The Cosmetic Act, Cabinet Decision No. 18 of 2014 on the Regulation of Cosmetic and Personal Care Products in the UAE, applies to all types of cosmetic and personal care products offered, manufactured, imported, supplied, packaged or used in the UAE. The Cosmetics Act defines cosmetics and personal care products as any substance or mixture used to use and come into contact with external organs and body parts (such as skin, hair, nails, lips, teeth, genitals or oral mucous membranes) for the purpose of cleaning or flavoring them, changing their appearance or enhancing their smell, or protecting or maintaining them in optimal condition.

The Perfume Act, Cabinet Decision No. 5 of 2014 on the UAE Perfume Regulation, applies to all types of perfume products offered, manufactured, imported, exported, packaged or used in the UAE. The Perfumery Act defines a perfumery product as any cosmetic and personal care product with a good smell, consisting of essential oils, fixatives, alcohol solutions, water, permitted colorants, antioxidants and solvents.

Cosmetics and perfume products must be registered in Dubai before they can be imported, sold and distributed in the local market. Only local companies with a valid trading license in Mainland Dubai or the UAE Free Zone are eligible for cosmetic registration. As a result, international companies seeking to sell products in the UAE must set up local branches or appoint local distributors to import, register and distribute products on their behalf.

Cosmetics manufacturers and distributors that export cosmetics to the UAE

UAE Cosmetics Importer/Main Distributor