- Site
- Middle East and Africa
- Mark / regulation
- 2
- Market
- United Arab Emirates
01Entering This Market
Two schemes operate together in the UAE: ECAS is the mandatory conformity assessment scheme for products within its scope; EQM is a voluntary quality mark that includes factory inspection. Registration is carried out through the national system by an importer resident in the UAE.
02Background to the Regime
In the United Arab Emirates the conformity system is formed by two different logics sitting on top of one another, and this is the most confused aspect of the market. On one side there is a MANDATORY registration and conformity arrangement: for particular product groups the product is registered, assessed and a certificate of conformity obtained for import. On the other side there is a VOLUNTARY quality mark arrangement: the product is certified against national standards, the facility is audited and a quality mark is granted to the product.
Their functions differ. The mandatory arrangement is a precondition of import; the quality mark is a commercial instrument that builds confidence in the market and creates an advantage in public procurement and large projects. Holding the quality mark does not take the place of mandatory registration; nor does having completed mandatory registration confer the right to the quality mark.
The scope of the mandatory arrangement concentrates on groups where risk is considered high: electrical products, construction materials, toys, cosmetics and food contact products. The scope list and the registration platforms differ by product group.
The distinguishing burden of the quality mark arrangement is factory inspection: alongside product testing, the quality system of the manufacturing facility must be audited and follow-up inspection continues throughout the validity of the mark.
In both arrangements the application runs through a party established in the country and the Arabic label requirement applies. Additional local requirements may also exist at emirate level; federal registration does not take their place.
03Acceptance of Foreign Test Reports and Documents
- Foreign test reports are accepted for assessment when they come from an accredited laboratory.
- Mandatory registration and the voluntary quality mark are SEPARATE processes; neither satisfies the other.
- The quality mark requires factory inspection and that inspection cannot be substituted by any report.
- A CB Scheme report reduces the testing burden for electrical products.
- Having completed federal registration does not remove additional local requirements at emirate level.
04Defining Features of the Regime
- ECAS is mandatory for products within its scope and requires product registration
- EQM is voluntary; it grants a quality mark and includes factory inspection
- The applied standards are GSO and UAE national standards
- Registration is carried out through an importer resident in the UAE
- The scope list is updated according to product group
- Arabic-language labelling is expected
05Local Representative and Responsible Party
An importer or representative resident in the UAE is required: ECAS registration and the certificate application are made through this party. The foreign manufacturer provides the technical file and test reports; system registration and customs responsibility rest with the local party.
07Entry Process
- 01Scope DeterminationIt is determined which legislation and marking scope the product falls under in the target market. This step defines the entire process; getting it wrong wastes all subsequent work.
- 02Determining Applicable StandardsThe standards accepted by the market and any national deviations are identified. The same IEC standard may apply with different deviations in different markets.
- 03Establishing the Test PlanIt is assessed which part of existing test reports will be accepted; missing tests are planned. A CB Scheme report, if available, reduces retesting.
- 04Local Party and RegistrationIf the market requires an established representative, importer or applicant, this party is designated and the necessary registrations are made.
- 05Tests and Technical FileTests are conducted and the technical file is prepared. Some markets require testing to be performed within their own country.
- 06Certification or DeclarationDepending on the market's regime, a manufacturer's declaration is drawn up or a certificate is obtained from the authorised body; a factory audit is carried out if required.
- 07Marking and LabellingThe mark and label are applied according to the market's format and language rules. The language requirement is checked at customs in most markets.
- 08Shipment and CustomsIf a pre-shipment document is required, it is obtained; the document set to be presented at customs is completed.
08Customs and Labelling
- The ECAS certificate is presented at customs
- Arabic label and usage information required
- If the EQM mark has been obtained, it is shown on the product
- Importer information appears on the packaging
09Common Mistakes
- Confusing ECAS with EQM; one is mandatory, the other voluntary
- Not checking the current version of the scope list
- Starting the process without determining a local importer
- Assuming G-Mark replaces ECAS
10Calendar
The certification timeline varies with the product, the required test workload, sample shipping time and the authority's workload; for this reason, no duration in days or weeks is given on these pages. The main factors determining the timeline are: whether testing must be performed in the target country, whether a factory audit is required, the time to appoint a local representative, and the current maturity of the technical file. A realistic timeline for your product is provided in writing at the quote stage.
Market access regimes change frequently: scope lists are updated, transition periods are extended, new requirements are added. These pages describe the structure of the regime and who bears the obligation; the applicable scope and dates for your product are confirmed from the current legislative text at the quote stage.
11Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ECAS and EQM?
ECAS is a mandatory conformity assessment scheme for products within its scope and a condition for market entry. EQM, on the other hand, is a voluntary quality mark; it includes factory inspection and is obtained to provide market differentiation.
United Arab Emirates roadmap for
Tell us about your product; we'll share the required steps, documents and timeline in writing.