UAE Medical Device Registration: A Step-by-Step Guide

The UAE’s healthcare sector has grown significantly in recent years, leading to an increased demand for medical devices. To ensure patient safety, regulatory authorities in the UAE have laid down strict guidelines for registering medical devices. This process helps ensure that medical devices sold in the UAE are safe, effective, and high-quality. Whether you are a manufacturer or an importer, understanding the UAE medical device registration process is crucial to ensure compliance and smooth market entry. 

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps, the key documentation you’ll need, the expected timeline, and the latest guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). We’ll break down the process step-by-step, ensuring that you know exactly what to expect as you prepare your medical device for the UAE market. 

UAE Medical Device Registration Guidelines 

To successfully register a medical device in the UAE, it’s important to be familiar with the UAE Medical Device Registration Guidelines. This process ensures that devices meet stringent safety and performance requirements, ultimately protecting both healthcare professionals and patients. 

1. Regulatory Authority: 

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) is the main regulatory body for medical devices in the UAE. MOHAP is responsible for reviewing applications, ensuring compliance, and enforcing regulations. Getting your medical device registered with MOHAP is a necessary step before it can be marketed in the country. 

2. Classification of Medical Devices: 

Medical devices in the UAE are classified based on their level of risk. This classification determines the type of review process and documentation required. The categories are: 

• Class I: Low-risk devices (e.g., non-invasive items like bandages or stethoscopes). 

• Class II: Moderate-risk devices (e.g., diagnostic instruments). 

• Class III: High-risk devices (e.g., life-supporting equipment). 

• Class IV: Critical devices (e.g., implantable devices). 

Understanding the classification is the first step in determining how your product will be evaluated by MOHAP. 

MOH UAE Registration Documents for Medical Device 

When it comes to registering your medical device with MOHAP, the right documentation is key. It’s essential that everything is to avoid delays. Here’s a list of the MOH UAE registration documents you’ll need to prepare: 

1. Application Form 

The first step is to submit a completed medical device registration application form. This form asks for product details, intended use, and classification. It’s your chance to provide a clear picture of your device and how it will serve the UAE healthcare sector. 

2. Product Documentation 

You’ll need to submit product labels, user manuals, and technical data that demonstrate how the device functions. For higher-risk devices, MOHAP may request clinical data proving safety and effectiveness. 

3. Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) 

The Certificate of Free Sale proves that the medical device is already sold in another country or region where it has passed regulatory approvals. This is a vital document for establishing the legitimacy of your product. 

4. Quality Management System (QMS) Documentation 

MOHAP will expect proof that your manufacturing facility adheres to internationally recognized quality standards. If your company follows ISO 13485 (the international standard for medical devices), you’ll need to submit that documentation. 

5. Power of Attorney 

If you’re not the manufacturer and you’re working with a local agent, you may need to provide a power of attorney that authorizes your representative to handle the registration process on your behalf. 

6. Conformity Assessment Documents 

Depending on the device’s classification, you’ll need to provide documentation showing that your product complies with internationally recognized safety standards, such as ISO or CE certification. 

4 Steps for Medical Device Registration Process in the UAE 

The medical device registration process in the UAE involves several stages. Here’s a breakdown of each step to help you better understand what’s involved: 

1. Pre-market Approval 

Before you can import or distribute a medical device in the UAE, it must be registered with MOHAP. The first step is to submit an application, along with the required documentation. This stage can take a few weeks to prepare, so be sure to gather everything ahead of time. 

2. Product Evaluation 

MOHAP will evaluate the submitted documentation and determine whether the device complies with the necessary regulations. For devices with higher risk, more detailed evaluations may be required. If MOHAP needs more information, they’ll contact you for additional documents or clarifications. 

3. Registration Fees 

There are registration fees for medical devices in the UAE, which vary depending on the classification and complexity of the device. Once your application is ready and fees are paid, MOHAP will continue the review process. 

4. Issuance of Registration Certificate 

If everything is in order and MOHAP is satisfied with your submission, they’ll issue a certificate of registration. This certificate is valid for five years, after which you’ll need to renew the registration. 

UAE Medical Device Registration Timeline 

The UAE medical device registration timeline can vary, but it’s generally predictable. Factors such as the classification of the device, the completeness of your documentation, and the complexity of the device will determine how long the process will take. 

1. Initial Application Submission: 

Preparing and submitting your application can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the complexity of your device and how prepared your documentation is. 

2. Review Process: 

After submission, MOHAP will start reviewing your application. This step usually takes about 4-6 weeks for Class I and Class II devices. For Class III and Class IV devices, which may require more detailed clinical data, the review process can take 8-10 weeks. 

3. Approval and Issuance of Registration: 

Once everything is approved, MOHAP will issue a registration certificate that allows your product to be marketed in the UAE. This part of the process typically takes another 1-2 weeks. 

Overall, the entire UAE medical device registration process can take anywhere from 6 weeks to a few months. While the wait may feel long, it’s an essential step to ensure that your product meets the rigorous standards required for sale in the UAE. 

United Arab Emirates Medical Device Regulations 

The United Arab Emirates Medical Device Regulations are designed to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medical devices in the market. These regulations are aligned with international standards, including ISO 13485 and ISO 14971, ensuring that the UAE healthcare system maintains high safety standards. 

Here are some key points to note: 

• All medical devices must be registered with MOHAP before being imported and sold. 

• The registration process involves multiple steps, including a risk-based evaluation. 

• Devices must meet stringent quality management system standards and undergo regular post-market surveillance. 

By following the UAE’s regulatory guidelines, manufacturers can ensure that their medical devices are not only compliant but also trusted by healthcare providers and patients alike. 

Conclusion 

The medical device registration process in the UAE may seem daunting, but with the right preparation and understanding of the regulations, it becomes manageable. By following the UAE guidelines and ensuring your product meets the necessary standards, you can successfully enter a rapidly growing healthcare market. 

At OMC Medical Limited, we offer expert support throughout the registration process, including product classification, ISO 13485 support, authorized representation, post-market surveillance, and more. Let us manage the complexities while you focus on delivering quality healthcare solutions.  

Contact us today for smooth market entry and regulatory compliance. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does the UAE medical device registration process take? 

The timeline typically ranges from 3 to 6 months, depending on the complexity of the device and the completeness of the submitted documentation. 

2. Do foreign manufacturers need a local representative for registration in the UAE? 

Yes, foreign manufacturers must appoint a UAE-based Authorized Representative to handle the registration process and ensure compliance with MOHAP regulations. 

3. Are there specific requirements for labeling medical devices in the UAE? 

Yes, labels must be in Arabic or bilingual (Arabic and English) and include product name, manufacturer details, usage instructions, and warnings. The labels must comply with UAE regulatory standards.