In a bid to bolster the reputation of UAE manufacturers and fortify the competitive edge of UAE exports in global markets, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Government has implemented new regulations governing the usage of the coveted “Made in the Emirates” mark. Introduced under the “Make it in the Emirates” initiative launched in 2021, these regulations aim to attract and incentivize companies to develop and manufacture their products within the UAE.
Prior to the implementation of these regulations, the “Made in the Emirates” mark lacked the necessary guidelines and standards to instill consumer confidence. However, the new regulations, detailed under Cabinet Decision No. (16) of 2023, address this issue by introducing stringent requirements for qualifying products. Through these measures, the UAE Government seeks to enhance the quality and competitiveness of locally-manufactured goods, both within the region and on a global scale, solidifying the mark’s credibility as a symbol of excellence.
The “Made in the Emirates” mark serves as a unified national identifier, classifying and recognizing products originating from the UAE. To utilize the mark, manufacturers must satisfy specific conditions outlined in the regulations. The scope of these regulations encompasses all products manufactured in the UAE, including those produced within various economic free zones established across the country.
Authorized usage of the mark involves printing, fixing, attaching, or engraving it on the approved products. Additionally, manufacturers can employ the mark for advertising or promotional purposes exclusively for the products that have obtained the necessary approval.
To qualify for the mark, companies must apply for a license, following a comprehensive set of procedures established by the Ministry of Industry and Technology. Only licensed UAE entities are eligible to utilize the mark, enabling them to differentiate and promote their products as being genuinely of UAE origin.
The application process for the mark entails submitting several required documents, ensuring utmost confidentiality as prescribed by the regulations. These documents include the Industrial Production Permit issued by the Ministry, the Certificate of Conformity issued by the Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology, and documents substantiating compliance with product safety and Halal regulations. The Halal Certificate verifies adherence to Islamic Shariah provisions, as stipulated by the UAE Regulation for Control on Halal Products.
Upon receipt of the application, the Ministry commits to either approve or reject it within 15 working days, provided no further information or documentation is necessary. If approved, the Ministry issues the applicant a License Certificate, valid for three years. Renewals can be requested within 30 days of the certificate’s expiry, allowing for successive three-year renewal periods. In cases of rejection, the Ministry will provide a detailed explanation for the decision.
It should be noted that companies manufacturing diverse product ranges in the UAE, falling into different categories, must submit separate applications for each product area to utilize the mark effectively.
The Ministry, being the exclusive owner of all intellectual property rights related to the mark, reserves the authority to approve its shape, design, font, colors, and format for each licensee. Licensees are obliged to adhere to the specific guidelines outlined in the Ministry’s policy guide, with any alteration or modification to the mark potentially resulting in fines or penalties.
Furthermore, the Ministry takes into consideration that approved products and their labels should not display any signs, names, symbols, pictures, or writings that may offend religious beliefs, contradict societal values and customs, or contravene prevailing UAE legislation.
Once granted, the mark may only be used in connection with the approved and qualifying products. UAE companies involved in the distribution of both locally-manufactured and foreign-made products must ensure the mark is exclusively applied to the UAE-manufactured items.
To enforce compliance with the regulations, the Ministry possesses the authority to conduct inspections
