaking form for non- A copy of non-commercial form CPSS
commercial consignment to be
filled by the customer
3 Getting the Release Stamp for CPSS
---------------------------
the consignment

Annex 1:

Consignment Amount (UAE Dhs) Deposit Amount (UAE Dhs)

5,000 or Less 1000
5,000 up to 20,000 2,000
20,000 up to 30,000 5,000
30,000 or More 10,000
Permanent deposit for multiple DIP consignments 15,000
Permanent deposit for multiple Re-Export 50,000

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