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United Arab Emirates – PCA Program

PCA NewslettersDecember 14, 2022

Businesses importing or selling regulated products in the UAE must comply with the requirements of the country’s mandatory quality and safety standards. Ministerial framework changes have recently been announced.

For companies selling regulated products in the UAE, a valid Certificate of Conformity (CoC) testifies that the products are in compliance with Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) Technical regulations, guidelines and standards. This is a pre-requisite for achieving customs clearance for regulated products in the country. 

Appointed by the MoIAT to implement the UAE’s product conformity assessment (PCA) program, SGS is an approved Notified Body and provides assessments for regulated goods to ensure they meet the relevant standards. 

ECAS and EQM – certification schemes

All regulated products, including both imported and locally manufactured goods, must have an ECAS or EQM certificate to be sold in the UAE. The Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme (ECAS) is a MoIAT product certification and is a mandated program for all regulated products. An ECAS certificate is valid for one year and is subject to annual renewal.

The Emirates Quality Mark (EQM) is a mark of conformity granted to those products that comply with the 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

On successful completion of a product conformity assessment, regulated products destined to be imported into, or placed on the market in, the UAE, will receive a CoC. This certificate demonstrates the compliance of products and gives you market access.

Recent changes

Established in July 2020, the MoIAT aims to boost the UAE’s industrial sector and increase its contribution to the gross domestic product. The Office of the Minister of State for Advanced Technology, the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology, and the industry sector in the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure have been merged into the structure of the MoIAT, and since then, and all authorities, responsibilities and duties have been transferred to this newly founded ministry.

Why do you need a Certificate of Conformity?

A CoC from SGS is mandatory to trade/place regulated products in UAE markets and is also required for smooth customs clearance of consignments at destination ports and borders.

Who can apply?

Product exporters, distributors, traders, and manufacturers can apply to the nearest SGS office for more information and to initiate the application process.

What are the requirements for CoC?

  • Valid UAE industry/trade license
  • Electronic Declaration of Conformity, request for certification
  • Test reports and certificates as per MoIAT-approved standards from an ISO/IEC 17020 accredited laboratory
  • Labels
  • User manual/ingredients list in Arabic and English languages 
  • Other technical/legal/supporting documents as per product scope
  • Fees

Process

The certification process begins with the exporters/distributors/traders/manufacturers applying to an SGS office.

Learn more about SGS’s PCA services.

This article can also be found in our PCA Newsletter (Q4/2022) – which keeps you up to date with developments in technical barriers to trade and product conformity assessment.

Read more in our PCA Newsletter

Q4/2022

Q3/2022

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For more information, please contact:

Anand Nair
Connectivity & Products Director - Arabian Peninsula Region
t: +971 50 553 1927

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