United Arab Emirates (AE)

1.1 Establishment registration

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the Department) is the Australian government authority responsible for export registration, inspection and certification of Australian food and agricultural exports.

All premises involved in the production of bovine milk and milk products for export must be registered with the Department. Premises involved in the production of non-bovine products may also need to be registered, however this is only when required by an importing country, please see product information here. For more information or assistance with the export registration process contact the Department's Dairy, Eggs and Fish Program at dairyeggsfish@aff.gov.au. We also encourage you to work with your importer to clarify any specific import conditions for the products you are exporting.

Exceptions to establishment registration and export certification

Export registration and export certification is generally not required if you are manufacturing and exporting the following products, which are deemed as goods that are not prescribed under the Export Control (Milk and Milk products) Rules 2021:

  1. (a) ice cream;
  2. (b) cheesecakes, Bavarian desserts and similar desserts;
  3. (c) colostrum;
  4. (d) milk or milk products encased in pastry or a fruit or vegetable product;
  5. (e) milk products where milk or milk products are not the major component;
  6. (f) milk or milk products that are derived from the lacteal secretion obtained from an animal other than a bovine animal;
  7. (g) milk or milk products that are animal food or pharmaceutical material;
  8. (h) any other milk or milk products that are not covered by subsection (1) of this section;
  9. (i) liquid milk and milk products exported in a consignment of not more than 10 litres;
  10. (j) milk or milk products not covered by paragraphs (a) to (i) exported in a consignment of not more than 10 kilograms;
  11. (k) milk or milk products in the form of a tablet or capsule.
  12. (l) milk or milk products for export to New Zealand.
Trade samples

If you are sending prescribed dairy trade samples to the UAE, please note that the UAE may require export health certification for consignments under 10 kg. When certification is required, the samples must be manufactured and stored at an export-registered establishment and have a valid export permit. Exporters are encouraged to confirm the UAE import conditions with their importer before sending any trade samples.

Note
If the importing country requires government to government certification for the entry of the above goods, then this can only be provided by the department when the goods have been approved to be prepared in an export registered establishment.
In some circumstances a non-prescribed good certificate can be issued. There is no requirement for export registration in these circumstances, please contact npgexports@aff.gov.au for further information.
Exceptions (ship stores)

Export certification is not issued for ships stores as the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021 do not apply. Ships stores are milk and milk products on ships or aircraft for the use of passengers and crew or for the service of the ships or aircraft on a voyage from Australia.

1.2 Overseas listing

Initial listing procedureRequired?
Establishment listing required for the United Arab EmiratesNo
Product registration

The Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) operates a product registration scheme, for some dairy products, for the purposes of labelling. Please refer to section 7.2 on labelling for further information.

1.3 Prohibited products

There are no known products that are prohibited for export to this market.

1.4 General information

The United Arab Emirates is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The United Arab Emirates, as a member of the GCC countries, adopts Gulf Standard Organisation (GSO) food import regulations. These regulations include standards for labelling, shelf life and microbiological standards.

Refer to Section 4. Operational Requirements and Section 7. Labelling, Shelf life and Shipping Marks for further information about these standards.

2.1 Milk and milk products

Milk and milk products of bovine origin are defined as prescribed goods under the Export Control Act. Production of these products for export is regulated under the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

Milk and milk products manufactured from non-bovine species, for example buffalo, goat and sheep, may also need to be regulated through the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021, though this is only required when export registration and health certification from the Department is required by the United Arab Emirates.

We are not aware that the United Arab Emirates has any known additional requirements for the production and export of non-bovine milk and milk products.

2.2 Compositional requirements

2.3 Further information

3.1 Technical grade and pharmaceutical products

Unless technical products and pharmaceutical material are prepared at an establishment that produces milk and milk products for export as food, these products are non prescribed goods. They are not regulated by the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

3.2 Animal feed

Unless animal food is prepared at an establishment that produces milk and milk products for export as food, these products are non prescribed goods.

In accordance with the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021, animal food must be clearly identified as animal food and not for human consumption. It must also be segregated from and not contaminate milk and milk products that are for human consumption.

3.3 Manufacturing grade products

The United Arab Emirates has no known additional requirements for Manufacturing Grade milk and milk products that differ from the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

Manufacturing Grade products are defined in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

3.4 Processing

3.5 Further information

4.1 Microbial and residue sampling

The United Arab Emirates has no other known additional requirements for microbial sampling of milk and milk products that differ from those required in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

The United Arab Emirates residue standards

Maximum residue limits (MRLs) or import tolerances for residues of specific agricultural and veterinary chemicals approved for use in Australia may not exist in the United Arab Emirates or may be established at levels lower than those established in Australia. Maximum Limits (MLs) for contaminants may also vary between the United Arab Emirates and Australia.

Food business operators should note that:

  • These differences can be interrogated case-by-case by considering the United Arab Emirates standards and the Australian standards.
  • Any detection of a residue above the United Arab Emirates MRLs/MLs (as applicable) at the border may result in rejection of the consignment.
Note
Importing country residue standards can usually be found via the official webpages of their competent authority. Links to a limited number of export markets and Australia are provided on the DAFF website.

4.2 Operational requirements additional to Australia's export legislation

The United Arab Emirates has no known additional requirements for general operations that differ from those required in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

Further information

As a member of the GCC, the United Arab Emirates may adopt the GSO standard on microbiological limits (PDF 310 KB).

Exporters should check requirements with their importer.

4.3 Hygiene

The United Arab Emirates has no known additional hygiene requirements that differ from those required in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

5.1 Milk and milk products

Milk and milk products that are prescribed under Australia's export rules
  1. are milk or milk products derived from a bovine animal; and
  2. are intended to be exported as food.
Milk and milk products that are not prescribed under Australia's export rules

Milk and milk products which do not meet the criteria under the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021 are classified by Australia as non-prescribed goods. It is the responsibility of the exporter to confirm with the importing country if there are any specific requirements for the import of these products. Typically, non-prescribed goods include ice-cream, non-bovine milk products, colostrum and products with a minor component of dairy.

Further information on exporting non-prescribed goods from Australia is available on the Department's website.

In some cases, an importing country requires specific health certification and government oversight for what would typically be non-prescribed milk and milk products. When required, these products become prescribed under export legislation and must meet all export and importing country requirements. This includes the products being manufactured and stored at an export registered establishment and must have a valid export permit and health certificate for each consignment. Guidance on export registration can be found at Dairy export registered establishments.

Trade samples

If you are sending prescribed dairy trade samples to the UAE, please note that the UAE may require export health certification for consignments under 10 kg. When certification is required, the samples must be manufactured and stored at an export-registered establishment and have a valid export permit. Exporters are encouraged to confirm the UAE import conditions with their importer before sending any trade samples.

Health certificates for milk and milk products

For milk and milk products produced for human consumption (including milk and milk products classified as a prescribed good by an importing Country), use health certificate template ZD035 with endorsement 5116.

ZD035 dairy health certificate

The ZD035 certificate contains the following attestations:

I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the particular inspection system prescribed under the Export Control Act have been complied with in respect of the prescribed good described above, being goods that are:

  1. In sound condition.
  2. Fit for human consumption.
  3. Of Australian origin.
Endorsement 5116

'The animal product(s) herein described, complies/y with the relevant UAE standards and requirements which have been recognised as equivalent to the Australian standards and requirements as prescribed in the UAE/ DAWR Memorandum of Understanding.'

Exporter declaration

Whenever export documentation is obtained, the exporter must provide a declaration stating that all the information provided in the permit is true and complete. They must also state that they are in possession of a declaration of compliance that:

  1. applies to the milk and milk products
  2. complies with the requirements of the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.
Transit certification requirements

Milk and milk products transiting the European Union or the United States may require transit documentation. These certificates are available as additional certificates through the NEXDOC system. If the product is transiting the United States, standard certification is required and the exporter should contact the Department for advice on how this certification may be issued. If the product is transiting a European Union member state, see the particular European Union member state regarding the certificate template to select.

5.2 Manufacturing grade products

For Manufacturing Grade milk and milk products, use the ZD016 certificate as to condition for Manufacturing Grade products.

The ZD016 certificate as to condition contains the following attestations:

I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the particular inspection system prescribed under the Export Control Act have been complied with in respect of the prescribed good described above, being goods that are:

  1. In sound condition
  2. Of Australian origin.

5.3 Technical grade and pharmaceutical products

The ZD001 certificate as to condition may be issued for technical products and pharmaceutical material.

The ZD001 certificate contains the following attestations:

I certify to the best of my knowledge that the information on this form is true and correct in every particular details and that the product described above is of Australian origin and is acceptable for sale in Australia.

5.4 Animal feed

The ZD015 certificate as to condition for stockfood or the E242A declaration and certificate for shipments of inedible animal products can be issued for stockfood made from milk and milk products.

The ZD015 certificate contains the following attestations:

I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the particular inspection system prescribed under the Export Control Act have been complied with in respect of the prescribed good described above, being goods that are:

  1. In sound condition
  2. Of Australian origin.

The E242A declaration and certificate contains the following attestations:

It has been declared to me, a duly qualified veterinary surgeon in the employ of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia and I have no reason to doubt the products described above were derived from animals of Australian origin and the products were treated solely within Australia. I further certify that foot-and-mouth disease and rinderpest do not exist in Australia.

5.5 Consignments under 10 kilograms and trade samples

It is the responsibility of exporters to determine through their importers if export certification is required for consignments and trade samples that are less than 10 kilograms or 10 litres, as an export permit is not required.

5.6 Additional certification/letters

The ZX01 certificate as to dioxin status of Australian dairy products is available on request.

European Union (EU) transit certificates are available for consignments transiting the EU. Refer to the EU documentation requirements for edible products for the reference numbers and attestations in these certificates.

6.1 Import permit

In addition to obtaining an import permit, exporters are required to provide transfer documentation and state that they are in possession of a Declaration of Compliance (refer to Section 5.1 for further details). Exporters must also include the Batch Code in their import permit request.

Import permit conditions for export of milk and milk products to the United Arab Emirates must be obtained from importers by the consignee prior to export of the milk and milk products.

6.2 Port-of-entry inspection and testing

7.1 Packaging

The United Arab Emirates has no known specific requirements for packaging in addition to those provided in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

7.2 Labelling

Licensing and labelling requirements

In addition to the requirements provided in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) requires certain milk and dairy products to be registered.

The mandatory registration system includes milk and dairy products including yoghurt/flavoured yoghurt, trans-fatty acids, raw milk, flavoured milk, leben/flavoured leben, camel milk and goat milk sold in the UAE.

An official label confirming product registration — the Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme (ECAS) Mark of Conformity — must be applied to products before import into the UAE. Some products are exempt from this requirement, notably raw products intended for further processing, products with special medicinal use and infant formula.

The ECAS is administered by the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA). To be eligible to register products with ESMA, suppliers must demonstrate compliance to all relevant UAE regulations via a Certificate of Conformity. A Certificate of Conformity is issued by third party certification bodies that have been approved by ESMA. Refer to a list of approved certification bodies (PDF 148 KB).

ESMA has advised the Department that products that are eligible for Australian Government export certification are able to be assessed for a Certificate of Conformity via a document review. A single approval is required for groups of products of the same type (e.g.: yoghurts). After successfully obtaining a Certificate of Conformity, exporters must apply to ESMA for a licence to use the ECAS Mark of Conformity.

The Department understands that imported products that do not bear the ECAS Mark of Conformity are not allowed to be distributed for sale in the UAE. Active market surveillance is in force ensuring products conform with these requirements.

Further information can be obtained by contacting any of the approved certification companies ESMA via customercare@esma.gov.ae

As a member of the GCC, the United Arab Emirates may adopt the GSO standard on labelling of pre-packaged foods (PDF 150 KB) and the GSO standard on expiry dates for products (PDF 180 KB).

Abu Dhabi NutriMark – delayed

The NutriMark food labelling regulation was to be effective from 1 June 2025. It has been delayed until quarter 4 of the 2025 calendar year.

When it comes into force, specific food and beverage products sold in Abu Dhabi, including packaged and non-packaged breads and pastries, beverages (including dairy products), cheese, fats and oils and fat emulsions and food targeting children, UAE will be subject to mandatory labelling requirements.

Images of the Nutri-Mark label are included in the attached notified document.(PDF 1.16 MB).

Exporters should check requirements with their importer.

7.3 Shelf life

The United Arab Emirates has no known specific requirements for shelf life restrictions other than those provided in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

7.4 Shipping marks

The United Arab Emirates has no known specific requirements for shipping marks (port marks).

7.5 Further information

The United Arab Emirates has no known specific requirements for shipping and airfreight. Milk and milk products must be transported to ensure their condition and integrity is maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

8.1 Refrigeration, transfer and loadout

13/03/2026 - Added information on exporting trade samples (sections 1.1 and 5.1).
16/07/2025 - Updated information on delayed NutriMark food labelling requirements (section 7.2).
20/06/2025 - Updated labelling formation (sections 7.1, 7.2).
04/08/2023 - Updated residue statement to refer to importing country standards (section 4.1).
26/04/2022 - Update to list of approved certification bodies (sections 7.1 and 7.2)
20/02/2022 - Content on this page may have changed location to conform to standard Dairy headings.
15/12/2021 - Removal and replacement of Dairy by Definition wording
10/06/2021 - References to export legislation have been updated.