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.
Read more PCA articles (Q2/2024)
- Saudi Arabia Imports: What is SASO IECEE Recognition Certification?
- EAS Standards: The Heart of the EAC-Ready Certification Scheme
- Why Pre-export Verification of Conformity Matters When Exporting to Tanzania
You can read more articles in our previous editions in the PCA Newsletter Library.
© SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA.
