Montaji is an electronic platform launched by the Dubai Municipality to regulate and manage consumer product registrations in the UAE. It provides businesses with a streamlined process to ensure that their products meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards before entering the UAE market.
Why is Montaji Registration Required?
Montaji registration is essential for:
Regulatory Compliance
Ensures that consumer products meet UAE standards and guidelines.
Market Authorization
Grants permission to sell products in the UAE market.
Consumer Safety
Protects public health by verifying the safety of products before they reach consumers.
Traceability
Allows authorities to track and monitor product origins, ingredients, and compliance status.
Customs Clearance
Facilitates smooth import processes by ensuring products are pre-approved.
Products Required to Be Registered on Montaji
In the UAE, product registration is mandatory for certain categories of goods to ensure consumer safety, quality standards, and regulatory compliance. The following types of products typically require registration:
Food and Beverage Products
- Packaged foods (snacks, canned goods, etc.)
- Beverages (soft drinks, juices, etc.)
- Baby food and nutritional supplements
- Organic and health foods
- Dairy and meat products
Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
- Skincare products (lotions, creams, etc.)
- Hair care products (shampoos, conditioners, etc.)
- Makeup and beauty products
- Fragrances and perfumes
- Hygiene products (soaps, deodorants, etc.)
Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Products
- Prescription and over-the-counter drugs
- Medical devices and equipment
- Health supplements and vitamins
- Herbal and alternative medicines
Consumer Products
- Household cleaning products
- Detergents and disinfectants
- Air fresheners and other chemical products
Veterinary Products
- Animal health medications
- Veterinary equipment and feed additives
Food Contact Materials
- Packaging materials for food and beverages
- Utensils, cookware, and storage containers
Electronic and Electrical Products
- Home appliances
- Personal care devices (electric shavers, hairdryers, etc.)
Organic Products
- Products labeled as “organic” for food, cosmetics, or any other sector require specific certifications.
Energy and Efficiency Products
- Air conditioners, lighting systems, and other energy-related products may require specific registrations.
Types of Services Offered by Montaji
Montaji provides a range of services to support businesses and ensure compliance, including:
Product Registration
A comprehensive review and approval process for consumer products to verify compliance with UAE regulations.
Label Assessment
Verification of product labels to ensure that they meet mandatory requirements such as ingredient listing, warnings, and language standards.
Product Compliance Verification
Detailed evaluation of a product’s ingredients and specifications against regulatory standards.
Renewal of Registration
Assistance in renewing product registrations to maintain market authorization.
Market Monitoring and Complaint Management
Oversight of registered products in the market and handling consumer complaints related to safety and compliance.
Support for Importers and Manufacturers
Guidance on regulatory requirements and product documentation for market entry
Barcode Registration
Montaji helps businesses generate or validate barcodes for products to ensure traceability.
Health Certificate Issuance
Provides health certificates for approved products to facilitate exports to other countries
Restricted or Prohibited Product Checks
Verification of whether a product contains banned or restricted ingredients
Import and Distribution Permits
Supports businesses in obtaining the necessary permits for importing or distributing approved products.
General Documents Required for Montaji Product Registration
Product Information
- Product Name
- Product Description
- Product Category (e.g., food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical)
- Brand Name (if applicable)
- Country of Origin
Commercial Documents
- Trade License Copy: The license of the company importing or distributing the product.
- Certificate of Origin: For imported goods, to verify the country of manufacture.
- Import Permit: For products that are being imported into the UAE.
Product Composition
- Ingredient List: Full list of ingredients used in the product, including any additives, preservatives, or colorants (for food, cosmetics, or personal care).
- Product Formula: Detailed formula for pharmaceutical and health products.
Labeling Documents
- Label Copy: Clear images of the product label, which must comply with UAE labeling requirements (e.g., ingredients, usage instructions, expiry dates, warnings, etc.).
- Arabic Label: In many cases, a translation of the label into Arabic is required.
- Packaging Material Information: Details on the packaging used, including material and design for products that come into contact with food or cosmetics.
Safety and Regulatory Compliance
- Health Certificate: For food, health supplements, and cosmetics, confirming that the product is safe for human consumption or use.
- Certificate of Analysis (CoA): A laboratory analysis report confirming the product’s ingredients, purity, and compliance with health standards (particularly for food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics).
- GMP Certificate (for relevant products): If applicable, proof of Good Manufacturing Practice certification.
Product Samples
- In some cases, you may be required to submit product samples for testing by Dubai Municipality to confirm compliance with health and safety regulations.
Free Sale Certificate
- For export purposes, a free sale certificate may be needed to confirm that the product is legally sold in the country of origin.
Regulatory Approvals (if applicable)
- For products that require additional regulatory clearance (e.g., medical devices, pharmaceuticals), you may need to provide approval from relevant regulatory bodies (e.g., MOHAP for medical products).
Quality Assurance and Control Documentation
- SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures): Documentation outlining the manufacturing, quality control, and testing processes to ensure product consistency and safety.
- Quality Control Certifications: Depending on the product, certifications such as ISO, HACCP (for food products), or GMP.
Other Documents (if applicable)
- Product Registration Number (if the product has been registered previously in another country).
- Environmental Certifications: If applicable, such as certifications for eco-friendly packaging or organic products.
Additional Notes
- Arabic Translation: Certain documents, especially product labels, may need to be provided in both English and Arabic.
- Online Submission: All documents must be submitted online through the Montaji platform.
To know the process of Montaji Registration, Request a Call Back
Products Not Required for Montaji Registration in the UAE
While Montaji, the Dubai Municipality’s product registration platform, is essential for ensuring consumer goods meet regulatory standards in the UAE, not all products are subject to registration through this platform. Below is a list of products that do not require Montaji registration:
Products Already Approved by Other Regulatory Bodies
- Medical Foods and Health Supplements that have been approved by MOHAP for sale in pharmacies or healthcare institutions are not required to be registered through Montaji.
- Products intended for direct export or those governed by international trade agreements are also exempt from registration, provided they meet the standards of the destination country.
Imported Products Already Registered
- If a product has already been registered with the relevant authorities, such as MOHAP or DHA, it does not require re-registration on Montaji. However, the product must comply with all applicable UAE regulations for consumer safety and labeling.
Non-Consumer Products
- Products not intended for direct sale to consumers, such as raw materials or components for manufacturing, do not require Montaji registration. These items are subject to different regulatory frameworks for importation and trade.
Agricultural Products
- Raw agricultural products, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and bulk grains, are generally not subject to Montaji registration, though they may be regulated by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE).
Non-Packaged or Bulk Products
- Unpackaged products or those sold in bulk (such as fruits, vegetables, and grains sold by weight) typically do not require Montaji registration, as long as they do not fall under regulated categories like food additives, preservatives, or health claims.
Products Exempted from Montaji Registration
- Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices
- Pharmaceuticals, including prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, are regulated by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), and not through Montaji.
- Medical devices, including diagnostic tools, therapeutic equipment, and surgical instruments, are regulated by MOHAP or the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
- Alcohol and Tobacco Products
- Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are regulated by specialized government entities such as the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and Customs.
- Veterinary Products
- Products related to animal health and welfare, including veterinary medications, pet food, and feed additives, fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE).
- Industrial Chemicals and Hazardous Materials
Products used for industrial purposes, such as chemicals, solvents, and hazardous materials, are not registered on Montaji but are regulated by Environment and Protection Agencies and Municipalities.