To be able to commercialize a new product in a specific country, an organization must first obtain approval and registration of the product with the regulatory authorities of that country. Region-specific registration processes are dynamic in nature and are diversified based on sectors like food, consumer, medical device, food supplement, infant formula, etc. These demand a proactive strategy to mitigate non-compliance risks.

1FFC is the preferred consulting partner for most leading brands across the Middle East and North Africa. We help you navigate through regional regulatory constraints as well as unforeseen compliance barriers that could hinder the final authorization of your product.

Our expert services validate the core formula within the framework of the target country’s regulations and technical requirements. We also advise on ingredients and labeling requirements including the mandatory communication of information about the product.

1FFC specializes in the preparation of scientific dossiers that substantiate marketing claims and texts on the labels to provide accurate scientific justifications in response to regulatory queries.

We have many years of expertise in handling document submission and support during the pre-rollout phase. We also assist in the registration of the raw materials, packaging materials, and finished products with the relevant municipalities, ministries and authorities (such as MOCCAE, ESMA, Dubai Municipality, ADFCA, all UAE municipalities within the UAE and SFDA within KSA, etc).

To ensure that responsible regulations are followed at all times, we monitor and communicate changes in standards from the early stages of the product’s lifecycle to mitigate the risk of non-compliance.

• The product description and labelling artwork, including pictures, serves and claims should provide an accurate expectation of the product and not be misleading.
• Review the information required for your product- Different types of products require different information. Food sold in a retail shop requires different information to food sold loose, unpackaged, prepared on site, prepared for catering purposes or ordered at the request of a customer.
• Determine what elements and information is required for a label for your product (see above) ​

Review your claims you have made about your product. All wording, artwork and depictions on all marketing material must be accurate.

• Claims relating to Health and Nutrition benefits needs to meet the criteria
• Check the nutrition panel is in the correct format.+ any other nutrient or biologically active substance that needs to be declared, especially if you make a health or nutrition claim.
• Ingredient labelling.
  List all ingredients from most to least by ‘weight at the time they are added’, including colouring and preservatives. Example: Name of product: Banana cake.  Ingredients: rice flour, banana (20%), sugar.

Date marking, shelf life and storage conditions. Review your allergen warning statements and declarations