Voluntary ECAS (Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme) Certificate

Do you have products that you’d like to showcase as high-quality and compliant with UAE standards, but they don’t fall under any existing mandatory regulatory schemes? If so, you may be eligible to apply for a Voluntary Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme (ECAS) Certificate through the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT).

 What is a Voluntary ECAS Certificate?

A Voluntary ECAS Certificate—also known as optional or non-mandatory ECAS certification—can be obtained for products that are not listed under any mandatory ECAS or Emirates Quality Mark (EQM) regulations.

This certification allows manufacturers, brand owners, and distributors to demonstrate compliance with UAE standards even when certification is not required by law.

Many businesses pursue voluntary ECAS certification to meet marketing, retail, or tender requirements, or simply to strengthen consumer trust by showing that their products meet national quality and safety benchmarks.

 How Does It Differ from Other Conformity Certificates?

Unlike mandatory ECAS certification, which is legally required for regulated products such as cosmetics, detergents, or electrical appliances, voluntary ECAS applies to unregulated products. It follows the same technical standards and evaluation process but is requested voluntarily to verify product conformity.

In short:

• Mandatory ECAS – Required by law for products covered by technical regulations.
• Voluntary ECAS – Optional certification for unregulated products that still meet UAE standards.

 Comparison with Other MoIAT Certification Programs

To understand where voluntary ECAS fits, it helps to see how it compares with other conformity schemes like the National Conformity Mark (NCM) and Emirates Quality Mark (EQM).

• Voluntary ECAS is designed for products that are not subject to technical regulation. It focuses on product documentation and testing to confirm compliance but does not require factory audits.
• National Conformity Mark (NCM) is primarily for locally manufactured products that comply with UAE standards. It involves both product evaluation and factory inspection and is often a prerequisite for obtaining the “Made in the Emirates” mark.
• Emirates Quality Mark (EQM) applies to regulated or high-risk products such as bottled water, paints, and cement. It involves comprehensive testing and quality management system audits, and is mandatory for certain categories.

In simple terms: Voluntary ECAS shows that your product complies with standards, NCM proves the quality of UAE-made products, and EQM certifies regulated products that require continuous quality assurance.

 Key Advantages of Voluntary ECAS Certification

Obtaining a voluntary ECAS certificate offers several benefits:

• Support for National Branding – Can be used as a supporting document when applying for the “Made in the Emirates” mark, showing alignment with national quality and industrial standards.
• Market Credibility – Demonstrates product conformity with UAE standards, enhancing consumer and business confidence.
• Retail and E-Commerce Acceptance – Many distributors and platforms prefer or require ECAS-certified products.
• Tender Eligibility – Government and institutional buyers often prioritize certified products.
• Ease of Future Registration – If your product later becomes regulated, holding a voluntary ECAS certificate simplifies the transition to mandatory certification.
• Competitive Advantage – Builds a strong reputation for quality and compliance in local and regional markets.

 Step-by-Step: How to Obtain a Voluntary ECAS Certificate?

1. Determine Eligibility

• Check if your product is unregulated under mandatory ECAS or EQM schemes.
• If not listed, it qualifies for voluntary ECAS certification.
• You can verify eligibility through the MoIAT online portal or by contacting the ministry directly.

2. Register an Account on MoIAT Portal

• Create a company profile on the MoIAT e-Services Portal.
• Upload company details, Trade License, and contact information.

3. Prepare Required Documents You will typically need:

• A valid Trade License (with relevant activity)
• Product Technical File, including: Product description and images Ingredient or material composition Safety Data Sheet (if applicable) Label artwork (Arabic and English) Test reports from ISO/IEC 17025–accredited laboratories aligned with UAE.S standards
• Applicable UAE.S standard references

4. Submit the Application

• Log in to the MoIAT portal → Conformity Services → Product Certification (ECAS).
• Select “Voluntary ECAS Certification.”
• Complete all fields, upload documents, and submit.

5. Product Testing

• If your product lacks valid test reports, MoIAT may request testing through a UAE-accredited laboratory.
• Ensure test results demonstrate full compliance with UAE.S or Gulf standards.

6. Evaluation and Approval

• MoIAT reviews documents, test results, and labeling for compliance.
• If approved, the Voluntary ECAS Certificate is issued—valid for one year and renewable.

7. Certificate Issuance

• The certificate can be downloaded digitally from the MoIAT portal.
• You may display the ECAS mark on your product or marketing materials, following MoIAT’s mark usage guidelines.

 Need Assistance?

If you’re considering voluntary ECAS certification or unsure whether your products qualify, our regulatory experts can guide you through every step—from document preparation and testing coordination to application submission and approval.

Contact us today to simplify your certification journey and confidently showcase your products’ compliance with UAE quality and safety standards.

Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT)

UAE.S (UAE Standards)

Gulf Standards Organization (GSO)