United Arab Emirates

The law does not address the use of e-cigarettes in indoor public places, workplaces, and public transport.

There are several outlets reporting that e-cigarettes, including e-cigarette use, are regulated under Federal Law No. 15 of 2009. However, we have not been able to verify this.

The law prohibits the inclusion of promotions, such as vouchers, discount offers, and two-for-one offers, on e-cigarette product packaging. However, the law does not otherwise restrict e-cigarette advertising and promotion.

There are several outlets reporting that e-cigarettes are regulated under Federal Law No. 15 of 2009. However, we have not been able to verify this.

The law does not address restrictions on the display of e-cigarettes at points of sale.

There are several outlets reporting that e-cigarettes are regulated under Federal Law No. 15 of 2009. However, we have not been able to verify this.

The law does not address the sale of e-cigarettes via the internet.

There are several outlets reporting that e-cigarettes are regulated under Federal Law No. 15 of 2009. However, we have not been able to verify this.

The law prohibits the use of cinnamic compounds in e-cigarettes; therefore, cinnamon flavored products are prohibited. As a result of this restriction, the regulatory status code "Some Restrictions" is given.

The law prohibits the following ingredients in e-cigarette products, cartridges, and e-liquids:

- Vitamins or other additives that give the impression that the product has a health benefit or reduces health risks.
- Caffeine, taurine, or other additives and stimulants associated with stimulating performance and vitality.
- Colored additives with emission-coloring properties.
- Carcinogens or agents of genetic mutations or producing toxins before and after use of the products.
- Substances classified as legally-prohibited substances, such as narcotics, hallucinogens, tranquilizers, etc..
- Ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, Crotone aldehyde, acetone, acetylpropionyl and diacetyl, pentane-3,2-dione and related ketones, and long chain preservatives of paraben.
- Acrylonitrile, benzene, 3,1-potadiene, isoprene, toluene.
- 4 amino-diphenyl, 1-amino-naphthalene, 2-amino-naphthalene.
- Ammonia.
- Cinnamic compounds.
- Respiratory allergens.
- Residues of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, nickel, iron, arsenic, and tin
- Multipolar hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrosamines of tobacco (e.g., NNK and NNN).
- Mineral oils, vegetable oils and fats such as (olive oil).

The law also provides that ingredients in e-liquids shall not pose a health hazard (except for nicotine and other types of tobacco extracts if used), whether in product use conditions or as-is, at the concentration used and under the conditions of use for which they are intended.

The law requires all nicotine-containing products to display a health warning in Arabic and English stating: “Contains nicotine which causes severe addiction, increased heart rate and high blood pressure. Nicotine is harmful to the health of pregnant and nursing women, and people suffering from chronic pulmonary diseases such as asthma and pulmonary embolism.” The health warnings must cover at least 50% of the main display area (defined as the front and back) on the outside of the package. The message is to appear in English on the lower front and in Arabic on the lower back.

The law requires e-liquid products to display a health warning in Arabic and English stating: “This product may pose a health hazard when inhaled, swallowed or gets in contact with the skin.”

The law requires e-cigarette packages to display an (18+) symbol and a sentence in Arabic and English stating: “It is prohibited to sell and consume this product by individuals under the age of 18, and it is not recommended for non-smokers.”

Each full e-cigarette system must contain a printed leaflet in Arabic or English containing:
- Instructions for usage and storage, including that it is not recommended for minors or non-smokers;
- Circumstances where the product must not be used, required health and other warnings, including any special warnings for certain groups of consumers; and
- Addiction and toxicity and potential adverse effects.

The law prohibits the use of any description or presentation that may lead to an erroneous, misleading or promotional impression about the product through, for example, suggesting that they are less harmful than any other type of products, or indicating a reduced risk of smoking-related diseases, including, but not limited to: Low or no tar and/or nicotine; light, very light, mild, moderate, natural, organic; no additives; no (or very little) flavors; or claims about economic advantages compared to traditional cigarettes, or suggestion of therapeutic benefits in terms of weight loss, sex appeal, social status, social life, or qualities such as femininity, masculinity or elegance, or improved biological performance, or the size and appearance of the products in terms of their resemblance to food or cosmetics.

There are also requirements for legibility and precautions so that the health warnings may not be obscured.

The law requires the nicotine concentration in the e-liquid to be less than or equal to 20 milligrams per milliliter.

The law imposes a number of device requirements for e-cigarettes. These include:
- Safety standards for electrical equipment and devices, including the falling test, contact temperature and the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test;
- Standards on restricted hazardous substances in electrical and electronic devices;
- Standards concerning electrical equipment designed for use with a specified voltage (low voltage);
- Standards for batteries, accumulators, secondary cells, and chargers; and
- Standards for child protection, including through package markings and open and closure mechanisms.

Additionally, the capacity of the e-liquid tank must not exceed 10 milliliters, and the capacity of refill packages must not exceed 50 milliliters per package. The law also provides that the e-liquid packages must not be easily breakable, damageable, or destroyable, and should ensures that the e-liquid does not leak to the mouth during inhalation.

Prior to import, manufacture, or placing on the market, all products must be approved by and the following document submitted to the Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology (ESMA):
- Reports of safety tests;
- A list of all ingredients and their quantities used, including a statement specifying the reason for including each ingredient;
- Results of necessary toxicological studies of product ingredients;
- Data on nicotine doses and absorption;
- Acknowledgment of manufacturer/importer responsibility for quality and safety;
- Description for use;
- Description of the production process;
- Stability studies supporting the product’s shelf life;
- Laboratory reports including information on nicotine concentration, quality and safety, post-marketing and post-consumption analyses, and electrical safety; and
- Risk assessment studies.