Embarking on the journey of vape products registration in Dubai and the wider UAE can feel like navigating a maze for businesses eager to tap into this thriving market. With the United Arab Emirates’ rigorous regulatory standards, led by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), understanding the compliance landscape is paramount.
Our guide aims to simplify this process, providing an essential overview of the vape and e-liquid market in the UAE. We offer a step-by-step breakdown of the registration process, ensuring your business stays compliant every step of the way.
As your trusted source of information and guidance, we delve into the specifics of vape product compliance, contrasting MoIAT’s regulations with the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) to illuminate the key distinctions businesses need to understand.
Whether you’re a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer, our guide is your go-to resource for navigating the complexities of vape products registration in the UAE. Let us help ensure your venture into this lucrative market is both successful and compliant.
Learn more:
- How to start a vape business in the UAE and Dubai?
- Regulations for vape products in the UAE: fees and taxes
- Is vaping legal in the UAE? Bans & Law Situation
- OEM Services And Private & White Label: 9 Reasons To Choose Chemnovatic As The Best Business Partner
- Vape Cartridges Knowledge Center
- E-Liquid & Vape Industry Regulations [Knowledge Base]
- E-Liquid Regulations Guide: [Get Your Free E-Book]
- The Rise and Fall of Disposable Vapes: Understanding the Changing Trend
- Tobacco Product Directive (TPD): All You Need To Know
- Excise Duty In The Vape Industry [Guide]
Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: Vape Industry in the UAE
Before delving into the registration process, it’s essential to understand the legal framework governing the sale and use of vape products in the UAE.
In 2019, the UAE legalized the sale of e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and associated products to curb the use of unregulated products and ensure public safety.
However, the sale and distribution of these products are strictly regulated by the Ministry of Industry & Advanced Technology (previously responsible for it was ESMA). Any business or individual looking to sell vape products must first register their products with MoIAT and adhere to the set standards and regulations.
MoIAT’s Role in Vape Products Registration
MoIAT plays a pivotal role as the federal authority responsible for overseeing the sale and distribution of vape products in the UAE. The authority ensures that all vape products available in the market adhere to stringent safety and quality standards. This entails thorough examination of e-liquid ingredients, safety features of vaping devices, and compliance with packaging and labeling requirements.
Moreover, MoIAT establishes the fees associated with product registration and governs the advertising and promotion of vape products. Non-compliance with MoIAT regulations may result in significant fines and penalties, including potential suspension or cancellation of product registration.
Vape products compliance in UAE: MoIAT Guidelines
Ensuring compliance with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) is essential for businesses seeking to distribute vape products within the United Arab Emirates.
This entails strict adherence to regulations governing product registration, packaging, and labeling. Central to this process is obtaining ECAS (Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme) certification, confirming that products meet stringent safety and quality standards.
It’s imperative to remain updated with MoIAT guidelines, which may evolve in response to new health and safety research or technological advancements. Compliance not only facilitates market entry but also fosters consumer trust, emphasizing the importance of rigorous adherence to these regulations.
Check also:
- Vaping Trends 2024: How Can They Help Grow Your Profitable Business?
- What Is UFI Code And How Does It Apply To The E-Liquid Industry?
- CLP Regulation Changes In 2024: What You Need To Know?
- REACH: What Is Reach And Why We Talk About It?
- Excise Duty In The Vape Industry [Guide]
- What Is CLP?
MoIAT vs. TPD: Key Differences
Understanding the regulatory landscape for vape products in Dubai and the UAE requires a clear distinction between the MoIAT standards and the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) in the European Union.
While both frameworks aim to ensure vape product safety and quality, their approaches and requirements differ significantly. MoIAT mandates a comprehensive registration process for all electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), including e-liquids and vaping devices. This process emphasizes product safety, labeling, and marketing standards tailored to the UAE’s unique health and safety concerns.
In contrast, the TPD focuses on harmonizing regulations for tobacco and related products across EU member states. It sets limits on nicotine strength, e-liquid volume, and packaging requirements. Notably, the TPD allows for cross-border sales of vape products among EU countries, a provision not accommodated by MoIAT regulations. This underscores the TPD’s aim to create a unified market for tobacco products, whereas MoIAT prioritizes national health and safety standards specific to the UAE context.
Furthermore, MoIAT’s regulatory framework is distinguished by its rigorous product approval and certification process. This process ensures that all vape products sold in the UAE meet the highest safety standards. It includes detailed testing of devices and liquids, as well as verification of compliance with UAE-specific standards before products can be legally sold.
In contrast, the TPD’s certification process, while thorough, is generally considered less stringent than MoIAT’s, focusing on standardizing products for safety rather than tailoring requirements to individual markets’ unique needs.
This fundamental difference highlights the UAE’s proactive approach to safeguarding public health through stricter regulation of vape products.
Who Should Register Products with MoIAT?
All e-cigarette manufacturers, importers, and distributors are required to register their products in the UAE following MoIAT standards.
Importers have the option to designate local representatives to handle product registration in the UAE on their behalf. Manufacturers and distributors must hold a valid UAE trade license issued by either the mainland or a free zone authority. Leading product registration agents in the UAE can assist in obtaining a conformity certificate from MoIAT.
You have to know that changes have been made to the registration process.
Previously, one application could cover various flavors. For instance, different strengths of an E-Liquid flavor could be registered together. However, now each SKU with a barcode requires its application. If you want to register both a multipack and a single pack of the same flavor and nicotine strength, two separate applications are necessary.
How Long Does It Take?
Securing approval for vape products in Dubai and the UAE involves a meticulous process that varies significantly in duration, depending on several factors.
Key determinants include the completeness of the application, the specific product types, and the efficiency of the regulatory body’s review process.
Typically, the timeline can range from a few weeks to several months. For instance, a straightforward application for e-liquid might take approximately 4-6 weeks for approval, whereas more complex devices, such as advanced vaping mods, could extend up to 8-12 weeks or more.
Below is a comparison table that illustrates these variances with real examples:
| Product type | Minimum processing time | Maximum processing time |
|---|---|---|
| E-Liquids | 4 weeks | 6 weeks |
| Simple Vape Devices | 6 weeks | 8 weeks |
| Advanced Vaping Mode | 8 weeks | 12 weeks or more |
Applicants must prepare comprehensive documentation and adhere to the specified guidelines to avoid delays. Engaging with experienced consultants who are familiar with the local regulations can significantly expedite the process.
How much does it cost?
Registering your product for sale in the UAE requires two separate fees:
- Certificate issuance fee: This fee, payable to the MoIAT, has been lowered from AED 5000 to AED 670 per application.
- Document review fee: Payable to the notified body, this fee remains unchanged at AED 800 per application.
For the whole product spectrum and prices, see below
| Old | New | |
|---|---|---|
| Label | AED 5000 | AED 670 |
| Product – Liquid | AED 5000 | AED 670 |
| Product – Device | AED 5000 | AED 670 |
| RoHS | AED 1000 | AED 1000 |
Registration with MoIAT Compliance Assessment Scheme
MoIAT has established an Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme (ECAS) to evaluate product compliance and issue certificates accordingly. Under the ECAS scheme, all regulated products, including e-cigarettes, must obtain a certificate of conformity for customs clearance and sales approval.
In addition to safety standards, ECAS certification encompasses safety testing, performance testing, function inspection, detection of hazardous substances, and more. ECAS registration in the UAE includes the following components:
- Registration of all e-cigarette devices
- Registration of e-cigarette labels
- Registration for e-cigarette RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
- Submission of additional data, including test reports
- Information Required Before ECAS Registration
Before initiating the ECAS registration process in the UAE, applicants must ensure they have the following documents or information:
- Valid UAE Industry/Trade License
- IEC CB Test Reports and Certificates according to standard No. UAE S. GSO IEC 60335-1
- Device battery test report as per standard No. UAE S. GSO IEC 62133 and standard GSO IEC 60086
- Compliance of equipment plugs to BS 1363, including earth and fuse plugs
- Photos of the product’s rating label/plate
- User Manual in Arabic and English
- Electronic Declaration of Conformity
- ECAS registration certificate for electronic cigarette devices
- ECAS registration certificate for electronic cigarette labels
- ECAS registration certificate for RoHS
- Test report of product packaging per GSO, ISO, and 8317 standards
- List of components and release test report of e-liquid, nicotine output dose
- Electronic file compliance statement
Official Fees payable to MoIAT must also be accounted for.
The registration process for the Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme
Complying with MoIAT standards for product registration in the UAE entails a series of steps, ranging from straightforward to intricate.
Below are the sequential steps necessary to secure a certificate of conformity from MoIAT:
- Register an account number on the MoIAT website.
- Apply for a compliance certificate.
- Upload the requisite documents.
- Make the necessary fee payments.
- Await document review.
- If the product meets the stipulated requirements, the system will notify the applicant and issue the certificate of conformity.
The primary test items encompassed in this process include:
- RoHS10 tests
- GSO, IEC, 60335-1
- GSO, IEC, 62133
- Electronic cigarette packaging tests according to GSO, ISO, 8317
- Vapour emission tests
- Analysis report on the composition of e-liquid
Upon successful registration, businesses are granted the necessary approvals to market and sell their vape products across Dubai and the UAE. However, it is imperative to stay updated with any changes in regulations or standards, as non-compliance can result in penalties or revocation of the registration.
Regularly reviewing product portfolios and ensuring they meet the latest MoIAT standards is advisable. Maintaining compliance not only safeguards the business against legal issues but also reinforces its commitment to consumer safety and product quality.
How Chemnovatic can help your company?
As a global leader in the nicotine and e-liquid industry, we can assist your business in three key areas:
- Supply: We provide high-quality nicotine, raw materials, and nicotine products to vape businesses worldwide. We are a leading manufacturer and supplier of top-notch e-liquids, vape bases, and flavorings. With a diverse range of products and extensive industry experience, we offer reliable solutions for vape businesses in Dubai and the UAE.
- Legal Support: Our team offers expertise in product registration and legal compliance, ensuring your business meets all necessary regulations. Our Legal Regulations Department can guide you through the necessary formalities, including setting up your business, paying official fees, and navigating the registration process.
- Manufacturing: We specialize in OEM and private label products, offering state-of-the-art technology and stringent quality control measures. Partnering with us grants you access to premium raw materials and OEM/white label/private label products crafted with cutting-edge technology and rigorous quality control measures. Our experienced R&D team, graphic designers, and legal experts collaborate to bring your product from concept to market with ease.
Our products and services are trusted by businesses in over 70 countries, helping them thrive in the vaping industry. Count on our unwavering support to establish and expand your vape business in this dynamic and growing market.
Vape Products Registration in the UAE and Dubai: Summary
Registration of vape products in Dubai and the UAE is governed by a stringent regulatory framework, designed to ensure the safety and quality of these items before they reach the consumer market. Businesses looking to enter this sector must navigate through a series of steps, including obtaining necessary approvals from the Ministry of Industry & Advanced Technology (MoIAT). Compliance with MoIAT standards is crucial for the successful registration and legal sale of vape products within the country.
One of the initial steps in the registration process involves submitting detailed documentation about the product, including its ingredients, manufacturing process, and safety protocols. This is critical as it helps the regulatory bodies assess the potential impact of the product on public health. Accurate and comprehensive documentation accelerates the approval process, reducing the time it takes for products to move from conception to market.
Remember, your business must stay abreast of the ever-evolving regulations concerning vape products in the UAE. This includes changes in taxation, packaging requirements, and age restrictions for purchase and use.
FAQ Section – You ask, we answer
References
- E-cigarettes: United Arab Emirates [Statista Report], [12.02.2024]
- MoIAT – governmental website [12.02.2024]
- Department of Economic Development – governmental website [12.02.2024]
- Corporate tax (CT) in UAE – governmental website [12.02.2024]
- Dubai Municipality Business: laws and legislations – governmental website [12.02.2024]
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