Why You Might Need a Sponsor When Launching a Cosmetic, Medical Device or Supplement in the UAE

So… you’ve nailed your branding, perfected your formula, and you’re finally ready to launch your product in the UAE.
Exciting stuff. But here’s the thing no one tells you until you’re knee-deep in paperwork: you might need a local sponsor.

If you’ve never launched in the UAE before, this bit can catch you off guard. It’s not just about ticking a few extra boxes. It’s about understanding the local laws and making sure you’ve got the right people backing you so your product doesn’t get stuck in limbo at customs.

Let’s break it down.

What is a sponsor, and why do you need one?

In short: a sponsor is your on-the-ground legal representative in the UAE.

For certain product types, especially cosmetics, medical devices and food supplements, the UAE authorities require that your products are registered through a local, licensed entity. That means you can’t just ship over your goods and hope for the best. You need a company or individual within the UAE who’s authorised to take responsibility for the products entering the market.

This sponsor becomes your bridge between your business and the UAE regulators. They’ll handle product registration, liaise with the relevant authorities, and (crucially) make sure you stay compliant with UAE laws, which can be very different from what you’re used to in the UK, EU, or US.

What happens if you don’t have one?

Best case? Your product never gets on the shelves.

Worst case? It gets rejected at port, and you waste a lot of time, money and energy trying to undo the mess.

Without a local sponsor, you simply cannot register your product properly. And without registration, you can’t import, distribute or sell. It’s that simple.

So how do you get one?

This is where we come in.

At Taylored Consultancy UAE, we offer sponsorship as part of our regulatory service, meaning we can support you from start to finish:
✔️ Local representation
✔️ Product registration
✔️ Label review and compliance
✔️ Market access advice

We set this up because we saw so many brilliant brands struggle with the UAE side of things, not because their products weren’t great, but because the process was a nightmare without the right partner on the ground.

With a sponsor like us, you can launch confidently, knowing your product’s in safe hands before it hits the shelves.

Final thought

The UAE is an incredible market, full of opportunity for cosmetics, medical devices and supplements. But if you’re serious about launching here, do it properly.

Get your documentation in order. Work with people who know the system. And if you need a sponsor who’ll make the process smooth (and even slightly fun), give us a shout.

We’ve got you.

‍