ESMA Certification Requirements in UAE

The Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA) works to ensure that every product meets the set standards and requirements for safety, quality, and compliance in the UAE. This article will give a detailed guide necessary for getting an ESMA certificate for your products.

What is an ESMA Certification?

A certificate from ESMA, otherwise known as the Emirates Quality Mark (EQM), is a mark of conformity provided to those products compliant with applicable UAE National Standards, and Regional, and International Standards. This certification confirms that the products are manufactured by those companies that have implemented an effective Quality Management System (QMS) so that continuous compliance with the standards related to health and safety is maintained.

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Why is ESMA Certification Important?

Obtaining an ESMA certificate is essential on various grounds. The reasons are as follows:

1. Gives assurance of safety from the products: Certification by ESMA gives confirmation that the products have achieved at least the minimum national requirement about safety and quality, which protects the consumers against certain hazards or low-quality merchandise.
2. Access to Market-necessity: Approval from ESMA comes under the law with regard to selling the products in UAE and hence acts as a source for the business to reach the market.
3. Consumer Confidence: The mark from ESMA assures good quality, thereby building consumer confidence and helping to create a brand image.
4. Reduces Chances of Legal Implications: Compliance with standards would protect businesses from certain penalties and recalls that carry potential legal consequences, due to lack of conformance.
5. Sustainability and Competitive Advantage: Many of the certified products have environmental standards, hence, in line with the goal of sustainability, and a source of competitive advantage for companies in their respective markets.

ESMA Certification Requirements

Following are some of the ESMA certificate requirements:

1. Valid Local Industry/Trade License: The applicant must have a valid local industry or trade license.
2. Accompanying with Test Report: Each product shall be accompanied by an approved, accredited laboratory-provided test report.
3. Product compliance with the Labeling Scheme: The product shall accord with the applicable Labelling Scheme like the Labelling Scheme for Water Fixtures, 43, 2014.
4. QMS Certificate: The valid ISO 9001 QMS certificate shall be issued for the manufacturing facility.
5. Product and Technical Photos and Documentation: Photos of the products, technical drawings, or specification data sheets should be submitted.
6. Declaration of Conformity: A Declaration of Conformity shall be forwarded.

Steps to Obtain an ESMA Certificate

1. Application Submission: The application, accompanied by the application form for ESMA certification, should be submitted with the necessary documents.
2. Technical Evaluation: The technical evaluation and manufacturing facility must be carried out by the concerned ESMA authority at the ESMA.
3. Testing and Inspection: The product shall be tested and inspected by officials appointed by the ESMA.
4. Approval and Issuance: If the product fulfills all the required standards, then the certificate is issued by the ESMA.

Accreditation Systems from ESMA, UAE

ESMA has two Accreditation systems, generally speaking, that ensure that the quality of a product meets international standards: Emirates National Accreditation System (ENAS) and Emirates Quality Mark (EQM). To certify that the products meet such standards is the responsibility of designated Notified Bodies in ESMA through the issuance of conformity certificates. These include the Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme (ECAS) and the Emirates Quality Mark (EQM) for imported goods. These processes ensure that several local and imported products conform to the international compliance standards set by ESMA.

Under the regulatory oversight provided by ESMA, the Emirates National Accreditation System (ENAS) approves accreditation of the conformity assessment bodies and administers the Emirates Quality Mark (EQM). ESMA also regulates the issuance of the Certificate of Conformity (ECAS) for traders and manufacturers of regulated products.

ESMA Certification Costs

The costs associated with obtaining an ESMA certificate include:

These are the costs that determine if your product falls within the standards and regulations as outlined by ESMA. It is good to have this included in one’s budget to avoid delays throughout the process of certification.

ESMA Certification Schemes

ESMA has provided different schemes for the products concerning making them ensure their compliance, namely,

• Emirates Quality Mark: Certain products shall compulsorily be given this mark, for example, bottled drinking water, juices, and dairy products.
• Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme: It is a mark to be compulsorily given to all regulated products in order to keep their safety and quality standards maintained.
• Energy Efficiency Standards and Labelling: Compulsory issuance is to be made on electrical appliances to ensure energy efficiency.

How FAR Consulting Middle East Can Assist You

Getting an ESMA certificate could be a very difficult process, and that is where we come in. Farahat & Co. professionally assist in the whole process, ensuring the timely and efficient obtaining of your ESMA certificate. You can trust our professional team in:

• Document Preparation: The Company will accurately prepare all the required documents and their submission.
• Technical Evaluation Support: The technical evaluation and testing stages will be supported by the company.
• Compliance Assistance: The Company will provide assistance regarding adherence to the regulatory requirements and standards.
• Cost Management: Offering consultations on cost-effective strategies in dealing with the entire certification process.

Don’t let ESMA certification complexities stand in your way. Reach out today to FAR Consulting Middle East. for professional help that you need to successfully obtain an ESMA certificate and enter the marketplaces of the UAE with your products.