"Made in UAE" Label: Your Opportunity to Enter New Markets
The "Made in UAE" label is not just a label on the packaging, but the key to international recognition. It confirms the high quality of the products, opens up access to free trade agreements and gives a competitive advantage in global markets.
But how to obtain this status? What requirements must be met? If you plan to export your products and want them to officially bear the "Made in UAE" label, it is important to understand the certification rules and the registration process. Antwort Law specialists have prepared a detailed guide to help you go through this process easily and without errors. Read this article and you will learn what requirements you need to meet, what documents to prepare and how to undergo certification so that your products receive the official "Made in UAE" label.
Origin of products
To obtain the "Made in UAE" label, the products must comply with the rules of origin established by the UAE Ministry of Economy. Key criteria include:
- A minimum level of local manufacturing or assembly (typically at least 40% of the value of the product must be produced in the UAE).
- Substantial processing of raw materials or components imported from other countries, resulting in a significant change in the product classification.
- The production process must be carried out in registered and certified industrial zones in the UAE.
Registration and licensing
Companies applying to use the "Made in UAE" label must:
- Have a registered manufacturing facility in the UAE.
- Obtain an industrial license from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT).
- Confirm compliance with quality standards such as ISO 9001 and similar industry certifications.
Certification process
To officially confirm the Made in UAE status, a Certificate of Origin (CoO) is required, which is issued through:
- UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
– UAE Ministry of Economy.
- Special Export Centers in Free Economic Zones.
Companies must provide documents confirming the origin of raw materials, the production process, as well as financial statements confirming the amount of investment in local production.
The cost of services for issuing a "Made in UAE" certificate starts from 100 UAE dirhams.
Documents required for submitting this service:
1. Main document:
- Commercial invoice.
2. Additional requirements for certain cases:
- Direct deliveries: bill of lading.
- Origin from the UAE: copy of industrial license, copy of factory invoice.
- Goods in transit: copy of transit invoice from Dubai Customs.
Additional documents that may be requested by the UAE Chamber of Commerce and Industry:
- Packing list.
- Invoices from the exporting country.
- Exporter's invoice.
Important: The UAE Chamber of Commerce and Industry reserves the right to request additional supporting documents if necessary.
Quality Control and Inspection
Manufacturers must comply with government quality standards, which are verified by regulatory authorities such as the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA). In some cases, additional inspections may be carried out at production sites to confirm compliance with the certification conditions.
Additional requirements for certain product categories:
Depending on the type of product, additional conditions may apply.
For example:
- Food products must comply with the Emirates Quality Mark (EQM).
- Medical products and cosmetics must be certified by the UAE Ministry of Health.
- Electronics and appliances must comply with ESMA guidelines.
Product Labeling:
After obtaining the “Made in UAE” certificate, the product must be marked with the appropriate logo. The marking must be applied to the packaging or the product itself in accordance with government standards.
Benefits of the Made in UAE certification
- Global recognition – increased brand awareness and trust in international markets.
- Consumer trust – a guarantee of high quality and compliance with strict safety standards.
- Easier access to global markets – the ability to enter international trading platforms with a recognized quality mark.
- Competitive advantage – confirmation of the status of a reliable manufacturer and differentiation among competitors.
The Made in UAE certification is not just a quality mark, but a key factor that strengthens the position of UAE manufacturers in the global market. It is evidence of commitment to high standards and the desire for international recognition. Companies that have passed this certification gain access to expanded opportunities for export and business cooperation.
How can we help?
Antwort Law is not just assistance in registering products. We offer individual consultations and expert support at all stages of the process. We understand UAE legislation, assist with certification, analyze possible business development scenarios, and assess the financial implications of various decisions. We relieve clients of complexity and provide a transparent picture of all available opportunities so they can confidently build a development strategy and enter new markets.
Diana Gulevskaya
Partner
Antwort Law