As of January 1st, 2023, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) of the United Arab Emirates has decreased the costs for 14 major and sub-services and waived the fee for one service. The action is in line with the goals of the “Make in the Emirates” project, which include fostering entrepreneurship and SMEs in the industrial sector while lowering the cost of doing business in the United Arab Emirates.
According to MoIAT, the service charge reduction will support the deployment of cutting-edge technology that reduces emissions and improves the circularity of the industry, supporting the declaration of 2023 as the Year of Sustainability. UAE fee reductions include:
•Reducing the fee of issuing product conformity certificates from a provider of a specific conformity assessment from AED 1,000 to AED 670.
•Issuing a conformity certificate for optional (unrestricted) products from AED 3,700 to AED 1,720
•Licensing to use the Emirates Quality Mark from AED 26,000 to AED 2,000.
•Licensing to use the national Halal mark from AED 18,000 to AED 2,000.
•Scope expansion of the Emirates Quality Mark and the national Halal mark from AED 2,500 to AED 250.
•Reducing the fees of the notification of conformity assessment bodies from AED 33,000 to AED 24,500.
•Registering conformity assessment bodies fees reduced from AED 7,500 to AED 5,000.
In addition, MoIAT waived the fee for selling UAE standards that previously cost AED 481 to raise awareness of the importance of national standards and their role in supporting the industrial sector and economic development, according to Arabian Business. H. E. Omar Al Suwaidi, Under-Secretary of the MoIAT, said, “The reduction and cancellation of some fees is in line with the ministry’s keenness to develop priority industrial sectors in the country and enhance its investment appeal, in line with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision that represents a national plan that offers promising opportunities for global partners.”
“We also seek to further strengthen the UAE’s position as a global partner and an attractive and influential economic centre, as we enhance the competitiveness of industrial companies and their products without affecting the efficiency of their operations, as well as the certificates they issue.”
“He added, “”The reduction of fees will improve the UAE’s competitiveness through growth in economy and business development, which will reflect on the index of ease of doing business,” he added.
“The move is in line with the ministry’s commitment to enhancing the flexibility of the legislative framework and providing added value to its customers.”
“It also reduces the burden on the designated bodies as well as the registered conformity assessment bodies, which supports national industries in line with the national industry and advanced technology strategy, Operation 300bn”.
He pointed out that the MoIAT places a high priority on creating an effective and efficient business environment for the industrial sector because studies carried out by the ministry’s divisions showed a rise in the demand from factories for certificates, with the number of applications expected to grow by up to 25% annually in 2019 compared to just a 12% increase in 2020.
The MoIAT also expects an increase in requests for licences to use the Emirates Quality Mark and for certificates of conformity to be issued for goods in accordance with health and safety standards.
