Understand Supplement Rules and Approval in the UAE
Navigate supplement rules and approval in the UAE, covering MOHAP pathways, labeling limits, shelf-life evidence, and import requirements to avoid rejection.
1/14/2026
Supplement Registration in the UAE:
Rules, Approval Pathways, and Compliance Risks
Authored by: Product Registration UAE Regulatory Experts
Registering dietary, herbal, or nutraceutical supplements in the UAE is not a single standardized process.
Approval is classification-driven, and products with similar formulations can follow very different regulatory pathways depending on ingredients, dosage form, and intended claims.
In practice, most approval delays and rejections occur before formal review begins.
Misclassification, unsupported claims, incomplete stability data, and non-compliant labeling are the most common causes.
This guide explains how supplement registration works in the UAE, where brands typically fail, and how to align with current regulatory expectations.
What Is Considered a Supplement Under UAE Regulations?
In the UAE, supplements are defined as products intended to support or maintain general health without treating, curing, or preventing disease.
This category may include:
Dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals, amino acids)
Herbal supplements (single or blended botanicals)
Nutraceutical products
Functional health products
Traditional medicine-based formulations
Classification is determined by regulatory interpretation, not marketing intent. Authorities assess claims, dosage form, ingredient profile, and presentation.
A product labeled as “herbal” or “natural” may still be regulated as a health supplement, while fortified products may fall under food or special approval routes.
Regulatory Authorities Involved in Supplement Approval
Several UAE authorities may be involved in supplement registration, depending on product characteristics:
MOHAP: Primary authority for dietary and health supplements
Dubai Municipality: Reviews products with functional or borderline cosmetic positioning
ESMA / ECAS: Applies to fortified or standard-regulated products
A frequent cause of delay is submission to the incorrect authority. Reassignment often triggers additional documentation requests, reclassification reviews, and extended approval timelines. Correct authority mapping at the classification stage is critical.
Supplement Labeling Requirements That Commonly Cause Rejection
UAE regulators conduct detailed label reviews for supplements. Labels are assessed not only for completeness, but also for accuracy, wording, and consistency.
Key requirements include:
Arabic and English content alignment
Accurate ingredient disclosure, including botanical names where applicable
Approved dosage instructions
Mandatory warning statements
Absence of disease treatment or prevention claims
In practice, rejections often result from implied health claims, incorrect Arabic translation, dosage statements that conflict with formulation data, or marketing language that exceeds regulatory limits.
Shelf Life and Stability Data Expectations
Shelf life declarations must be supported by scientific evidence. Regulators require stability data that demonstrates product safety and quality throughout its lifecycle.
Typical requirements include:
Real-time or accelerated stability studies
Testing conducted by approved or recognized laboratories
Shelf life aligned with packaging material and storage conditions
Products are frequently delayed or rejected when declared expiry dates do not match stability results, packaging specifications, or UAE climatic conditions.
Import and Market Entry Requirements for Supplements
To import or distribute supplements in the UAE, companies must secure regulatory approval and submit supporting documentation, which may include:
Authority approval certificate
Certificate of Free Sale
Halal certification, where applicable
Customs and batch-specific documentation
Certain herbal or traditional formulations may also require ingredient origin verification, contamination testing, or additional safety assessments.
Nutraceutical and Functional Products: Classification Risks
Nutraceutical and functional products often fall into regulatory grey areas. Authorities evaluate these products based on composition, claim language, and consumer perception.
Depending on classification, additional requirements may apply, such as nutritional justification, fortification approval, or ECAS registration. Misclassification in this category is a common reason for extended review cycles.
How Product Registration UAE Supports Supplement Brands
The Product Registration UAE regulatory team supports supplement manufacturers and brand owners by:
Classifying products accurately before submission
Aligning claims, formulation, and labeling with UAE regulations
Coordinating stability testing and technical documentation
Managing submissions with MOHAP, Dubai Municipality, and customs authorities
Reducing rejection risks and approval delays
Whether registering capsules, powders, gummies, or herbal formulations, thorough preparation is essential for efficient market entry.
Continue Reading
Learn how Health Supplements GMP Compliance impacts approval timelines and safety documentation.
Explore Shelf Life & Expiry Rules UAE to ensure your supplement stays legally compliant throughout its lifecycle.
Discover how Technical Translation in UAE Product Registration supports accurate Arabic labeling and regulatory success.
Avoid supplement rejection—see the top UAE registration mistakes to prevent delays.
Need Help Registering a Supplement in the UAE?
If you are unsure how your product will be classified or want to avoid regulatory rejection, contact our compliance team or use the chatbot in the bottom right corner for guidance.
