Market Access to the UAE Through ECAS and Emirates Quality Mark (EQM)

Exporters and importers trading with the UAE must meet the requirements of the Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme (ECAS) for regulated products before customs clearance and market placement in the UAE.

ECAS defines safety and quality requirements for regulated products, including cosmetics, perfumes, personal care products, electrical and electronic products, gas appliances, machinery, automotive products, building and construction materials, and food products intended for consumer use. An ECAS Certificate confirms that the product has been approved through the UAE federal conformity system under MOIAT.

The Emirates Quality Mark (EQM) is a product quality mark and conformity assessment scheme implemented by MOIAT. EQM is issued for products that demonstrate compliance with applicable UAE technical regulations and relevant regional or international requirements. It also indicates that the manufacturer maintains a quality management system to support ongoing conformity.

What Is ECAS?

The Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme (ECAS) is a UAE product conformity approval system. For many regulated products, ECAS certification is required before products can be imported, cleared through customs, or sold in the UAE market.

Why ECAS Is Important

Market access: Without the required ECAS approval, regulated products may not be legally placed on the UAE market.

Consumer trust: Certification helps demonstrate that products meet applicable safety and quality requirements.

Regulatory compliance: ECAS helps align products with UAE technical regulations and conformity requirements.

ECAS Certification Categories

ECAS certification may apply to product categories such as:

• Electrical products, audio/video equipment and low-voltage equipment (LVE)
• Energy Efficiency Standard Labelling (EESL)
• Lighting products and Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
• Equipment used in explosive atmospheres
• Cosmetics, beauty products, perfumes and personal care products
• Trailers and semi-trailers
• Water fixtures
• Tobacco products
• Retreaded tyres
• Organic food products
• Detergents
• Paints and varnishes
• Energy drinks
• Children’s toys

How to Get ECAS Certification in the UAE

Testing and analysis: If required, the product is tested by an approved or accredited laboratory to verify compliance with applicable ECAS requirements.

Certification application: The required test reports, technical documents and application details are submitted through the relevant conformity assessment process.

Approval and issuance: Once approved, the ECAS Certificate of Conformity is issued, allowing the product to move forward for UAE market access and customs clearance.

Requirements to Obtain ECAS in the UAE

Technical documents: Test reports, quality assurance certificates, product specifications, labels and technical data sheets.

Declaration of conformity: A declaration from the manufacturer or supplier confirming that the product meets applicable UAE standards and technical regulations.

Product samples: Samples may be required for testing or evaluation, depending on the product category and regulatory requirements.

Application fees: Government, testing and certification fees may apply depending on the product scope and approval route.

Benefits of an ECAS Certificate for Businesses in the UAE

ECAS certification helps businesses import, clear and sell regulated products in the UAE legally. It can support smoother customs clearance, reduce non-compliance risks and improve customer confidence in product safety and quality.

ECAS Registration Process with MOIAT

• Prepare product documents, technical files and test reports.
• Submit the application through the relevant online portal or approved conformity channel.
• Pay the applicable government, testing or certification fees.
• The submitted documents are reviewed by the relevant authority or conformity assessment body.
• If the product meets all applicable requirements, the Certificate of Conformity is issued.
• For some electrical products and appliances, Energy Efficiency Standard Labelling may also be required.

Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme (ECAS) Certification

• ECAS certificates are commonly issued with a validity period and may require renewal.
• Suppliers should register regulated products and obtain the required Certificate of Conformity before selling in the UAE.
• An ECAS Certificate can support shipment clearance at ports and during customs checks.