Food Supplement Trading or Food Supplement Manufacturing in Dubai is a flourishing and dynamic industry catering to the increasing demand for high-quality and innovative nutritional products. Trading involves distributing and selling diverse dietary supplements, vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, sports nutrition products, and other nutritionally focused products. Meanwhile, food supplement manufacturing in Dubai encompasses producing and manufacturing a wide range of nutritional products, including dietary supplements, vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, sports nutrition products, and other health-enhancing products.
With its strategic location and well-established infrastructure, Dubai makes an ideal hub for international food supplement trade. In addition, this business has tremendous potential due to the cosmopolitan population, health-conscious consumers, and increased emphasis on personal well-being.
4721.79 Food Supplements Trading
Food supplements trading with Meydan Free Zone is a business involved in the buying and selling of food supplements. Food supplements, also known as dietary or nutritional supplements, contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, or other dietary substances intended to supplement a person’s diet and provide additional nutrients.
Inclusions
With your food supplements trading license from the Meydan Free Zone, you can resell foods and supplements which are not classified as drugs and are intended to provide nutrients, such as foods for people suffering from certain diseases, also foods prepared from natural substances in such a way that they do not contain any artificial substances, flavors, or colors commonly added to canned or preserved food, it involves vitamins, minerals, fiber, fatty acids, or amino acids, honey, and herbal tonics, nourishing substitutes for athletes and diet recipes. The business may operate through physical stores, online platforms, or a combination.
Third-Party Approvals
Food Supplements trading activity does not require third-party approval. However, this business license is subject to Dubai Municipality rules and regulations.
1079.95 Food Supplements Manufacturing
Manufacturers of food supplements in Dubai produce nutrition and dietary supplements that include vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, protein powders, sports supplements, and specialized formulations. In addition to supporting general health, fitness, weight management, and nutritional needs, these supplements also help the immune system.
Inclusions
Supplement manufacturing business with Meydan Free Zone includes manufacturing supplements classified as food and not drugs and intended to provide nutrients that might be lacking in the food or otherwise not be consumed in sufficient quantities; it involves vitamins, minerals, fiber, fatty acids, or amino acids, honey, and herbal tonics.
Third-Party Approvals – Pre License
To manufacture food supplements in Dubai, there is a specific requirement for obtaining additional approval from the Environmental Services of Dubai Municipality. This approval is necessary before your license to manufacture food supplements can be issued, and specific terms and guidelines apply.
- The customer is not required to apply for an Environmental Clearance if the license is based on an administrative office. However, Environmental Clearance should be obtained before starting industrial activities.
- Depending on the nature and size of the manufacturing processes, the customer may be requested to provide additional information and/or attach other documents or submit an Environmental Impact Assessment Report.
- The company must apply to amend the Environmental Clearance in case of expanding, changing, or adding new activities or applying changes in the industrial processes, for they might have environmental impacts different from the ones assessed at the beginning of the project.
The Food Safety Department of Dubai Municipality (DM) & the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) ensures and enforce proper food control procedures in Dubai. For food supplement registration in the UAE, you should file the product/supplement under the DM food registration system. For any food substance to be imported into Dubai, it must be labeled and registered in DM’s Food Import and Re-export System (FIRS). Food supplement registration applications with higher claims and critical ingredients must be submitted to MOHAP with proper and prior product classification from the authority. Applications of food supplements with higher claims and critical components must be submitted to MOHAP after they have been classified appropriately.
According to UAE food labeling regulations, all food packaging must include information such as brand name, production date, expiration date, net weight, lot number, and halal marking. Additionally, Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO) Technical Regulations are referred to and applied within the UAE.
ESR
The Economic Substance Test (EST) is a compulsory obligation in the United Arab Emirates that certain businesses must fulfill to demonstrate that they are being managed or directed from within the country. This evaluation examines whether the enterprise has an appropriate number of permanent employees in the UAE, generates most of its revenue within the country, and possesses adequate assets and operational expenses. This assessment aims to guarantee that businesses operating in the UAE actively contribute to the country’s economy rather than solely utilizing it as a tax shelter.
The Economic Substance Return (ESR) is the documentation enterprises present as evidence of their adherence to the Economic Substance Test (EST). The ESR must be submitted within a year after the completion of the fiscal year. For instance, if a company’s fiscal year commences on or after January 1, 2023, and concludes on or before December 31, 2023, they must file the notification. In the case of newly established companies, they must file an ESR the following year if their activities fall under the requirement. Failure to submit the ESR or comply with the EST can lead to penalties, fines, and potentially even the revocation of the business license. ESR does not apply to food supplement trading and manufacturing.
AML
The UAE has implemented various measures to address the global money laundering concern. In addition to financial institutions, Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) are obligated to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) laws and counter the financing of terrorism and illegal organizations.
UAE AML laws and regulations prevent the country’s financial system from being exploited for illicit purposes like drug trafficking, terrorism financing, and corruption. DNFBPs in the UAE must adhere to the standards set by the Ministry of Economy, which aim to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. In addition, the Ministry has launched an awareness campaign to educate DNFBPs about their legal obligations and encourage compliance.
The electronic reporting system called goAML enhances the fight against money laundering. DNFBPs are required to use goAML to report any suspicious transactions to the relevant authorities. Existing licensees are registered on the goAML platform, while new licensees must fulfill the requirements after obtaining their license. Non-compliance with AML laws and regulations can lead to significant fines and penalties imposed by the Ministry of Economy.
The trading and manufacturing of food supplements are not subject to AML regulations.
