UAE Regulations

Producing consumable goods is complex—every country has its own regulations, labeling requirements, and safety guidelines. Manufacturing and distributing products like vaping tools and e-liquids are especially complex in the international market. Companies that want to sell vapes, e-cigarette cartridges, and e-liquids need to stay consistently up to date on the regulations, import and export rules, and risks of trade to every country within their target market, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

At Daily Manufacturing, we provide white-label and private-label e-liquid manufacturing services so that your company can move into new markets with confidence. Our products are versatile and meet both the market demands and national regulations of countries around the world. Use this quick overview as a starting place for your strategy as you expand into the UAE with your vape products.

Understanding Vaping Regulations in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates is a new market for vaping and e-liquid companies, as e-cigarettes and vapes were only legalized in April 2019. Because of this recent change in standing, many companies are hesitant regarding the regulations, compliance obligations, and potential liabilities of selling e-liquids in the UAE. However, manufacturers and resellers can follow the standards established by the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) to ensure compliance and success in this emerging market.

Specific E-Liquid Regulations

The UAE’s regulations mirror many aspects of the e-liquid regulations in the European Union and the United Kingdom. The regulations regarding permissible ingredients, nicotine levels, other additives, and packaging and labeling requirements are as follows:

  • Nicotine concentration cannot exceed 20 mg/ml.
  • E-liquid tanks cannot be larger than 10 ml, and refill packages cannot be more than 50 ml.
  • E-liquid contents cannot include cinnamic compounds or other harmful ingredients.
  • Packaging must clearly display the following health warnings in English and Arabic:
    • “This product may pose a health hazard when inhaled, swallowed, or in contact with the skin.”
    • “Contains nicotine, which causes severe addiction, increased heart rate, and high blood pressure. Nicotine is harmful to the health of pregnant and nursing women, and people suffering from chronic pulmonary diseases such as asthma and pulmonary embolism.”

Import and Export Guidelines

Along with strict product manufacturing and packaging guidelines, companies must comply with requirements for rigorous import documentation. Some of the ESMA documentation requirements include the following:

  • Safety tests
  • Comprehensive ingredient and manufacturing records
  • Nicotine dosage and absorption data
  • Risk assessments
  • Toxicology results
  • Proof of ISO 9001 certification from the manufacturer
  • Lab reports on nicotine concentration, ingredient safety, and chemical components
  • Acknowledgments of the importer’s or manufacturer’s responsibilities regarding safety and quality
  • Reports on the product’s shelf life

Marketing and Sales Regulations

While vaping is now legal in the UAE, it still faces rigid restrictions. As a result, companies must comply with certain marketing, advertising, and sales restrictions, such as:

  • Not selling e-liquids to consumers below the legal age of 18
  • Providing transparent and accurate information about the e-liquid product to consumers
  • Disclosing health warnings clearly on packaging for all applicable products
  • Not glamorizing vaping

Marketers should consult legal experts regarding marketing campaigns, phrases, and calls to action to ensure they meet the UAE’s specific marketing and sales regulations.

Partner With the Experts at Daily Manufacturing

Complying with strict standards and legal requirements regarding vaping and e-liquids can be challenging, especially if your brand is expanding across multiple international markets. At Daily Manufacturing, our team is here to help. We provide high-quality manufacturing of e-liquids with detailed documentation, and our packaging options can be personalized to comply with your company branding and UAE regulations.

Contact us today to learn more about our capabilities, or request a quote to start your order.