Selling supplements in the UAE.
MoHAP, Halal, and everything in between.
The UAE is a high-value wellness market with a well-established supplement channel. Registration with MoHAP is required before products can be imported and sold. Halal certification is strongly expected by buyers and consumers. Here's what you need.
Registration required before import
Unlike the US (where post-market notification is typical), the UAE requires product registration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) before the product can be legally imported and sold. Registration typically takes 4–8 weeks. Plan this into your launch timeline.
UAE regulatory overview.
MoHAP: Ministry of Health and Prevention
The primary regulator for health supplements in the UAE. Products must be registered in the MoHAP system before being imported. The registration process requires product documentation, ingredient specifications, and label review.
ESMA: Emirates Authority for Standardisation
ESMA issues product conformity requirements and technical standards for food supplements. Some categories require ESMA conformity marking in addition to MoHAP registration.
Halal Certification
While not legally mandated at the federal level for all supplements, Halal certification is commercially essential for the UAE market. Gelatin capsules must use Halal-certified gelatin, or use veg capsule alternative. We can supply veg caps as standard, and Halal certification for gelatin-based products on request.
Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
For products distributed in Dubai specifically, additional DHA guidelines may apply — particularly for products making therapeutic or disease claims. Structure/function claims only are recommended for initial market entry.
What your UAE label must include.
Arabic and English
The UAE requires bilingual labelling — Arabic and English. All mandatory label elements must appear in both languages. We provide translated label templates for standard formulations.
Nutrition Information Table
Per serving and per 100g format. UAE follows the GCC standard nutritional labelling format (ESMA GSO 9/2013).
Manufacturer Name & Address
Full manufacturer details including country of origin. Our facility name and address are pre-approved in the documentation we supply.
Registration Number
Once MoHAP registration is approved, the registration number must appear on the label. This is typically added as a sticker or in your label print run after approval.
Halal Mark (if certified)
The Halal certification mark from an approved UAE Halal certifying body must appear if the product carries a Halal claim.
Directions and Precautions
Usage instructions and any precautionary statements must appear in both Arabic and English.
What ships with every UAE order.
| Document | Purpose | Included |
|---|---|---|
| NABL-accredited CoA | Required for MoHAP registration | ✓ Standard |
| GMP Certificate | Manufacturing compliance evidence for MoHAP | ✓ Standard |
| MSDS | Customs / import clearance | ✓ Standard |
| Certificate of Indian Origin | Customs declaration | ✓ Standard |
| Nutrition Info panel template | UAE-format bilingual label (GCC standard) | ✓ Standard |
| Halal Certificate | Halal claim / veg cap declaration | On request |
Ready to register for the UAE market?
We handle the export documentation. Your UAE importer handles MoHAP registration. Book a call and we'll walk through the full process together.