Recent updates to cosmetic product regulation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reflect an increasingly stringent commitment to the safety, transparency and cultural appropriateness of products in the marketplace.
Starting in 2024, the government has implemented new regulations requiring thorough microbiological and heavy metal safety testing in accredited laboratories for all imported cosmetics, along with detailed labeling requirements in English and Arabic. Labels must include specific warnings about safe use and any potential allergic reactions, with medical claims also prohibited.
These regulations, largely aligned with EU regulations, have also introduced restrictions on sensitive ingredients such as vitamin A derivatives and certain acids, as well as ensuring that all products comply with the cultural values of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
UAE Ingredient Labeling and Analysis Requirements
Date: September 2024
Summary: New regulations require all cosmetic products to comply with strict labelling requirements in English and Arabic. Labelling must include warnings about proper use of the product, possible allergic reactions and precautions. In addition, any ingredients with allergens must be highlighted, and medical claims are prohibited on labels. These changes align with EU regulations, especially in the control of ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids and vitamin A and its derivatives, which are permitted only under specific conditions.
ECAS Certification and Safety Review in Accredited Laboratories
Date: October 2024
Overview: The Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme (ECAS) certification , managed by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), is now mandatory for all cosmetics in the UAE market. This scheme requires each product to pass tests for microbiological safety and contaminants, particularly heavy metals, in accredited laboratories. The aim is to ensure that cosmetics are safe for human use and meet quality standards. Companies must register their products with Dubai’s Montaji system in order to legally distribute them on the market.
Ingredient Restrictions and Compliance with International Standards
Date : September 2024
Summary: In this update, the UAE has implemented an expanded list of banned or restricted ingredients for cosmetics. These include vitamin A derivatives (such as retinol and its esters), which can only be used in low concentrations and with clear safety warnings. Cosmetics must also be free of pork-derived products to align with the cultural and religious values of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Authorities in Dubai and other municipalities oversee and monitor compliance with these regulations to ensure consumer safety.
Product Presentation and Design Standards
Date: April 2024
Abstract: Authorities have set new guidelines to prevent cosmetic products from featuring images or messages that contradict Islamic traditions or GCC social values. Products must also be presented in packaging that provides all mandatory information on safety and proper use. In addition, any cosmetic compounds containing nano-ingredients must be specified on the label and comply with concentration and size restrictions, in line with international recommendations.
These updates reinforce the UAE’s commitment to ensuring that only safe and culturally appropriate products are placed on the market , thereby supporting confidence in the region’s ever-expanding cosmetics sector.
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