Non-compliance with UAE food labeling requirements can result in fines ranging from AED 10,000 to AED 2,000,000, shipment rejections at ports, and even imprisonment for serious violations.[1] For food manufacturers, importers, and distributors operating in the UAE, understanding these regulations is not optional—it's essential for market access.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about UAE food labeling compliance in 2026, including the regulatory bodies involved, mandatory label elements, industry-specific requirements, and a step-by-step compliance checklist.
Three primary authorities govern food labeling in the UAE. Each has specific jurisdiction and requirements that food businesses must navigate.
The Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology, now operating under the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), is responsible for setting national food labeling standards.[2]
Key responsibilities include:
The primary standard governing food labeling is UAE.S 9:2017 "Labelling of Prepackaged Food Stuffs", which replaced the earlier GSO 9:2013 standard. This was further updated by UAE.S 9:2019, made mandatory through Cabinet Resolution No. (4) of 2020.[3]
Abu Dhabi's NutriMark scheme became effective June 1, 2025, and is now in full enforcement. This front-of-pack labeling system grades products from A to E based on energy, saturated fat, sugars, sodium, protein, and fiber content. Currently applicable to packaged and non-packaged breads, pastries, beverages, fats, oils, and fat emulsions—with potential expansion to additional categories in 2026.[4]
Dubai Municipality manages food product registration through the Montaji Portal (formerly known as FIRS - Food Import and Re-export System). All food products sold in Dubai must be registered before entering the market.[5]
Key functions:
Registration fees:[6]
ADAFSA is the local authority responsible for food safety in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. In June 2022, ADAFSA launched the Food Import and Export Management Information System (FIEMIS) to streamline food import and export procedures.[7]
FIEMIS capabilities:
All pre-packaged food products sold in the UAE must include specific information on their labels. The following requirements are mandated under UAE.S 9:2017 and UAE.S GSO 2233:2021.[8]
| Element | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Clear, truthful product identification | UAE.S 9:2017 |
| Ingredients List | Listed in descending order by weight | UAE.S 9:2017 |
| Net Quantity | Weight or volume in metric units | UAE.S 9:2017 |
| Country of Origin | Specific country (e.g., "Made in USA") | UAE.S 9:2017 |
| Manufacturer Details | Company name, address, contact details | UAE.S 9:2017 |
| Local Importer | UAE-based distributor name and address | UAE.S 9:2017 |
| Production Date | Clearly stated on packaging | UAE.S 9:2017 |
| Expiry Date | Format depends on shelf life | UAE.S 9:2017 |
| Storage Conditions | If applicable for product safety | UAE.S 9:2017 |
| Nutritional Information | Per GSO 2233 requirements | GSO 2233:2021 |
| Allergen Declarations | Highlighted for major allergens | UAE.S 9:2017 |
| Batch/Lot Number | Required for traceability and recalls | UAE.S 9:2017 |
Arabic labeling is mandatory for all food products sold in the UAE. Labels may be in Arabic only or bilingual (Arabic and English), but Arabic must always be present.[9]
Key language requirements:
Font specifications:
The UAE follows specific date formatting rules based on product shelf life:[10]
| Shelf Life | Required Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months or less | Day/Month/Year | 15/06/2025 |
| More than 3 months | Day/Month/Year OR Month/Year | 06/2025 |
Important: Production and expiry dates must be printed on the original manufactured label, not added later via stickers.
Exemptions from expiry date requirement:[3]
Under UAE.S GSO 2233:2021, nutritional labeling is mandatory for pre-packaged foods intended for direct consumption.[11]
Required nutrients:
| Nutrient | Daily Reference Value |
|---|---|
| Energy | 2000 kcal |
| Protein | 50 g |
| Total fat | 70 g |
| Saturates | 20 g |
| Cholesterol | 300 mg |
| Total carbohydrate | 260 g |
| Dietary fiber | 28 g |
| Sugar | 50 g |
| Salt | 6 g |
Food labels must clearly declare allergens to protect consumers with food sensitivities. Major allergens must be highlighted in both English and Arabic.[12]
Common allergens requiring declaration:
Different food categories have additional labeling requirements beyond the general standards.
Meat products face stringent requirements due to Halal compliance and food safety concerns.[13]
Halal certification requirements:
Pork products: Require clear labeling and must be sold in designated retail sections. Trading pork without proper licensing carries penalties up to AED 500,000.[1]
Dairy products are regulated under Cabinet Resolution No. (29) of 2018 Regarding the UAE System for Control of Milk and Dairy Products.[14]
Required declarations:
Energy drinks face specific regulations under UAE.S/GSO 1926:2009.[15]
"This product is not permitted for pregnant women, or women breast feeding, children under 16 years of age, persons susceptible to allergy by caffeine, or persons suffering from heart disease or athletes during sport practice."
Additional requirements:
Based on industry experience and regulatory feedback, these are the most frequent labeling errors that lead to product rejection or penalties:[16]
The most common mistake is poor Arabic translation. This includes:
Every food product label must include the UAE-based importer or distributor's company name, physical address, and contact information.
Using incorrect date formats (such as month/day/year American format instead of day/month/year) is a common rejection reason.
Required certifications that are often missing: Halal certificate, GMO-free certificate, Organic certification, and Health certificates.
Applying Arabic labels or stickers after products arrive in the UAE is prohibited. All stickering must be completed before export and approved by UAE authorities in advance.[10]
Use this checklist to ensure your food products meet UAE labeling requirements before export.
The UAE enforces strict penalties for food labeling violations under Federal Law No. 10/2015 and Cabinet Decision No. 26/2017.[1]
| Violation Type | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Trading adulterated, harmful, or spoiled food | AED 100,000 - 2,000,000 + minimum 3 months imprisonment |
| Trading pork/alcohol without license | Up to AED 500,000 + minimum 1 month imprisonment |
| Technical regulation violations | AED 10,000 - 100,000 |
| Other labeling violations | Minimum AED 10,000 |
| Repeat violations | Penalties doubled |
Looking for more GCC compliance guidance? Check out these related guides:
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UAE food labeling requirements are comprehensive but manageable with proper planning and attention to detail. The key takeaways are:
Last updated: January 2026. Regulations may change. Always verify current requirements with official UAE authorities before export.