What Is the ESMA Certificate in the UAE?
The ESMA Certificate is a mandatory product conformity approval issued by the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology. It confirms that a product meets UAE technical regulations and GCC standards.
What Is the Role of ESMA?
- ESMA regulates: product conformity, safety, and quality in the UAE.
- ESMA issues: Conformity Certificates for both regulated and non-regulated products.
- ESMA ensures: market compliance with Cabinet Decision No. 35 of 2015.
Which Products Require an ESMA Certificate?
ESMA certification is required for these regulated product categories:
| Product Category | Regulated Standard / Scheme | Example Products |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Equipment | Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme | Refrigerators, washing machines |
| Cosmetics & Personal Care | UAE GSO Standard | Lotions, creams, shampoos |
| Vehicle Tires | UAE.S GSO 42, 43, 2444 | Passenger car tires, truck tires |
| Food Contact Materials | UAE.S GSO 1863 | Plastic containers, packaging |
| Tobacco Products | UAE.S 7090, 7091 | Cigarettes, electronic devices |
| Textiles | UAE.S 1953 | Clothing, fabrics |
Non-compliant products may face border rejection or removal from UAE markets.
What Are the Types of ESMA Certification Schemes?
There are two main ESMA conformity certification schemes:
1. ECAS – Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme
- Mandatory for regulated products.
- Certificate validity: 1 year.
- Issued directly by ESMA after technical review.
2. EQM – Emirates Quality Mark
- Voluntary or mandatory depending on the product.
- Certificate validity: 3 years.
- Includes: factory audits and continuous surveillance.
| Feature | ECAS | EQM |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing Body | ESMA | ESMA |
| Duration | 1 year | 3 years |
| Onsite Audit | No | Yes |
| Surveillance | Not required | Annual surveillance required |
| Logo Usage | No logo | Emirates Quality Mark logo |
How to Apply for an ESMA Certificate in the UAE?
Step-by-step application process:
- Product Testing
- Test products in ISO 17025 accredited labs.
- Use ESMA-recognized labs (UAE or international).
- Prepare Technical Documents
- Product label
- Bill of materials
- Test reports
- Risk assessment
- User manual in Arabic
- Create Account on MOIAT Portal
- Visit https://conformity.moiat.gov.ae
- Register company and create application
- Submit Application
- Upload required documents
- Select appropriate certification scheme (ECAS or EQM)
- Pay Certification Fee
- ECAS: approx. AED 3,700 per product
- EQM: approx. AED 26,000 including audits
- Assessment and Evaluation
- ESMA conducts technical file review
- For EQM: onsite factory audit included
- Issuance of Certificate
- Issued if all compliance criteria are met
- Validity starts from date of issue
What Documents Are Required for ESMA Certificate?
Common document requirements include:
- Valid UAE trade license
- Test report (not older than 1 year)
- Product artwork / label layout
- Technical file (material safety data sheet, drawings)
- Declaration of conformity
- Manufacturer ISO certificate (for EQM)
- Arabic product manual
How Long Does It Take to Get the ESMA Certificate?
| Certification Type | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| ECAS | 2 – 4 weeks |
| EQM | 6 – 10 weeks |
The duration depends on the product complexity, lab test availability, and audit readiness.
What Are the Benefits of ESMA Certification?
The ESMA Certificate provides:
- Legal product entry to UAE market
- Consumer trust and brand credibility
- Proof of product compliance with UAE/GCC standards
- Reduced customs delays
- Eligibility for government tenders (in some sectors)
Who Can Apply for ESMA Certification?
- UAE-based importers
- UAE manufacturers
- GCC manufacturers with local representative
- Authorized agents with power of attorney
Note: Non-UAE companies must have a local UAE representative to submit on their behalf. Contact The Product Registration Dubai today!
Can You Use International Test Reports?
Yes, ESMA accepts test reports from ISO 17025-accredited labs outside UAE, but they must be:
- Not older than 1 year
- Issued in English or Arabic
- Accepted by ESMA for the specific product category
What Happens After ESMA Approval?
Once certified:
- The importer can clear goods through UAE customs using the certificate.
- The product is legally placed on the market.
- For EQM, the product receives the Emirates Quality Mark logo.
The certificate must be renewed before expiry to avoid disruptions in sales and imports.
What Is MOIAT’s Role in the ESMA Process?
In 2020, ESMA was merged into the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT). MOIAT now:
- Manages ESMA certification schemes
- Operates the online conformity system
- Coordinates market surveillance
The application, fee payment, and tracking are all handled via MOIAT’s portal.
What Is the Cost of ESMA Certification?
| Certification Type | Cost Estimate (AED) |
|---|---|
| ECAS | 3,700 – 4,000 |
| EQM | 26,000 – 30,000 |
Note: Testing and audit costs are additional and vary by product type and lab location.
What Are Common Mistakes in the ESMA Process?
Avoid delays by:
- Using expired or unaccredited test reports
- Submitting incomplete technical files
- Ignoring Arabic labeling requirements
- Choosing wrong certification scheme
- Not renewing certificates before expiry
Manufacturers selling across GCC must comply with both ESMA and SASO depending on target market.