Navigating UAE Product Conformity: Understanding ECAS and EQM Certification

PCA Newsletters13 Jun 2024

Regulated products imported and sold in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) must conform to the requirements in mandatory quality and safety standards. The trader, importer or manufacturer must hold a valid certificate of conformity (CoC) for each product, showing compliance with Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) technical regulations, guidelines and standards.

SGS is an approved notified body appointed by MoIAT to implement the UAE’s product conformity assessment (PCA) program. We assess regulated goods to ensure they meet relevant standard requirements.

ECAS and EQM – certification Scheme

Regulated products must hold either an Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme (ECAS) or Emirates Quality Mark (EQM) certificate to be sold in the UAE. This applies to imported and locally manufactured products.

ECAS – product certification scheme implemented by MoIAT as a mandated program for all regulated products. Certificates are valid for one year and subject to annual renewal
EQM – shows compliance with relevant UAE national standards. Organizations implementing an effective quality management system (QMS) should ensure continuous compliance. An EQM certificate is valid for three years

Certificate of conformity

Regulated products destined for importation into or being placed onto the market in the UAE must complete conformity assessment prior to receiving a CoC. This certificate demonstrates compliance and gives market access.

Recent changes

Established in July 2020, MoIAT aims to boost the UAE’s industrial sector and increase its contribution to gross domestic product (GDP). Since then, the Office of the Minister of State for Advanced Technology, the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (MoIAT) and the industry sector of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure have merged into it.

Regulated product scope

Electrical

Low voltage electrical products
Restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS)
Energy efficiency standards & labelling (EESL)
Low voltage cables
Data communication cables
Hover boards
Lighting products
Electronic cigarettes
Audio/visual & IT products
Laser products
Equipment used in explosive atmosphere (IECEx / ECAS-Ex)
Speed limiters
Radiofrequency identification (RFID) for EESL products – approved service provider

Mechanical

Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Trailers and semi-trailers
Retreaded tires
Elevators
Motor vehicles spare parts
Child restraint systems
Marine engines
Water fixtures
Automatic doors and windows

Metrology

Metrology regulation (medical equipment, measuring devices, speed radars, etc.)
Industrial measurement system (IMS)

Chemical

Cosmetics and personal care products
Perfumes
Textiles
Childcare articles
Health protection products
Food contact materials
Detergents
Oxo–biodegradable plastic products
Tobacco products
Paints and varnishes
Petroleum products

Food

Energy drinks
Honey
Bottled drinking water
Juices and beverages
Milk and dairy products
Sustainable agriculture
Organic foods

Why do you need a CoC?

A CoC is mandatory before a regulated product can be traded on the UAE market. It also helps to smooth customs clearance at the point of entry into the country.

Who can apply?

Exporters, distributors, traders and manufacturers of the product can apply. They can contact their nearest SGS office for more information.

What are the requirements?

Valid UAE industry/trade license
Electronic declaration of conformity, request for certification
Test reports and certificates per MoIAT-approved standards from an accredited laboratory
Labels
User manual/ingredients list in Arabic and English
Other technical/legal/supporting documents will be requested upon scope visibility
Fees

About SGS

SGS is the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity, providing competitive advantage, driving sustainability and delivering trust.

Learn more about United Arab Emirates UAE PCA Program.

This article can also be found in our PCA Newsletter (Q2/2024) – which keeps you up to date with developments in technical barriers to trade and product conformity assessment.