Economy Ministry Collaborates with SGS to Enhance Safety Measures for Consumer Goods
The Ministry of Economy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SGS Gulf Limited, a leading global testing, inspection, and certification company. This collaboration, announced in July 2025, focuses on enhancing quality control over food and consumer products, ensuring consumer protection and product safety within the UAE market [1][3].
The agreement aims to strengthen quality control mechanisms for food items and various consumer products, helping safeguard health and safety for consumers. SGS Gulf Limited will work alongside the Ministry of Economy to apply best practices and advanced quality assurance techniques within the UAE [1][4]. This initiative aligns with broader UAE efforts to boost consumer confidence by enforcing stricter compliance and regulatory standards.
The MoU also sets a framework for collaboration in verifying consumer complaints, handling inspections, product testing, and complaint verification for sensitive items like baby food and cosmetics using advanced laboratories and global best practices [1]. SGS has affirmed its commitment to consumer safety in the context of the MoU.
The partnership supports the competitiveness of the UAE's business environment by simplifying certification processes and improving access to international markets, offering a strong boost for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) [2]. The MoU does not disclose specific details about the sensitive items that will be subject to advanced testing and verification by SGS or any specific international markets that UAE-based businesses will have improved access to.
In addition to product safety, the MoU initiatives are specifically designed to cultivate a culture of product safety among youth. Both parties will conduct awareness programs for the food and beverage, cosmetics, and general consumer product sectors, extending to educational institutions. The purpose of the MoU is to ensure compliance with the highest international safety and quality standards, promoting sound business practices [1][3].
The signing ceremony was attended by Swiss Ambassador Arthur Mattli and senior SGS representatives. The MoU does not provide details on the exact nature of the educational programs for youth or the specific operational frameworks or timelines. However, the engagement clearly signifies a proactive governmental approach to enhance consumer protection and maintain product integrity in the UAE market [1][3].
Sources:
[1] Gulf News. (2025, July). UAE-SGS partnership to enhance food and consumer product safety. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/business/economy/uae-sgs-partnership-to-enhance-food-and-consumer-product-safety-1.1626084517993
[2] Khaleej Times. (2025, July). UAE-SGS partnership to boost export ambitions of UAE-based businesses. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/uae-business/uae-sgs-partnership-to-boost-export-ambitions-of-uae-based-businesses
[3] Zawya. (2025, July). UAE-SGS partnership to focus on quality control over food and consumer products. Retrieved from https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/press-release/companies-news/uae-sgs-partnership-to-focus-on-quality-control-over-food-and-consumer-products-92f7c6f
[4] WAM. (2025, July). UAE-SGS partnership to improve consumer protection and product safety. Retrieved from https://wam.ae/en/details/1395302847166
- The collaboration between the Ministry of Economy and SGS Gulf Limited is aimed at developing a culture of product safety among youth, and they will conduct awareness programs in schools for the food, beverage, cosmetics, and consumer product sectors.
- The initiative is part of broader UAE efforts to enforce stricter compliance and regulatory standards, promoting sound business practices and protecting consumer safety, particularly in relation to sensitive items like baby food and cosmetics.
- The MoU also aims to strengthen quality control mechanisms for both food items and other consumer products, which will help safeguard the health and safety of consumers.
- The partnership between the Ministry of Economy and SGS Gulf Limited will simplify certification processes, improving access to international markets, offering a strong boost for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
- The agreement between the Ministry of Economy and SGS Gulf Limited also includes a framework for collaboration in verifying consumer complaints, handling inspections, and product testing using advanced laboratories and global best practices.
