If you’re selling cosmetic or skincare products in the UAE, chances are you’ve heard mixed advice about Montaji, MOIAT, and whether Arabic labeling is mandatory.
Some brands sell without Arabic. Others say it’s compulsory.
So what’s the truth?
Let’s break it down simply and correctly, based on how the UAE regulatory system actually works.
What is Montaji?
Montaji is Dubai Municipality’s official product registration system.
If you want to sell cosmetic or personal care products in Dubai, Montaji is the platform where your products must be:
- Registered
- Reviewed for ingredient safety
- Approved before sale
This applies whether your products are:
- Imported
- Handmade
- Sold online
- Sold in retail stores
👉 No Montaji registration = product is not legally approved for sale in Dubai.
What is MOIAT?
MOIAT (Ministry of Industry & Advanced Technology) is a federal authority, but it does not regulate most cosmetic sellers.
MOIAT comes into scope only when a business moves into industrial or manufacturing activity, such as:
- Operating a factory in the UAE
- Holding an industrial license
- Claiming “Made in UAE” status
- Large-scale manufacturing or exports under national conformity schemes
For most cosmetic brands, MOIAT registration is not required at all.
So… do cosmetic brands need MOIAT registration?
In most cases: No.
If you are:
- Selling finished cosmetic or skincare products
- Registering products through Dubai Municipality (Montaji)
- Not operating a factory or industrial setup
👉 Montaji registration is sufficient.
MOIAT becomes relevant only if your business model changes into industrial manufacturing later.
Is Arabic labeling mandatory?
This is where confusion usually starts.
Under Dubai Municipality (Montaji)
- Arabic labeling is not mandatory at the initial stage
- Product information must still meet Montaji requirements
- This is why some compliant products appear in the market without Arabic text
Under MOIAT
- Arabic labeling does become mandatory
- Usually applies at later stages (industrial scope, advanced conformity, or renewals)
- Relevant only if the business falls under MOIAT regulation
👉 Presence of products without Arabic does not automatically mean non-compliance — it depends on which authority regulates the product.
Why do some brands get penalized?
Penalties usually happen when:
- Products are sold without Montaji registration
- Businesses assume market practice equals legal approval
- Companies scale operations without reassessing regulatory scope
- Compliance planning is ignored until authorities intervene
The smart compliance approach
For most cosmetic and skincare brands:
- Register products under Montaji
- Operate compliantly within Dubai Municipality scope
- Plan Arabic labeling only if future expansion requires MOIAT involvement
- Reassess compliance when business scale or activity changes
Final takeaway
- Montaji is mandatory for selling cosmetics in Dubai
- MOIAT is not required for most cosmetic brands
- Arabic labeling is not mandatory initially under Montaji
- Compliance depends on authority scope, not assumptions
Understanding this distinction can save brands time, money, and penalties.
Need help with cosmetic product compliance?
At Finzoryx, we help brands:
- Register products under Montaji
- Understand UAE regulatory scope clearly
- Avoid over-compliance and penalties
- Plan compliance correctly as the business scales
📞 +971-503978121