Dubai’s pet care industry is booming, with the UAE pet food market projected to exceed AED 1.2 billion by 2028. From premium kibble to organic treats, pet parents in Dubai demand quality and safety. However, no pet food can legally enter shelves, warehouses, or online platforms without completing product registration in Dubai.
Mandated by the Dubai Municipality (DM) and aligned with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), product registration in Dubai ensures compliance with food safety, labeling, and nutritional standards. This blog breaks down the step-by-step process of product registration in Dubai for pet food, helping importers and manufacturers avoid delays, fines, and market exclusion.
Why Pet Food Requires Product Registration in Dubai
Unlike human food supplements, pet food is regulated under UAE’s veterinary and agricultural laws. The product registration in Dubai process verifies:
- Absence of harmful ingredients (e.g., banned preservatives, contaminants)
- Accurate nutritional claims
- Proper Arabic/English labeling per GSO standards
Non-compliance during product registration in Dubai can trigger:
- AED 50,000+ fines
- Product seizures at Jebel Ali Port
- Blacklisting from major retailers like Petzone and Pet Sky
A 2025 DM audit confiscated over 15,000 unregistered pet food units from e-commerce sites, proving strict enforcement.
Step-by-Step Guide to Pet Food Product Registration in UAE
Follow this structured path to secure product registration in Dubai efficiently:
Step 1: Classify Your Pet Food Correctly
Determine if your product is:
- Complete feed (e.g., daily dog/cat food)
- Complementary feed (e.g., treats, supplements)
- Veterinary diet (requires MOCCAE pre-approval)
Use ESMA commodity codes during product registration in Dubai to avoid misclassification.
Step 2: Prepare Mandatory Documentation
Submit via the DM Montaji portal:
- Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from ISO 17025-accredited labs
- Free Sale Certificate (FSC) from country of origin
- Ingredient list with percentages and sources
- Manufacturing flowchart and GMP certificate
- Stability and shelf-life studies
- Label artwork in Arabic and English (GSO 9/2019 compliant)
- Halal certificate (if meat-based)
Incomplete dossiers cause 60% of rejections in product registration in Dubai.
Step 3: Submit Application and Pay Fees
- Register on Montaji portal
- Fees: AED 1,000–3,000 per SKU
- Include HS code and batch codes
Fast-track options available for pre-vetted brands.
Step 4: Lab Testing and Risk Assessment
DM may require local testing at Dubai Central Laboratory for:
- Heavy metals
- Aflatoxins
- Salmonella
- Nutritional profiling
High-risk imports (e.g., raw meat treats) face mandatory quarantine.
Step 5: Approval and Unique Registration Number
- Timeline: 6–10 weeks (faster with consultants)
- Receive DM approval number (e.g., DM-PF-XXXX-2025)
- Valid for 5 years; renewable
Post-approval, affix the DM logo and registration number on packaging.
Key Challenges in Product Registration in Dubai (and Solutions)
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Labeling errors (e.g., missing Arabic text) | Use GSO-compliant templates |
| Banned additives (e.g., ethoxyquin) | Pre-screen ingredients via MOCCAE list |
| Customs delays | Obtain pre-clearance via product registration in Dubai |
| Multi-SKU complexity | Bundle similar formulations |
Local regulatory consultants reduce approval time by 40%.
Post-Registration Benefits for Your Pet Food Business
- Retail Access: Stock in Petzone, Pets Delight, and Carrefour Pet Sections
- E-commerce Compliance: List on Amazon.ae, Noon, and Petshop.ae
- UAE-Wide Validity: Mutual recognition in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah
- Marketing Advantage: Use “Dubai Municipality Approved” in ads
- Export Hub Status: Leverage Jebel Ali for GCC re-exports
Case Study: A UK pet treat brand completed product registration in Dubai in 7 weeks, securing exclusive distribution with 5 gym chains and 300% ROI in Year 1.
Pro Tips to Streamline Product Registration in Dubai
- Start 3 months before shipment
- Use accredited freight forwarders familiar with DM protocols
- Maintain batch traceability for post-market surveillance
- Renew 6 months before expiry to avoid lapses
Conclusion: Secure Product Registration in Dubai to Feed Dubai’s Pets Legally
Skipping product registration in Dubai is not an option in a market where regulators and consumers demand transparency. Whether importing salmon-flavored cat food or vegan dog treats, completing product registration in Dubai unlocks legal sales, brand trust, and scalable growth.
Begin today: Visit the DM Montaji portal or partner with a UAE-based compliance expert. Get your product registration in Dubai approved and watch your pet food brand thrive in the Emirates.
