Right to Product Safety & Quality in UAE
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from UAE federal decrees, laws, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Every product sold in the UAE must meet safety and quality standards. Businesses are legally responsible for the products they sell:
- Safety requirement: All goods must comply with UAE standards (Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology — ESMA) and must not pose a risk to health or safety.
- Labelling: Products must have clear labels in Arabic showing the product name, country of origin, ingredients or materials, production and expiry dates, and safety warnings.
- Recalls: If a product is found to be unsafe, the supplier or manufacturer must recall it at their own expense and compensate affected consumers.
- Counterfeit goods: Selling counterfeit or imitation products is a criminal offence. Consumers who unknowingly buy fakes are entitled to a full refund.
- Food safety: Food products must meet additional standards set by emirate-level food safety authorities — Dubai Municipality's Food Safety Department, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), and the Sharjah Municipality Food Control Section each run their own inspection regimes.
When does it apply?
- You purchase any product in the UAE — physical goods, food, electronics, cosmetics, or anything else.
- This applies to goods bought in stores and online.
- Applies to both imported and locally manufactured products.
What to Do If You Buy an Unsafe or Defective Product in the UAE
- Check labels before buying — make sure the product has Arabic labelling, a valid expiry date, and proper safety markings.
- If a product causes injury or illness, keep the product and packaging as evidence.
- Report unsafe products to the Department of Economic Development (DED) in your emirate or call the consumer hotline (600-545555 in Dubai).
- You can also report through the UAE Consumer app or the Ministry of Economy website.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not throw away defective products — you need them as evidence for complaints and refund claims.
- Do not ignore product recall notices — return the recalled product to get a replacement or refund.
- Do not buy products without Arabic labels — this is a sign they may not have been legally imported or inspected.
Common Questions
When does it apply — right to product safety & quality?
You purchase any product in the UAE — physical goods, food, electronics, cosmetics, or anything else.This applies to goods bought in stores and online.Applies to both imported and locally manufactured products.
What should I do if a product I bought in the UAE is unsafe or does not meet quality standards?
Check labels before buying — make sure the product has Arabic labelling, a valid expiry date, and proper safety markings.If a product causes injury or illness, keep the product and packaging as evidence.Report unsafe products to the Department of Economic Development (DED) in your emirate or call the consumer hotline (600-545555 in Dubai).You can also report through the UAE Consumer app or the Ministry of Economy website.
What should you NOT do — right to product safety & quality?
Do not throw away defective products — you need them as evidence for complaints and refund claims.Do not ignore product recall notices — return the recalled product to get a replacement or refund.Do not buy products without Arabic labels — this is a sign they may not have been legally imported or inspected.