Your Guide to Montaji Product Registration

May 31, 2024

Dubai’s booming market offers exciting opportunities for businesses worldwide. To ensure consumer safety and product quality, the Dubai Municipality mandates Montaji Registration.

What is Montaji Registration?

Montaji Registration is a system run by the Dubai Municipality to register and assess consumer products sold in Dubai. This helps ensure the products meet safety and public health standards. It applies to things like cosmetics, fragrances, Detergents and Cleaning Products, Health Supplements, and food items.

Before you jump online, make sure you have all the necessary documents. Here’s what you’ll need:

Trade License: This proves you have a legitimate business operating in the UAE.
Establishment Card: This document confirms your company’s physical location within the UAE.
Free Sale Certificate (if applicable): If your product is manufactured outside the UAE, you’ll need a certificate from the country of origin stating it’s free for sale.
Ingredient Report: Get a signed and stamped report from your manufacturer detailing all the ingredients in your product.
GMP Certificate: This document (Good Manufacturing Practice) verifies your manufacturer adheres to international quality standards.
Product Artwork: Provide high-quality images of your product packaging and labeling.

The Montaji Registration Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate it smoothly:

Login to Montaji portal: If you haven’t already, create an account on the Dubai Municipality portal (https://montaji.dm.gov.ae/Consumer/Login). You’ll need this login to access Montaji.
Go to services: Once logged in, find the “Services” section and look for “CPRE” (Consumer Product Registration Request)
Click on CPRE (consumer Product Registration Request): By filing a CPRE, you’re providing them with detailed information about your product and its ingredients, along with ensuring your labeling meets their requirements.
Submit and Pay: Once you’ve attached all documents and ensured your label is compliant, submit your application. There’s a 20 AED submission fee.

There are two fees associated with Montaji registration:

Submission Fee: 20 AED (Emirati Dirham)
Registration Fee (after approval): 220 AED

You’ll pay the submission fee upfront. Once your product is approved, you’ll need to settle the registration fee.

Product Labeling Requirements

Product Name: Clearly state the product name in Arabic and English.
Brand Name: Include your brand name or trademark.
Manufacturer Details: Provide the manufacturer’s name and address.
Country of Origin: Indicate the country where the product was manufactured.
Ingredients (In INCI format): List all ingredients using the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) format. This ensures global consistency and protects consumers with allergies.
Size or Weight of the Product: Clearly display the product’s size or weight in metric units (grams, milliliters, liters, etc.).
Production and Expiry Date or Best Before Date: Include the production date and either an expiry date or a “best before” date.
Period After Opening (PAO): If applicable, indicate the time period after opening that the product remains safe to use (e.g., 12M for 12 months).
Storage Conditions: Provide instructions on how to store the product safely (e.g., keep cool and dry).
Instructions for Use: Clearly explain how to use the product safely and effectively.
Health Warnings: List any relevant health warnings or precautions.
Barcode: Include a unique barcode for easy identification and tracking.
Batch Number: Every product must have a batch number for quality control purposes.

How Long Does Approval Take?

The application approval process typically takes between 10-30 days.

Montaji Product Testing:

While labelling is crucial, some products might require additional testing to ensure they meet safety standards. The specific requirements depend on the product category.

Here’s a general overview:

Testing Might Apply To: Toys, electronics, cosmetics, food items, building materials, and more.
Compliance is Key: Products must comply with relevant UAE and international safety standards.
Appointed Labs Conduct Tests: Dubai Municipality accredited laboratories perform the tests.
Prepare for Testing: Be prepared to submit product samples and technical documentation as requested.
Product Testing ( If requested by Montaji): between 100-250 AED for each test

By following these steps and understanding Montaji’s requirements, you can ensure a smooth and successful registration process for your cosmetic products in the UAE. With your products approved and ready for market, you’ll be well on your way to captivating the hearts (and faces!) of UAE beauty enthusiasts.