If you want to sell, distribute, or import any health-related product in the UAE, MOHAP registration is not optional — it is a legal requirement. The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) is the federal authority that reviews, classifies, and approves every medicine, medical device, health supplement, and cosmetic sold across the UAE.
This guide explains exactly what MOHAP registration involves, who needs it, which products require it, what documents to prepare, how fees and timelines work, and what the most common mistakes are. Whether you are an international brand entering the UAE market or a local distributor adding a new product line, this is the only guide you need.
What Is MOHAP and Why Is Its Approval Mandatory?
MOHAP — the Ministry of Health and Prevention — is a federal UAE government authority established to protect public health. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2023, no health, medical, or pharmaceutical product may be imported, distributed, advertised, or sold in the UAE without prior approval from MOHAP.
This rule applies to everyone in the supply chain: manufacturers, importers, distributors, and local authorised agents. If your product is sold in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, or Fujairah — or anywhere in the UAE except specific Dubai Municipality-regulated consumer products — MOHAP approval is required.
Important: Dubai follows the same MOHAP rules for pharmaceutical and medical products. Only certain consumer goods (cosmetics, food supplements, household products) go through Dubai Municipality instead. We explain the split clearly in each product section below.
Which Products Need MOHAP Registration?
Product Category | Examples | Registration Authority |
Medical Devices Class I | Bandages, syringes, surgical gloves, tongue depressors | MOHAP |
Medical Devices Class II | X-ray machines, infusion pumps, diagnostic tests | MOHAP |
Medical Devices Class III | Implants, pacemakers, high-risk surgical devices | MOHAP |
Pharmaceuticals | Prescription drugs, OTC medicines, generics | MOHAP |
Health Supplements | Vitamins, protein powders, herbal extracts | MOHAP or Dubai Municipality |
Cosmetics (medical grade) | Medicated creams, anti-fungal cosmetics | MOHAP |
With complete documentation
Step-by-Step MOHAP Registration Process (2026)
MOHAP registration happens entirely through their digital portal. Here is the exact sequence you need to follow:
- Step 1: Determine Product Classification — Before applying for registration, you must know your product’s classification. Log into the MOHAP e-Services portal at mohap.gov.ae using UAE PASS. Use the Product Classification tool to submit your product’s intended use, composition, and specifications. MOHAP will issue a Classification Letter within 5–10 working days. This letter tells you exactly which registration pathway your product follows.
- Step 2: Register the Manufacturing Site — If you are a foreign manufacturer, your production facility must be registered in MOHAP before any product application can proceed. Submit facility details, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification, and a valid Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (CPP) from your home country, attested by the UAE Embassy.
- Step 3: Register the Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH) — The local authorised company that holds the product registration in the UAE must also be registered in the MOHAP system. This is usually your local licensed agent or distributor holding a valid UAE trade licence.
- Step 4: Submit the Product Dossier — Log in to the MOHAP e-portal, select the appropriate product type, and upload your complete technical dossier (see Document Checklist below). Pay the submission fee via e-Dirham or card.
- Step 5: Technical Committee Review — MOHAP’s technical team reviews the dossier against UAE regulatory standards. They may issue Information Requests (IRs) asking for clarifications or additional data. Respond to all IRs promptly to avoid delays.
- Step 6: Ministerial Committee Final Decision — After technical approval, the file goes to the Ministerial Committee for final decision. Upon approval, MOHAP issues a Registration Certificate valid for 5 years.
MOHAP Documentation & Registration Details
MOHAP Registration Fees & Timelines (2026)
| Product Type | Fee Range (AED) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Device Class I | 2,000 – 5,000 | 30 – 45 days |
| Medical Device Class II | 5,000 – 12,000 | 45 – 75 days |
| Medical Device Class III | 12,000 – 25,000 | 75 – 90 days |
| Pharmaceutical / Drug | 8,000 – 20,000 | 60 – 90 days |
| Health Supplement | 2,000 – 6,000 | 30 – 60 days |
| Cosmetic (Medical Grade) | 2,000 – 8,000 | 30 – 45 days |
All fees include AED 10 innovation fee + AED 10 knowledge fee per transaction. Fees are non-refundable after submission.
Most Common MOHAP Registration Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting an incomplete Technical Dossier — MOHAP will issue an Information Request which pauses your timeline. Every document listed must be present before submission.
- Labels not in Arabic — All product labels must be bilingual. English-only labels are rejected immediately.
- Unattested foreign documents — GMP and CPP certificates must be attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin before submission.
- Wrong product classification — Applying under the wrong class wastes time and fees. Always get the official Classification Letter first.
- Drug Store Licence missing — Only companies holding a valid MOHAP Drug Store or Medical Warehouse licence can register products. You must have this licence before applying.
Source: Nextmove Services Analysis 2026
Frequently Asked Questions — MOHAP Registration UAE
Q1: Can I sell my product in the UAE without MOHAP registration?
No. Any health, pharmaceutical, or medical product sold, distributed, or advertised in the UAE without MOHAP registration is in violation of Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2023. Penalties include product seizure, fines, and revocation of your trade licence.
Q2: How long does MOHAP registration take?
Processing time ranges from 30 to 90 days depending on product category and the completeness of your dossier. Medical Device Class III and pharmaceutical products typically take the longest. Companies with complete, professionally prepared dossiers experience significantly shorter timelines.
Q3: Do I need a UAE company to register with MOHAP?
Yes. You need a UAE-registered entity holding a valid trade licence with health product trading activity, plus a MOHAP-licensed Drug Store or Medical Warehouse. Foreign companies cannot register products directly — they must work through a licensed UAE authorised agent.
Q4: What is the difference between MOHAP classification and MOHAP registration?
Classification is the first step where MOHAP categorises your product (e.g., Class I medical device, pharmaceutical, cosmetic) and tells you which registration rules apply. Registration is the full approval process that follows classification. You cannot skip classification.
Q5: Can Nextmove Services handle my MOHAP registration from start to finish?
Yes. Nextmove Services manages the complete MOHAP registration process — from classification letter, site registration, dossier preparation, label review, submission, and follow-up on Information Requests to certificate delivery. We have successfully registered products for 500+ brands in the UAE
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