Resources — FAQ
Frequently asked questions
answered plainly.
Cosmetic manufacturing FAQ — everything you need to know about working with us — from minimum order quantities and lead times to regulatory compliance and how to get started.
✦ 20 Questions Answered · ✦ No Jargon · ✦ UAE & GCC Focused · ✦ Updated Regularly
Please note: The information on this page is provided as general guidance only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, or professional advice. Regulatory requirements change — always verify current requirements directly with the relevant authority before making compliance decisions. Best Perfumes & Cosmetics Industry accepts no liability for decisions made based on this content.
Getting Started
What is the difference between private label, OEM, and ODM manufacturing?
Private label means you choose a formula from our existing catalogue of 230+ proven formulations and sell it under your own brand name. It’s the fastest and most cost-effective route to market — no R&D required, and samples are available immediately.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) means you own the formula and supply it to us for manufacturing. We produce your product to your exact specification in our GMP-certified facility.
ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) means we develop a completely new formula from scratch, specifically for your brief — creating a product that is unique to your brand and belongs entirely to you.
Not sure which route is right for you? Book a discovery call and we’ll help you decide. Or read our full comparison guide.
How do I get started?
The best starting point is a discovery call — a 30–60 minute conversation where we learn about your brand, your brief, your target market, and your budget. By the end of the call you’ll know which products to start with, which services apply to your project, and what a realistic investment looks like. There’s no commitment and no charge for the call. Book your discovery call here.
If you’d prefer to start by browsing our catalogue, visit our product range or request samples of formulas you’re interested in.
Do you work with startups and first-time brand founders?
Yes — and it’s one of our most common client types. We’ve been manufacturing since 2011 and have helped brands at every stage from first idea through to retail launch. We offer flexible minimum order quantities specifically to make it practical for founders to start without overcommitting on stock. Browse our Start Your Line guides for a tailored starting point based on your brand type.
Can I visit your facility?
Yes — we welcome client visits to our Sharjah facility. Facility visits are arranged by appointment and are available Monday to Saturday. Please get in touch to arrange a visit and we’ll confirm availability.
Manufacturing
What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
Our minimum order quantities are flexible and depend on the product type, formula complexity, and packaging selected. We work with clients at every stage — from small test runs to large commercial production. We’ll confirm MOQ as part of your quote. Request a quote for specific figures.
How long does manufacturing take?
Lead times vary depending on the type of project. As a general guide:
Private label from stock formulas and stock packaging: typically 3–5 weeks from order confirmation. Custom ODM development: 3–6 months including development, sampling, and production. OEM (your formula, we manufacture): 4–6 weeks from material procurement. Fragrance products requiring maceration and chilling: add 3–5 weeks to filling lead time.
We’ll give you a realistic timeline as part of your project proposal — we never give lead times we can’t meet.
What certifications does your facility hold?
Our Sharjah facility is GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified and ISO 9001:2015 accredited. A Certificate of Analysis (CoA), Certificate of Conformance (CoC), and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) are available on request (additional service). Full certification documentation is available to clients on request. Learn more about our certifications.
Will my formula be kept confidential?
Yes. We sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) as standard before any formula information is shared. Your formula remains your intellectual property — we do not share it with third parties or use it for other clients. For OEM and ODM clients, your formula is stored in our quality management system under your account only.
What quality documentation do you provide with each batch?
Available on request (additional service): Certificate of Analysis (CoA) covering pH, viscosity, density, colour, clarity, fill weight, and microbiological results; Certificate of Conformity (CoC); Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS); batch manufacturing record. For fragrance products we also provide an IFRA Certificate of Conformity. Additional export documents — Certificate of Free Sale, Certificate of Origin, GMP certificate — are available on request.
Sampling
Can I request a sample before committing to production?
Yes — and we strongly encourage it. We produce physical samples of every formula and send them to you before any production commitment is made. You evaluate the texture, scent, consistency, and packaging, and we don’t move to production until you’ve given written sign-off. For custom development, there’s no limit on revision rounds — we revise until you’re satisfied. Request samples here.
Do you deliver samples internationally?
Yes. We courier samples to UAE addresses, across the GCC, and internationally. Courier charges may apply for international sample deliveries — we’ll confirm this when arranging your sample request.
Can I customise an existing formula?
Yes, within the parameters of the base formula. Common customisations include: fragrance (changing the scent of a body lotion or shampoo); active ingredient additions (niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, etc.); concentration adjustments; and texture modifications. Some customisations require additional stability testing. We’ll advise on what’s possible and what the timeline and cost implications are when you brief us.
Regulatory Compliance
Do you handle MOHAP registration in the UAE?
We guide and assist our clients through the UAE cosmetics registration process — including MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention) and Montaji portal submission. We prepare the required product documentation and support the submission process throughout. MOHAP registration for standard cosmetics typically takes 8–12 weeks from a complete submission.
Important: Regulatory requirements are set by the relevant UAE authorities and are subject to change. Always verify current requirements directly with MOHAP or a qualified regulatory consultant before making compliance decisions. Read our full MOHAP registration guide.
Can my UAE-manufactured products be exported to Saudi Arabia?
Yes, but Saudi Arabia requires separate SFDA (Saudi Food and Drug Authority) registration independent of UAE MOHAP clearance. We provide the manufacturing documentation your Saudi importer or agent needs for the SFDA application — CoA, GMP certificate, Certificate of Free Sale, and product information. SFDA registration typically takes 12–20 weeks. For Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, similar documentation packages apply. Read our full GCC export guide.
Can my products be sold in the EU?
Yes. UAE-manufactured cosmetics can be sold in the EU but require: a Responsible Person established in the EU or EEA, CPNP (Cosmetic Products Notification Portal) notification, and a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) prepared by a qualified EU safety assessor. We provide the manufacturing documentation — full INCI formula, CoA, GMP certificate, stability data, microbiological testing — that your safety assessor and Responsible Person will need. Read our full EU notification guide.
Do you manufacture Halal products?
Yes. We offer alcohol-free and animal-ingredient-free formulations across our product range, and we prepare full ingredient documentation — including raw material source verification — for clients pursuing Halal certification with their chosen certifying body. Halal certification is issued by an independent third-party body; we support the documentation process but do not issue certification directly. Read our Halal certification guide.
What is a Certificate of Analysis (CoA)?
A Certificate of Analysis is a document issued on each production batch that confirms the product meets its defined specification — including measured values for pH, density, viscosity, fill weight, and appearance against approved specification ranges. A CoA, CoC, and MSDS are available on request (additional service). Commonly required by retailers, regulators, and export markets. See our full glossary for more terms explained.
Packaging
Can I use my own packaging?
Yes. Under our Job Work service, clients can supply their own bottles, caps, labels, and packaging components — we incorporate them into the production line and fill, cap, label, and pack to your specification. We carry out compatibility testing on supplied packaging before production begins. Alternatively, you can supply some materials and we supply the rest — the arrangement is flexible.
Do you offer bottle printing and cap engraving?
Yes. We offer screen printing, foil printing, and pad printing on glass and aluminium bottles, and mechanical engraving on wooden and zinc alloy caps. These services can be applied to bottles and caps from our stock range or from your own supply. Learn more about bottle printing and cap engraving.
Do your labels comply with GCC labelling requirements?
Yes. All label artwork we produce is designed to meet GCC labelling requirements — including mandatory Arabic text, INCI ingredient list in descending concentration order, batch number, PAO or expiry date, manufacturer details, and country of origin. We review all label artwork against current GCC requirements before going to print.
Logistics & Shipping
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We arrange UAE local delivery and GCC shipping, and we prepare the full export documentation pack — including commercial invoice, packing list, Certificate of Origin, CoA, CoC, and MSDS — for clients using their own freight forwarder for international shipments. We can also arrange freight through our logistics partners. Learn more about our logistics services.
What export documents do you provide?
We provide: Certificate of Analysis (batch-specific), Certificate of Conformity, MSDS, batch manufacturing record, IFRA certificate for fragrance products, and GMP certificate. For export we can facilitate a Certificate of Free Sale (issued by the UAE Ministry of Economy) and Certificate of Origin (issued by Dubai or Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce) — both commonly required by GCC and international import authorities.
Still have a question?
If your question isn’t answered here, book a call or send us a message. We respond within 24 hours.